tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80521251832173239012024-02-19T14:02:09.822+00:00ZoesArtCraftandLifeCraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.comBlogger649125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-74646669010128759342022-10-31T08:00:00.001+00:002022-10-31T08:00:00.155+00:00Welcoming Linnea Tanner and her book - Skull's Vengeance - to my blog <p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Linnea Tanner and her book - Skull's Vengeance (Book 4 of Curse of Clansmen and Kings series) - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzd9hiSua0qN-mPo3cVd6vbF0OyRfTmkoyyWVwFV6aEUS6xrVuhS9z70pxDUTqwneE1u7YuENbr-1mtTudMf9SqL-bdFR34MpmB2Ko5fFCYQXgmOAPYJ-vZ9S1CNdPAYKDMQHCbwYG6GHWCUS0TzN8wd42NiOtmF2c3HcSJt4pjKE7SlS7txmwvtQ/s1600/Skull's%20Vengeance%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzd9hiSua0qN-mPo3cVd6vbF0OyRfTmkoyyWVwFV6aEUS6xrVuhS9z70pxDUTqwneE1u7YuENbr-1mtTudMf9SqL-bdFR34MpmB2Ko5fFCYQXgmOAPYJ-vZ9S1CNdPAYKDMQHCbwYG6GHWCUS0TzN8wd42NiOtmF2c3HcSJt4pjKE7SlS7txmwvtQ/w664-h374/Skull's%20Vengeance%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="664" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skull's Vengeance</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jJ1FmbfeCYCT5PyT3vMvMSYqHb1bAbUA1v48CZTAyG_NL03Y6Iv69jKLSiEscNE1LQv8NWOt4qT3H239Q36J8RlX4ipUgCyrV1AFaxgz9QpLXYxrL77WmA0UlXECQxs__gvaGPFIgwdAW3-xWfIPpAAulh0PBmC2ZdTzOLVlVTpdVsDUc0qAzWnL/s2775/Skullsvengeance_eBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1835" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jJ1FmbfeCYCT5PyT3vMvMSYqHb1bAbUA1v48CZTAyG_NL03Y6Iv69jKLSiEscNE1LQv8NWOt4qT3H239Q36J8RlX4ipUgCyrV1AFaxgz9QpLXYxrL77WmA0UlXECQxs__gvaGPFIgwdAW3-xWfIPpAAulh0PBmC2ZdTzOLVlVTpdVsDUc0qAzWnL/w249-h376/Skullsvengeance_eBook.jpg" width="249" /></a></div></b></div><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the throne. But to do so, she must learn how to strike vengeance from her father’s skull. <br /><br />AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in the Roman legion and gladiatorial games. She must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent's stone to fulfill her destiny. Only then can she unleash the vengeance from the ancient druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock can summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival trying to stop him and has charged his deadliest assassin to bring back Catrin's head. <br /><br />To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Her only option is to seek military aid from Marcellus—her secret Roman husband. They rekindle their burning passion, but he is playing a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin's cause. <br /><br />Ultimately, in order to defeat Marrock, Catrin must align herself with a dark druidess and learn how to summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance. But can she and Marcellu outmanoeuvre political enemies from Rome and Britannia in their quest to vanquish Marrock?</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E257" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E257">Trigger warnings: </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sex, Slave trafficking and abuse, Violence, Childbirth</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Publication Date: 18 October 2022 <br /><br />Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC <br /><br />Page Length: 402 pages <br /><br />Genre: Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance</span><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E192" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E192" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Praise</b></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E263" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E263" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Acclaim for other books in the </span><span id="E266" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E266" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Curse of Clansmen and Kings</span><span id="E267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E267" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> series:</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E268" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E268" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"[An] epic tale of love, betrayal and political intrigue." —</span><span id="E272" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E272" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">InD'tale</span><span id="E274" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E274" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> Magazine</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E275" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E275" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"The requisite fantasy elements of magic and mystery abound...Tanner also does an admirable job weaving in the politics and mythology of a bygone people." —Kirkus</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E278" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E278" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"Part fantasy, part historical fiction, Linnea Tanner has woven together a wonderful tale of romance, intrigue, mystery, and legend to create an entertaining and complex story." —The International Review of Books</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E281" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E281" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"[A] captivating tale of triangles; love, lust and espionage</span><span id="E284" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">; </span><span id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">friend, foe, and spies</span><span id="E286" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E286" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">;</span><span id="E287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> barbarians, civilized Rome and spiritual-supernatural beings." —2019 Pencraft Book of the Year Award</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E281" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E281" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E301" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E301" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E302" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E302">Amazon UK:</span><span id="E303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E303"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/" id="E304" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E304" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E305">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E306" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E306" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon US: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/" id="E309" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E309" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E310" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E310">https://www.amazon.com/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon CA:</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E312" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E312" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/" id="E315" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E315" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E316" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E316">https://www.amazon.ca/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E317" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E317" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon AU: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E318" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E318" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/" id="E320" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E320" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E321" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E321">https://www.amazon.com.au/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E322" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E322" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E324" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E324" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble:</span><span id="E325" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E325" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span><span id="E326" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E326" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E323" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E323" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bi1ghc9Q2AYPWLTljINYNnNcmOSOHbPdzZG5zZGgTE7pvhGCsjwnOWkWpgbFyI80cw_3N1vbeZ5TQJuwbYigjRBZ_x6F2U_gOczLgTUMKlHrR-UiDhAY_CQwXkdIYheLobSInxOoaC4Qo9VQ9oGovbay_iiWNPl-j2S1BLgOl5lw~" id="E327" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E327" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E328" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E328">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skulls-vengeance-linnea-tanner/1142034153?ean=2940185587164</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
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</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E334" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E334" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kobo: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E335" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E335" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?boGeLuAd4N0mHttKVLWl1XNz4B5ucq1dTtY8wwlwwDu_tf01HxVEOsSKpsXwSiBJHZgLAIr6D6UFUvYtX4GOOSDLfDMRdxjD3bJH6XpI69QlMYXMTVXHnXxFbB4DOZclo" id="E337" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E337" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E338" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E338">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/skull-s-vengeance</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E339" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E339" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E342" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E342" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">GooglePlay</span><span id="E344" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E344" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E340" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E340" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bCousupFto2A5ZdnI3ylnNLnAlaP8kwzYNflqSUIWJIqs-zEob465GiTVmEH7q8XiJ9uLih0vVgnORVd220lGCjq4v7XfIi4fAjscuk9RVIHC88ClfeUUIQUf4CnLQrkm" id="E345" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E345" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E346" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E346">https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CTSDEAAAQBAJ</span></a></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E348" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E348" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E348" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E348" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E350" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E350">Booktopia</span><span id="E352" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E352">:</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E348" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E348" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E352"></span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/skull-s-vengeance-linnea-tanner/book/9781733600200.html" id="E353" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E353" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E354" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E354">https://www.booktopia.com.au/skull-s-vengeance-linnea-tanner/book/9781733600200.html</span></a><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E355" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E355" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E358" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E358" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Buy Links for </span><span id="E359" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E359" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Books </span><span id="E360" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E360" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">f</span><span id="E361" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E361" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">rom</span><span id="E362" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E362" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span><span id="E363" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E363" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Curse of Clansmen and Kings </span><span id="E364" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E364" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">series:</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E365" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E365" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Apollo’s Raven: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-6" id="E366" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E366" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848QHHK4/" id="E368" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E368" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E369" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E369">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848QHHK4/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-6" id="E370" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E370" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dagger’s Destiny: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E371" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E371" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3G4G55/" id="E373" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E373" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E374" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E374">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3G4G55/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E375" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E375" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amulet’s Rapture: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E376" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E376" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Amulets-Rapture-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B07Y8SS2B2" id="E378" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E378" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E379" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E379">https://www.amazon.com/Amulets-Rapture-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B07Y8SS2B2</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-6" id="E380" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E380" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skull’s Vengeance: </span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E381" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E381" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/" id="E383" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E383" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E384" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E384">https://www.amazon.com/Skulls-Vengeance-Curse-Clansmen-Kings-ebook/dp/B0BC2GCFGG/</span></a>
</p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E340" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E340" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E386" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E386" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E385" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E385" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-teid="T48" style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn0bGk7Z0-nyNT3GSCBSzNTyEIETnpllBbyTs-ZvgCY68cOrbG9Qh75ksxlD2McdbCeVibJ9BIAJSaXwGj88FWgfwxFux1UOk6kGiK7qJQ-io174tPv6OCySGXmY9_v1ckbq8WSMLK3vxJGlkuBqCUo0iQRB4fgIj4zMMzUN7d1AbAYgz_XRWLpQH/s1600/Apollo's%20Raven%20Series%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn0bGk7Z0-nyNT3GSCBSzNTyEIETnpllBbyTs-ZvgCY68cOrbG9Qh75ksxlD2McdbCeVibJ9BIAJSaXwGj88FWgfwxFux1UOk6kGiK7qJQ-io174tPv6OCySGXmY9_v1ckbq8WSMLK3vxJGlkuBqCUo0iQRB4fgIj4zMMzUN7d1AbAYgz_XRWLpQH/w628-h353/Apollo's%20Raven%20Series%20Banner.png" width="628" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now for the excerpt -</span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The sun was sitting high in the sky when they reached a small clearing in the forest. After a few weeks of living in the stuffy hut, the air in the forest felt fresher than before. Ulf breathed in the rich forest aroma of damp ground and green leaves, feeling his anger being calmed, as if Freya had placed a soothing hand on his head. Even the sounds seem louder, he thought as he heard the birds singing in the trees. There were twigs snapping in the distance, a constant reminder they were not alone in this old forest. <br /><br />“Let’s rest here,” Ulf said. He was tired and the pain in his side was making it difficult to carry on. His mood was in contrast to the sunny weather as he sat down and tried to figure out what to do. He didn’t have much of a plan, didn’t even know where to go. There was Thorgilsstad, but his uncle had always told him to stay away from there. But Ulf didn’t know of any other jarls. <br /><br />Vidar, on the other hand, was smiling. Ulf guessed Vidar felt free, but he didn’t understand why Vidar had waited so long to kill the old man. <br /><br />“Why now?” he asked Vidar. <br /><br />Vidar looked at him, confused at first, but then he understood the question. He replied by pointing at Ulf. <br /><br />“You waited for me?” This made no sense. How did Vidar know that he would be there? <br /><br />Vidar shrugged and then nodded. A yes and no answer. <br /><br />“How did you know that I would not kill you instead? Thralls who kill their owners must be killed themselves. Those are the rules of our land.” <br /><br />Vidar only smiled and shrugged. <br /><br />Somehow, he knew. Ulf felt a bit uneasy and it was not because of the pain. It felt like there was more to this silent boy with his large hands. Before Ulf could say anything else, he saw Vidar scanning the trees at the other side of the clearing. The smile disappeared from Vidar’s face, replaced by a snarl that reminded Ulf of a dog. <br /><br />“What is it?” Ulf asked, realizing the birds had gone quiet. He got back to his feet and took Olaf’s axe from his belt. <br /><br />In response to his question, a man jumped out of the undergrowth. Ulf pushed Vidar behind him and held the axe ready, though he wasn’t sure what he was going to do. The man had a long hunting spear, which he now pointed at Ulf and Vidar. He looked as surprised to see them as they were to see him. <br /><br />“Who are you?” he asked. He had a strong voice which spoke of confidence. <br /><br />“Nobody important,” Ulf replied. “Who are you?” <br /><br />The man smiled at the response. He was the same height as Ulf, but sturdier. He had a round face with light hair, braided and tied at the back. His beard, the same colour as his hair, also had a thick braid and went to the top of his chest. Ulf could tell by the many arm-rings he wore and his bunched-up shoulder muscles that the man was an experienced warrior. <br /><br />“My name is Snorri Thorgilsson,” he said with a broad smile as he stood up straight and stopped pointing the spear at them. He must have decided they were no threat. <br /><br />“Thorgilsson? As in Jarl Thorgils?” Ulf should have guessed he was someone important by the quality of the clothes he was wearing. <br /><br />“Yes, I am the son of the jarl. You mean to kill me.” He was smiling at the thought. Even Ulf doubted he could kill the warrior, especially with his side still hurting. <br /><br />Vidar started pulling at Ulf’s sleeve, but Ulf ignored him. He didn’t want to take his eyes off the man facing them. Again, Vidar tugged at Ulf’s sleeve, more persistently this time. <br /><br />“What?” Ulf turned to look at Vidar but kept an eye on the warrior in front of them. <br /><br />Vidar pointed to the trees as a large brown bear walked into the clearing, behind the man who called himself Snorri. But Snorri hadn’t noticed the bear and must have thought Vidar was pointing at him. <br /><br />“What does he want?” Snorri asked Ulf as the bear crept closer. Ulf had never seen a bear as large as this one. <br /><br />“Behind you,” Ulf answered and was shocked to see Snorri laugh.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“Those are my men, nothing to worry about.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“There are no men behind you.”</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Linnea Tanner</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4GmTP1xlBBxleRnzoqO_35jExRoXEry0F471iD3j80xB-Df-KEXJFKq6crmC1Ez-DS6dhSpf85UNXQZ-Z4AMSPUgUgf0G0SwlCGpS-j_RbDX1YTpfr5Q2OyxQ8PZlBNMz-Yv1r_q7e4T1t0nGfw3VfSEwDJxyIGS7ZDnwW8r2RBV0q6U4tt9uYqs/s1200/Linnea%20Tanner%20Head%20Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4GmTP1xlBBxleRnzoqO_35jExRoXEry0F471iD3j80xB-Df-KEXJFKq6crmC1Ez-DS6dhSpf85UNXQZ-Z4AMSPUgUgf0G0SwlCGpS-j_RbDX1YTpfr5Q2OyxQ8PZlBNMz-Yv1r_q7e4T1t0nGfw3VfSEwDJxyIGS7ZDnwW8r2RBV0q6U4tt9uYqs/w289-h434/Linnea%20Tanner%20Head%20Shot.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E395" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="E395" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E395" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical </span><span id="E396" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E396" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">d</span><span id="E397" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E397" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">ruids.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E397" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E401" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E401"><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="E401" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E401">Linnea has extensively researched ancient and medieval history, mythology, and archaeology and has traveled to sites described within each of her books in the </span><span id="E402" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E402" style="font-style: italic;">Curse of Clansmen and Kings</span><span id="E403" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E403"> series. Books released in her series include </span><span id="E404" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E404" style="font-style: italic;">Apollo’s Raven</span><span id="E405" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E405"> (Book 1), </span><span id="E406" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E406" style="font-style: italic;">Dagger’s Destiny</span><span id="E407" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E407"> (Book 2)</span><span id="E408" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E408">, </span><span id="E409" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E409" style="font-style: italic;">Amulet’s Rapture</span><span id="E410" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E410"> (Book 3)</span><span id="E411" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E411">, and </span><span id="E412" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E412" style="font-style: italic;">Skull’s Vengeance</span><span id="E413" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E413"> (Book 4)</span><span id="E414" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E414">.</span></div></span><span id="E418" is="qowt-line-break" qowt-eid="E418"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span id="E419" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E419"><div style="text-align: left;">A Colorado native, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can connect with Linnea Tanner via these platforms -</div></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Website: <a href="https://www.linneatanner.com/">https://www.linneatanner.com/</a> <br /><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/linneatanner">https://twitter.com/linneatanner</a> <br /><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LinneaTannerAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/LinneaTannerAuthor</a> <br /><br />LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/linnea-tanner-a021932b/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/linnea-tanner-a021932b/</a> <br /><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/linneatanner/">https://www.instagram.com/linneatanner/</a> <br /><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/linneatanner/_created/">https://www.pinterest.com/linneatanner/_created/</a> <br /></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Book Bub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linnea-tanner">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linnea-tanner</a> <br /><br />Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-Tanner/e/B01N6YEM04">https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-Tanner/e/B01N6YEM04</a></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E468" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E468">Goodreads:</span><span id="E469" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E469"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16474282.Linnea_Tanner" id="E470" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E470" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E471" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E471">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16474282.Linnea_Tanner</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></div><div><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-skulls-vengeance-curse-of.html" id="E217" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E217" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-skulls-vengeance-curse-of.html</span></a>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nuOaqblgbOUbkfEcNOLaAtbpjGnZqX4rtZCNKeltLhSzTDm6jiqYTa8-2T3gFjkeu9mBaz8JjypgyjRW6nXVsrmgz0GhEAUs1wqRf4j2pHl3omJlh3oVBopnyPZjBq__HLjbnHGJOg0X8nK6cmhJpDaHuK6MqPZSHJX-90Sb6EqUpM-wWIxaQ5cM/s1600/Skull's%20Vengeance%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nuOaqblgbOUbkfEcNOLaAtbpjGnZqX4rtZCNKeltLhSzTDm6jiqYTa8-2T3gFjkeu9mBaz8JjypgyjRW6nXVsrmgz0GhEAUs1wqRf4j2pHl3omJlh3oVBopnyPZjBq__HLjbnHGJOg0X8nK6cmhJpDaHuK6MqPZSHJX-90Sb6EqUpM-wWIxaQ5cM/w621-h350/Skull's%20Vengeance%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="621" /></a></div><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E219" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E219" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-56561585919780159172022-10-13T08:00:00.005+01:002022-10-13T08:00:00.161+01:00Welcoming G. J. Williams and her book - The Conjuror's Apprentice - to my blog<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">oday I'm welcoming G. J. Williams and her book - The Conjuror's Apprentice (Book 1 of The Tudor Rose series) - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7M6egSwClRJ31QWaoK514tBy9KylH6RR_AdsOLS8Ikb5ooDESpMKu-GlrOX4dWOb5YuysMHUk0zOkIvkqh4WHZB4xXDO1EdL-bmsssDWOi4lE5lIOcoMncn-a-ZUVDqtclXZf5rHX6i-ysP_JIPjV9Xqz05_6ooSu4CzFDjGM9-J1KN3fCO7UnUS/s1600/The%20Conjuror%E2%80%99s%20Apprentice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7M6egSwClRJ31QWaoK514tBy9KylH6RR_AdsOLS8Ikb5ooDESpMKu-GlrOX4dWOb5YuysMHUk0zOkIvkqh4WHZB4xXDO1EdL-bmsssDWOi4lE5lIOcoMncn-a-ZUVDqtclXZf5rHX6i-ysP_JIPjV9Xqz05_6ooSu4CzFDjGM9-J1KN3fCO7UnUS/w639-h359/The%20Conjuror%E2%80%99s%20Apprentice.png" width="639" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Conjuror's Apprentice</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UxJ3X5QMP1uRNqlU1aQE8wJ7kdXMT9zSMWkgGRKaW_HhjKzHgZX1eJmuQV1TgSO9LTEgQbycHjADNZwl58l35Mkun2o5v6M6MY21MBhkGnsI8Mbp-sFm12ynWh6MRoatVST--4v0j6kwSyY8r8EiZMwILFTBvFPzX_cHuk2rEFK7uLe_HjDw1-8L/s641/9781915194190.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="415" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UxJ3X5QMP1uRNqlU1aQE8wJ7kdXMT9zSMWkgGRKaW_HhjKzHgZX1eJmuQV1TgSO9LTEgQbycHjADNZwl58l35Mkun2o5v6M6MY21MBhkGnsI8Mbp-sFm12ynWh6MRoatVST--4v0j6kwSyY8r8EiZMwILFTBvFPzX_cHuk2rEFK7uLe_HjDw1-8L/w284-h439/9781915194190.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div></b></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E233" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E233" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E234" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E234">Born with the ability to hear thoughts and feelings when there is no sound, Margaretta Morgan’s strange gift sees her apprenticed to Doctor John Dee, mathematician, astronomer, and alchemist. Using her secret link with the hidden side and her master’s brilliance, Margaretta faces her first murder mystery. Margaretta and Dee must uncover the evil bound to unravel the court of Bloody Mary. </span>
</span></p><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E235" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E235" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The year is 1555. This is a time ruled by fear. What secrets await to be pulled from the water?</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Conjuror’s Apprentice takes real people and true events in 1555, into which G J Williams weaves a tale of murder and intrigue. Appealing to readers of crime and well researched historical fiction alike, this is the first in a series which will follow the life, times, plots and murders of the Tudor Court.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E241" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E241" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Trigger Warnings:</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E244" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E244" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245">Descriptions of bodies and the injuries that brought about their death. </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E246" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E246" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247">Threat of torture; description of man who has been tortured</span><span id="E248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248">.</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E176" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E176" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E178">Publication</span><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180"> Date: </span><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182">October</span><span id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184"> 6th 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E185" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E185" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186">Publisher: </span><span id="E188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E188">RedDoor</span><span id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190"> Press</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E191" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E191" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192">Page Length: </span><span id="E193" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E193">320</span><span id="E194" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E194"> Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Fiction </span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon UK: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conjurors-Apprentice-G-J-Williams/dp/1915194199">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conjurors-Apprentice-G-J-Williams/dp/1915194199</a> <br /><br />Waterstones <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-conjurors-apprentice/g-j-williams/9781915194190">https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-conjurors-apprentice/g-j-williams/9781915194190</a><br /><br />RedDoor <a href="https://www.reddoorpress.co.uk/products/the-conjurors-apprentice?_pos=1&_sid=30c68d694&_ss=r">https://www.reddoorpress.co.uk/products/the-conjurors-apprentice?_pos=1&_sid=30c68d694&_ss=r</a><br /></span><br /><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI14" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E166" style="column-count: 1;"></qowt-section></div></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E249" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E249" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />The coach rattled out of St Dunstan’s onto Eastcheap and headed west. The night’s rain had made the road a mess of mud and small stones. Every few minutes, a large divot would make their vehicle lurch to the side. Margaretta clung to the window frame and stared out to stop herself getting sick in her stomach. Doctor John, dressed in his favourite coat of blue and his head well covered by his cap, was reading a document, apparently oblivious to the rolling and clattering. He had taken care to wash his beard this morning, so it shone like a dark waterfall from his chin to his chest. His face, prematurely lined but kind, was golden as the early sun shone through from the East. <br /><br />Margaretta studied him. She had calculated he was only twenty-seven years old yet his face seemed to hold the history of a hundred men – though this was not so surprising. In his life he had already been a scholar in both England and in foreign lands, a tutor, a maker of fantastical models, a mathematician, an astrologer, and advisor to King Edward, the poor child. Even the great warrior knight, Sir Herbert of Pembroke, had trusted him in his household. John Dee had been born the son of an immensely rich wool-tax collector, favoured by King Henry. But now he was poor and ignored by Henry’s daughter, Mary Tudor, though he was ever seeking a route back to the riches of court, recognition and the resumption of the family fortunes. <br /><br />In John Dee’s lap was a parchment covered in circles within a divided square. Words were carefully entered into a panel at the side while numbers littered the circles. Periodically, he would sigh and shake his head. ‘What is the document?’ asked Margaretta, bored with the silence now. <br /><br />‘Another horoscope divined using my new method of measurement,’ came the vague answer. <br /><br />‘Is it not foolish to carry such things out of the house, doctor? Anything but the words of the Pope is beckoning accusation these days and you…’<br /><br />John Dee batted away the end of her sentence with an irritated wagging of his hand. ‘I need to check my calculations. If this is true then the tarot underestimated the future. This portends many enemies surrounding the Lady Elizabeth. I saw it last month when I conjured her first horoscope. But it worsens.’ <br /><br />Margaretta pushed her head out of the window to see if the coachman could hear them. Thank the Lord he was singing to himself and so taking no notice. She turned to warn Dee anyway but he was deep in contemplation again. <br /><br />Margaretta stared out. The streets thronged with animals and people all busying their way through the detritus of the road. Hawkers screeched their wares, delivery boys shouted for a clear path to save dropping the huge packages on their back, well-dressed women held up nosegays and looked away from the beggars and children who held out hopeful hands. But not a single face held a smile. Yet only a few short weeks ago, the streets had been full of rejoicing, hailing of glad tidings; Te Deums were sung in every church. Priests thanked the Lord for the safe delivery of a son to Queen Mary and in the streets people danced as if this child was the second coming, here to save them from a terrible fate – being ruled by Mary’s husband, the very Spanish King Philip. <br /><br />Then the rumours started. There was no cry of a newborn. Some said the queen had lied, others spoke behind their hands of Lord North trying to buy the babes of women who had birthed the child of a Spaniard; pamphlets shouted that the queen was dead. Court went quiet and London waited while criers claimed the doctors had simply miscalculated the birthing day. Sullen silence. Then the screams from the pyres started again. <br /><br />As if he could read her thoughts, John Dee suddenly looked up. ‘You have not told me about your lesson yesterday.’ <br /><br />Margaretta swallowed hard. Recalling the flames and the screams would only raise the bile already collecting in her throat. ‘Cruel,’ she snapped, not looking at him. <br /><br />‘Come, Margaretta. If you are going to hone your gifts you have to understand the full spectrum of men’s feelings, fears and fallacious thoughts. The good, the evil, the kind, the cruel, the intelligent and the witless. It is all part of our soul and you need to see them all.’ <br /><br />Margaretta turned bright, green eyes on her master. ‘I can feel evil without having to see its result, Doctor John. I’ll never forget those cries. Terrible it was.’ She sat back with a self- righteous huff. <br /><br />Abruptly, her travelling companion looked out of the window, his face setting into a grim glare. ‘They will be with their maker now, Margaretta. There will be peace for them.’ <br /><br />‘But not for the poor souls sitting in a cell condemned to such an end…nor their kin who have to watch.’ <br /><br />‘That is enough, Margaretta.’ <br /><br />‘Then I have had enough learning for this week, doctor.’ John Dee sighed and stared down at his parchment. <br /><br />Margaretta gazed at him. Strange. He is the only one I cannot read, cannot feel. I cannot sense the spirit below the skin. It’s as if he is able to block me. What thoughts fill that great head, other than dreams of getting to court and recreating his family’s position in the palace?</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>C. J. Williams</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFFUA4_EHUSP2aLbeFG06hriKasirZyT4yTYTF-hcYYP4Nh-U6PkjW9fOb_btyk_dXVgJ-V0t-MlSTo3Thny5u9N-Lgff-47rGkIye7j-vVy9cn6XYlRrIdHUnpJfPW78C8q6lmwhM0Mk4gaJ6xGFAKClxJdxkcYyW4uVr_l09PQAlZeRen40i9O7/s640/Gwenllian%20Author%20photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFFUA4_EHUSP2aLbeFG06hriKasirZyT4yTYTF-hcYYP4Nh-U6PkjW9fOb_btyk_dXVgJ-V0t-MlSTo3Thny5u9N-Lgff-47rGkIye7j-vVy9cn6XYlRrIdHUnpJfPW78C8q6lmwhM0Mk4gaJ6xGFAKClxJdxkcYyW4uVr_l09PQAlZeRen40i9O7/w273-h363/Gwenllian%20Author%20photo.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After a career as a business psychologist for city firms, G.J. Williams has returned to her first passion – writing tales of murder, mystery and intrigue. Her psychology background melded with a love of medieval history, draws her to the twists and turns of the human mind, subconscious powers and the dark-side of people who want too much.</span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E279" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E279" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span id="E280" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E280"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">She lives between Somerset and London in the UK and is regularly found writing on a train next to a grumpy cat and a bucket of tea.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E279" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E279" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E280"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with C J Williams via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E279" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E279" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E289" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E289">Twitter: </span><span id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290"><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/gjwilliams92">https://mobile.twitter.com/gjwilliams92</a></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E279" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E279" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E279" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E279" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E219" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E219" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216" style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/09/blog-tour-conjurors-apprentice-tudor.html" id="E217" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E217" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218" style="color: black;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/09/blog-tour-conjurors-apprentice-tudor.html</span></a>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8o3rmQi44rIhPkYQuzDC8j-30w9NnuBnXROFiAY66zgyKLTsTOVaw1k_s3X2Y_ry3WdyWYL9fnW5uODyuZbPf0JZiP3OWYQsi01h9e3zuC_7lsZ5xBgxe1_aHTVIBYmpvCONLWTx4Rzng0qOHyg_PUy9zg4vMKgd6PKmlIkvZY86wsEBrbkY4LPQ/s1600/Blog%20Tour%20Schedule%20The%20Conjuror%E2%80%99s%20Apprentice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8o3rmQi44rIhPkYQuzDC8j-30w9NnuBnXROFiAY66zgyKLTsTOVaw1k_s3X2Y_ry3WdyWYL9fnW5uODyuZbPf0JZiP3OWYQsi01h9e3zuC_7lsZ5xBgxe1_aHTVIBYmpvCONLWTx4Rzng0qOHyg_PUy9zg4vMKgd6PKmlIkvZY86wsEBrbkY4LPQ/w621-h350/Blog%20Tour%20Schedule%20The%20Conjuror%E2%80%99s%20Apprentice.png" width="621" /></a></div><br /><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-4636560031177644252022-09-08T08:00:00.008+01:002022-09-08T08:00:00.159+01:00Welcoming M. B. Zucker and his book - The Eisenhower Chronicles - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming M. B. Zucker and his book - The Eisenhower Chronicles - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2DEHpQr50ImV0O5N-Qd9UknV8i2EDkzWnEzLVTKQR4fqfBD7mZWywX0cxLxUkBaj465bpPnv3xQIAAjt72Z2FD296gMbqKCOjaikZg3N5th-_E_1spdWS_4b6f5VEx3j-lVVFSlatJkvrWt1r9o6cDc6nHQ7MKnpsu3C08l7fy00ulC6iaXizXX-/s1600/The%20Eisenhower%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2DEHpQr50ImV0O5N-Qd9UknV8i2EDkzWnEzLVTKQR4fqfBD7mZWywX0cxLxUkBaj465bpPnv3xQIAAjt72Z2FD296gMbqKCOjaikZg3N5th-_E_1spdWS_4b6f5VEx3j-lVVFSlatJkvrWt1r9o6cDc6nHQ7MKnpsu3C08l7fy00ulC6iaXizXX-/w670-h377/The%20Eisenhower%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="670" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>The Eisenhower Chronicles </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQbZ5YdQTt2bQxJBHTYnz1ZNGkoIhjwzvBTUFuvK_tljvu9R8Qj0WKEIm6TVPdddrI2ioEmrDvpaAoOtQSDjfXWroRGh3ur19tmdcfr8JFx9fz1bnSJ7tI0L_53USYRkCCn3BCQ9HB3odnMJ4U2AoODvVCVc0n2a581g2VGtEreL6mwGbYoPsvGqC/s2400/Eisenhower_Zucker_Front_JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1600" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQbZ5YdQTt2bQxJBHTYnz1ZNGkoIhjwzvBTUFuvK_tljvu9R8Qj0WKEIm6TVPdddrI2ioEmrDvpaAoOtQSDjfXWroRGh3ur19tmdcfr8JFx9fz1bnSJ7tI0L_53USYRkCCn3BCQ9HB3odnMJ4U2AoODvVCVc0n2a581g2VGtEreL6mwGbYoPsvGqC/w270-h405/Eisenhower_Zucker_Front_JPEG.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1938 he was a lieutenant colonel stationed in the Philippines; by 1945 the world <br />proclaimed him its savior. From leading the forces of liberal democracy against history’s most evil tyrant to the presidency, Dwight D. Eisenhower fought for and kept the peace during the most dangerous era in history. <br /><br />The Eisenhower Chronicles dramatizes Ike’s life, portraying his epic journey from unknown soldier to global hero as only a novel could. He is shown working with icons such as FDR, Winston Churchill, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and confronting challenges like D-Day, the Little Rock Crisis, and Sputnik. <br /><br />Eisenhower’s legacy is grounded in defending the world from fascism, communism, and nuclear weapons. This novel shows how he accomplished it all and takes readers into his mind and soul, grounding the history in the man who made it. <br /><br /><b>Advance Praise: </b><br /><br />“An ambitious novel that illuminates the complexity of one of the great figures of the twentieth century. Ike's homespun manner concealed a remarkably skilled, at times Machiavellian, leader who guided the nation through perilous times. M.B. Zucker brings us inside Eisenhower's world as he wrestles with a series of decisions affecting the survival of free government and the fate of humanity. This is a fun, fast-paced, informative read that captures the man and his times. Highly recommended.” <br /><br />-Stephen F. Knott, Professor of National Security at the Naval War College and author of Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America <br /><br />“A most important aspect of M. B. Zucker's The Eisenhower Chronicles is that it dispels at least two myths about Ike's presidency: that it was but an appendage to his illustrious military career; and, that Eisenhower was more prone to react to events rather than shape them. In a lively and innovative style, Zucker shows his readers how Ike managed the Cold War during its most dangerous period and helped make his country a more fair and just society at home. A must read for anyone interested in mid-20th century America.” <br /><br />-Alvin S. Felzenberg, presidential historian and author of The Leaders We Deserved and a Few We Didn't <br /><br />“Zucker's achievement is monumental. In a fast-paced narrative, he captures Dwight D. Eisenhower with mastery and precision-his thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. The smooth prose and rich detail put the reader right there with Ike at every step of his military career and presidency, with an accurate and compelling rendering. This is historical fiction at its best.” <br /><br />-Yanek Mieczkowski, presidential historian and author of Eisenhower's Sputnik Moment: The Race for Space and World Prestige <br /><br />“This is a vast and minutely detailed account of Eisenhower as both supreme Warlord and President of the United States at a time of truly massive transformation.It is magisterial in its informed account and sweeping in its scope. It is a panoramic study, intensively researched, of Eisenhower as both a private person and a world figure.... Five stars and highly recommended.” <br /><br />- The Historical Fiction Company Editorial Reviews</span><div><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E106" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E106" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E107" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E107">Publication Date: </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E108" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E108">26</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E109" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E109" style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; zoom: 75%;">th</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E110" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110"> July 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-NormalWeb x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E111" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E111" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E112" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E112">Publisher: </span><span id="E114" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E114">Historium</span><span id="E116" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E116"> Press Books </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.historiumpress.com" id="E117" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E117" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E118">www.historiumpress.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-NormalWeb x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E119" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E119" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt;"><span id="E120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E120"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cover Design by White Rabbit Arts </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.wrarts.com" id="E121" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E121" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E122" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E122">www.wrarts.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123"> </span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E124" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E124" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E125">Page Length: 496</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E126" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E126"> Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E127" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E127" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Fiction</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E127" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E127" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can buy a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E127" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E127" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E259" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E259">Universal Link</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E260" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E260">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/bp8VVE" id="E261" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E261" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262" style="color: blue;">https://books2read.com/u/bp8VVE</span></a><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E127" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E127" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ike can't decide whether or not to run for President. He doesn't want to, but the Korean War and the Cold War stimulate his sense of duty. One night, his subconscious sends him a message... <br /><br />Feel disgusting. So sweaty. Bet I could see my chest hair through my Ike Jacket right now. Because of how soaked I am. Don’t look at it. Why am I wearing my full uniform and jacket in this heat? Where am I? <br /><br />Ike’s gaze rose from the ground to the grassy fields. White oak and magnolia towered over him, though their shade did not diminish the heat or humidity. Gardens stretched in every direction. A large estate loomed in the distance, a great wooden mansion at its center. Its roof was bright red, and its walls were white wood. A circular dirt path sat in front of the building surrounding a large patch of trimmed grass. Single-story wings flanked the mansion on each side. <br /><br />Why does that building look so familiar? Shouldn’t trespass. But I’ll pass out if I don’t get a drink of water. <br /><br />Ike stumbled toward the mansion, every step a struggle. No sooner did Ike begin his quest than a man on horseback intercepted him. He wore a corn yellow worn-out vest and a black tricorn hat that shaded his shoulders. Sweat shone on his forehead. His black horse neighed as he came to a stop. Ike looked up at him. <br /><br />What the hell is he wearing? Either he’s out of fashion, even for a farmer, or I’m so old I missed the new look. <br /><br />“What’s your name?” the man on horseback asked, his knuckles white from gripping the reins. <br /><br />Ike felt an unconscious jolt; he’d been famous for a decade. This was a nice change of pace. <br /><br />“I’m General Eisenhower.” <br /><br />“A general?” the man asked. “Did you fight in the war?” <br /><br />“Yes, sir,” Ike replied politely. <br /><br />“Where?” <br /><br />“I commanded the European Theater.” <br /><br />“Europe? You mean you were with Dr. Franklin?” <br /><br />What? <br /><br />“That’s a strange uniform for a general,” the man said. <br /><br />“You don’t like my jacket?” Ike asked as he glanced at it briefly. “I know it’s a sweaty mess, but I designed it myself.” He looked the man in the eye as his horse trotted to his right. “You haven’t given me your name yet.” <br /><br />“Joseph Cash,” the man said, still suspicious. “I assume you’re here for a visit.” <br /><br />“Sure,” Ike muttered quietly. “Where am I exactly?” <br /><br />Cash’s eyebrow rose. <br /><br />“You’re on the most famous estate in the country. Maybe the world.” <br /><br />“That’s not helping.” <br /><br />“Mount Vernon.” <br /><br />Mount Vernon? How the hell… alright. I guess that explains why he’s dressed like he’s from another century. Must be a tour guide or something. <br /><br />“Can I get a glass of water before my tour?” <br /><br />Cash ignored him. <br /><br />“I don’t think he’s very busy right now. Not sure he’s had many visitors today. You can probably see him if you want.” <br /><br />“Who are we talking about?” <br /><br />“General Washington.” <br /><br />“Come again?” <br /><br />“George Washington. The general and President. You’re not from around here, are you?” <br /><br />Washington? The George Washington? Can’t believe it! My God! Oh my God! Stomach’s doing a somersault! How in the hell… I don’t know. But this fellow is right in front of me and saying I’m about to meet George Washington, who I've idolized since I could read. I wonder if I can confirm the cherry tree story.</span><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI24" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E40" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E163" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E163" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></qowt-section></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>M. B. Zucker</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXwZbqFgEk9BT7C2aMn3Rhl4CMbPHmBxlT7ci_-fqw8sC8Q8HJ5YOeIfh3sN-WEym_qnWW_dekK9ysaEXmHCs80rnVuQGqXFY1ADJ3ORbgcu1d5JamKVxlrfnlLS9Bz2dOmo5Ajn3zEhulcdaytrbRXMTAkWiVjhI2pCj2T9SsKJjM21mOcw__IOh/s3242/M.%20B.%20Zucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="2432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXwZbqFgEk9BT7C2aMn3Rhl4CMbPHmBxlT7ci_-fqw8sC8Q8HJ5YOeIfh3sN-WEym_qnWW_dekK9ysaEXmHCs80rnVuQGqXFY1ADJ3ORbgcu1d5JamKVxlrfnlLS9Bz2dOmo5Ajn3zEhulcdaytrbRXMTAkWiVjhI2pCj2T9SsKJjM21mOcw__IOh/w270-h360/M.%20B.%20Zucker.jpg" width="270" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />M. B. Zucker has been interested in storytelling for as long as he can remember. He <br />discovered his love of history at fifteen and studied Dwight Eisenhower for over ten years. Mr. Zucker earned his B.A. at Occidental College and his J.D. at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Virginia with his wife.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with M. B. Zucker via these platforms -</span></div><div><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E316" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E316" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E317" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E317"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.michaelbzucker.com" id="E318" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E318" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E319" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E319" style="color: blue;">https://www.michaelbzucker.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E320" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E320" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E321" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E321">Twitter: </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E322" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E322">https://twitter.com/MBZuckerBooks </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E323" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E323">and </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E324" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E324">https://twitter.com/michaelzucker1</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E325" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E325" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E326" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E326"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061516155957" id="E327" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E327" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E328" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E328" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061516155957</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E329" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E329" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E330" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E330"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">LinkedIn: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/" id="E331" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E331" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E332" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E332" style="color: blue;">https://www.linkedin.com/feed/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E333" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E333" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E334" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E334"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/M-B-Zucker/e/B09JM74HMF" id="E335" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E335" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E336" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E336">https://www.amazon.com/M-B-Zucker/e/B09JM74HMF</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E337" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E337" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E338" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E338"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21882348.M_B_Zucker" id="E339" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E339" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E340" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E340" style="color: blue;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21882348.M_B_Zucker</span></a></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E337" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E337" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E337" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E337" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/07/blog-tour-eisenhower-chronicles-by-m-b.html" id="E148" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E148" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E149" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E149">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/07/blog-tour-eisenhower-chronicles-by-m-b.html</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpmuoAZPD4imerFvFYNrlQYGEBBklSKDCZDdeg9mQM5xRLLcy7KIxgIfXAG6I_kr5Si7vLlpAiZY01MtWQetahdlCFz-tR_pDE3wC1qlbdbxFyUFj0bVwHMZLp4JreGExnWBxr6qdXLCbEWCxIFRmNKJyMR5EZiuEXu0ei3IHHmUGDpHilE5HEwmH/s1600/The%20Eisenhower%20Chronicles%20Tour%20%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpmuoAZPD4imerFvFYNrlQYGEBBklSKDCZDdeg9mQM5xRLLcy7KIxgIfXAG6I_kr5Si7vLlpAiZY01MtWQetahdlCFz-tR_pDE3wC1qlbdbxFyUFj0bVwHMZLp4JreGExnWBxr6qdXLCbEWCxIFRmNKJyMR5EZiuEXu0ei3IHHmUGDpHilE5HEwmH/w650-h365/The%20Eisenhower%20Chronicles%20Tour%20%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="650" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>That's it for now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.<br /></span><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E337" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E337" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-89438967994364918932022-08-03T08:00:00.001+01:002022-08-03T08:00:00.171+01:00Welcoming Mary Anne Yarde and her book - The Du Lac Chronicles - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Mary Anne Yarde and her book - The Du Lac Chronicles (book 1 of The Du Lac Chronicles series) - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDETSqKUoY-4mlo2fBU0EZ3OCPGf9v3ko6d0Mn2zMRxQ-R1cZvOeh3oPoOVdr9sR9ry1C1Z9MQrzIc2w_g2AkCT1CzlNP9fkmovNq-oTWzdRLunSeUzQJax4ZPgtTmzCTIuBOOy3RCwCKYxiPH_NdaDFxA8RIYuTfCQNVjvKhbh7rAdjZI68p-Q7gE/s1600/The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDETSqKUoY-4mlo2fBU0EZ3OCPGf9v3ko6d0Mn2zMRxQ-R1cZvOeh3oPoOVdr9sR9ry1C1Z9MQrzIc2w_g2AkCT1CzlNP9fkmovNq-oTWzdRLunSeUzQJax4ZPgtTmzCTIuBOOy3RCwCKYxiPH_NdaDFxA8RIYuTfCQNVjvKhbh7rAdjZI68p-Q7gE/w654-h368/The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="654" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am beyond delighted to share this book with you all. You see, Mary Anne and I are best friends - we've known each other since school and over the years we've shared many memories and achievements. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Many years ago, Mary Anne said to me "I have an idea for a story" to which I replied, "Well write it then!" </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I've been fortunate to have seen behind the scenes of The Du Lac Chronicles and have witnessed firsthand the story and characters grow from those early drafts to the fantastic series we see today. It makes me so proud to see what Mary Anne has achieved and she deserves every success (I know I'm biased!).</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Du Lac Chronicles</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdh6QUhDMck_cvEkxihC5YWX0tia9NuJWLvOweoPHP2Ex1uiALbgzL2QN4G1qzLcu011r-AjEm-rMi9si9Ay3sAaMU7FMKaZSGBoeIvF7AaGEyoddF9Qwaw7cg-HHWbebg1Lzl71VDiaGtbzLUbeS3LOkfuTgWNEULXanZx89BniDpZo_CCSnP9WN/s2776/The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%2010%20Feb%202016%20KINDLE%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="1793" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdh6QUhDMck_cvEkxihC5YWX0tia9NuJWLvOweoPHP2Ex1uiALbgzL2QN4G1qzLcu011r-AjEm-rMi9si9Ay3sAaMU7FMKaZSGBoeIvF7AaGEyoddF9Qwaw7cg-HHWbebg1Lzl71VDiaGtbzLUbeS3LOkfuTgWNEULXanZx89BniDpZo_CCSnP9WN/w304-h469/The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%2010%20Feb%202016%20KINDLE%20copy.jpg" width="304" /></a></div></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.</div></span></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-NormalWeb x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E193" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E193" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; padding-bottom: 10.5pt; padding-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E194" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E194" style="color: #0f1111;">Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-NormalWeb x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; padding-bottom: 10.5pt; padding-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196" style="color: #0f1111;">When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-NormalWeb x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; padding-bottom: 10.5pt; padding-top: 0pt;"><span id="E198" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E198" style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. </span><span id="E200" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E200" style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Annis’s</span><span id="E202" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E202" style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E203" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E203" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E204" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E204" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E205" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E205">Trigger warnings:</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E206" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E206" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Torture, Warfare</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E144" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E144" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E145" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E145">Publication Date:</span><span id="E146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E146"> </span><span id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147">21</span><span id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148" style="line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; zoom: 75%;">st</span><span id="E149" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E149"> February 2016</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E150" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E150" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151">Publisher:</span><span id="E152" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E152"> </span><span id="E153" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E153" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Independent</span><span id="E154" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E154" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">ly</span><span id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> Publishing </span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E156" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E156" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E157" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Page Length: 317 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E206" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E206" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207"></span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E158" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E158" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E159" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E159">Genre:</span><span id="E160" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E160"> </span><span id="E161" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E161">Historical Fiction / Historical Fantasy / Historical Romance</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E158" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E158" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E161">You can purchase a copy of the book via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0 x-scope qowt-word-para-0 x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E220" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E220" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E221" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E221">Amazon UK:</span><span id="E223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E223"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Du-Lac-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B01CDK2MK0" id="E224" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E224" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Du-Lac-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B01CDK2MK0</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E226" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227">Amazon US:</span><span id="E228" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E228"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Du-Lac-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B01CDK2MK0" id="E229" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E229" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E230" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E230">https://www.amazon.com/Du-Lac-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B01CDK2MK0</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mary Anne Yarde</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3XYHgkHwBuISgUtCgmgCt5-Z8NsiZWQENGU6858yNZHDAj1RoHn2eG42UwWpQEdcVG3rWRMM_4M7bv3g8FwoVVcvy7TiOATjqsdO0H57ZtL18CkhupT0ncU7mKB_ro2R9RJvUFcnuR6SNrOKWujYKXoiWBWsJJikJVb00hQ4vZ0NaVVtYZIVV4u9/s450/Mary%20Anne%20Yarde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3XYHgkHwBuISgUtCgmgCt5-Z8NsiZWQENGU6858yNZHDAj1RoHn2eG42UwWpQEdcVG3rWRMM_4M7bv3g8FwoVVcvy7TiOATjqsdO0H57ZtL18CkhupT0ncU7mKB_ro2R9RJvUFcnuR6SNrOKWujYKXoiWBWsJJikJVb00hQ4vZ0NaVVtYZIVV4u9/w348-h348/Mary%20Anne%20Yarde.jpg" width="348" /></a></div></span><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E245" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E245" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E246" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E246" style="font-weight: bold;">Mary Anne Yarde</span><span id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247"> is a multi-award winning and bestselling author of Historical Fiction, as well as an award-winning blogger. She studied History at Cardiff University and went on to study Equine Science at Warwickshire College.</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E248" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E248" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E249" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E249" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250">Mary Anne is a passionate advocate for quality Historical Fiction and founded The Coffee Pot Book Club in 2015 and became a professional Editorial Reviewer in 2016.</span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E251" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E251" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Mary Anne's award-winning series, The Du Lac Chronicles, is set a generation after the fall of King Arthur. The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Britain and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E254" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E254" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury—the fabled Isle of Avalon—was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E254" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E254" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You can connect with Mary Anne Yarde via -</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E262" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E262" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263">Website:</span><span id="E264" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E264"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://authormaryanneyarde.blogspot.com/" id="E265" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E265" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E266" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E266">https://authormaryanneyarde.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E267" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E267" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E268" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E268">Twitter:</span><span id="E269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E269"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" id="E270" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E270" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E271" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E271">https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E272" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E272" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E274" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E274">BookBub</span><span id="E276" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E276">:</span><span id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anne-yarde" id="E278" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E278" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anne-yarde</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E280" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E280" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281">Amazon Author Page:</span><span id="E282" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E282"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Anne-Yarde/e/B01C1WFATA" id="E283" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E283" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E284" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284">https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Anne-Yarde/e/B01C1WFATA</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E285" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E285" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E286" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E286">Goodreads:</span><span id="E287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287"></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15018472.Mary_Anne_Yarde" id="E288" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E288" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E289" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E289">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15018472.Mary_Anne_Yarde</span></a>
<p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E254" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E254" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E291" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E291" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E290" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E290" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-teid="T33" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E290" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E290" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-teid="T33" style="color: black;"><span id="E173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E173"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule Page:</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/06/blog-tour-du-lac-chronicles-book-1-of.html" id="E174" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E174" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E175" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E175">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/06/blog-tour-du-lac-chronicles-book-1-of.html</span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm4npw3Ee7GdHbyuaBeF_PrjnetQ8Q-80l-0Z50gY3zPKx2QEFVaVfWaoWj6_-qBWibmhPPbe-9B2DaekyvsiIVPGiUKAx_z3x0oy0pTO6x6qupH-aoxtll_ojNx5HWCPgz0AepFWcNRXN9SzxO6KWJ6DCc-57l8DulRFJOgWKiV121Pq6M4xDfE5/s1600/Tour%20Schedule%20The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm4npw3Ee7GdHbyuaBeF_PrjnetQ8Q-80l-0Z50gY3zPKx2QEFVaVfWaoWj6_-qBWibmhPPbe-9B2DaekyvsiIVPGiUKAx_z3x0oy0pTO6x6qupH-aoxtll_ojNx5HWCPgz0AepFWcNRXN9SzxO6KWJ6DCc-57l8DulRFJOgWKiV121Pq6M4xDfE5/w675-h380/Tour%20Schedule%20The%20Du%20Lac%20Chronicles%20Tour%20Banner%20(1).png" width="675" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">T</span>hat's it for now.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E290" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E290" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-teid="T33" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E290" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E290" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-teid="T33" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-9417504133241385952022-08-02T08:00:00.004+01:002022-08-02T08:00:00.170+01:00Welcoming Jenny Knipfer and her book - On Bur Oak Ridge - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Jenny Knipfer and her book - On Bur Oak Ridge (Sheltering Trees, book 3) - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixHCLLHrF3YgtIfvvRrZizdiXOqL4v_Ny70o1N-xeOu35COcq7TAKvGz5akBq5RNt1XR_NVsp_3X-2r0rCEthFBtiA0C6eAMYDALCsYMjVq60l4HmbL_Ae8K7LK44f_0tQLq_HgUu0RwevVi3FxHRGYaD46ngeX_swC_MFQ-oQc7jDtI7-ekGF3To/s1600/On%20Oak%20Bur%20Ridge%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixHCLLHrF3YgtIfvvRrZizdiXOqL4v_Ny70o1N-xeOu35COcq7TAKvGz5akBq5RNt1XR_NVsp_3X-2r0rCEthFBtiA0C6eAMYDALCsYMjVq60l4HmbL_Ae8K7LK44f_0tQLq_HgUu0RwevVi3FxHRGYaD46ngeX_swC_MFQ-oQc7jDtI7-ekGF3To/w656-h368/On%20Oak%20Bur%20Ridge%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="656" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I'll introduce the book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large;">On Bur Oak Ridge</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBg1fk7jIt1zOYcPskM74mqAVxsXJoPKYS_2P1JgdFc4xry53K1bvE3fffIRPQjQh8SaHzvb23s1f0Q5VQAXdI2AbfeG3wX8PmQGrxli66LK9b74G_E0ahBxlgf_ZscL8dKqS_BY0J1J3J6TY6TAy0IMM_uV_SB0cUFDvH-1rx8MIvLI1oP5zjEGw/s900/On%20Bur%20Oak%20Ridge%20Quote%20A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBg1fk7jIt1zOYcPskM74mqAVxsXJoPKYS_2P1JgdFc4xry53K1bvE3fffIRPQjQh8SaHzvb23s1f0Q5VQAXdI2AbfeG3wX8PmQGrxli66LK9b74G_E0ahBxlgf_ZscL8dKqS_BY0J1J3J6TY6TAy0IMM_uV_SB0cUFDvH-1rx8MIvLI1oP5zjEGw/w287-h431/On%20Bur%20Oak%20Ridge%20Quote%20A.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><i>“The plot has its twists and turns to keep readers intrigued…to the very end. A great comfort read that will soothe the spirit with renewed hope and faith.” Readers’ Favorite five-star review </i><br /><br />A HISTORICAL NOVEL OF FINDING HEALING AND A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE <br /><br />In the early 1900s, quiet and reserved Molly Lund finds refuge from her past at the Nelsons’ farm in Minnesota. In an attempt to turn a new page in her life, Molly works at making peace with her losses and coming to terms with the disfiguring burns on her face. <br /><br />Samuel Woodson, the Nelsons’ hired hand, carries his own cares. Split from his family and bearing a burden of misplaced guilt for an act that haunts him, Samuel–seeing past Molly’s scars–draws her out of her self-protective shell. <br /><br />Molly and Samuel form a friendship, but just as their hearts lead them deeper, an unexpected guest comes calling, demanding what’s his. <br /><br />Will Molly and Samuel find a way to be together or will they be separated, due to impediments beyond their control? Can they trust in God’s plan and travel a path that heals the hurts of the past? <br /><br /><br /><i>Readers of historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and Christian historical romance will delight in this beautifully wrought story of the healing power of love. <br /><br />“A heartwarming story of healing from external and internal scars. Through some of life’s harder lessons the characters learn to trust, forgive, and find second chances out of the ashes of pain and loss.” <br /><br />Anne Perreault, author of eighteen inspirational novels, including the Yellowstone series</i><br /><br />Trigger Warnings: <br /><br />Grief, trauma from burns, accidental death, time in an insane asylum.</span><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI10" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E126" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E276" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E276" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></qowt-section></div></div><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E142" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E142" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E144" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E144">Publication</span><span id="E146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E146"> Date: </span><span id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147">29th July 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E148" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E148" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E149" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E149">Publisher: Jenny </span><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151">Knipfer</span><span id="E153" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E153">—Author</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E154" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E154" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155">Page Length: 266 Pages</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E154" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E154" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E157" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Genre: </span><span id="E158" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Historical Romance, Christian Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E154" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E154" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E295" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E295">Amazon UK:</span><span id="E296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E296"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F" id="E297" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E297" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E298" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E298">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E299" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E299" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E300" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E300">Amazon US:</span><span id="E301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E301"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F" id="E302" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E302" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E303">https://www</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E304" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E304">.</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E305">amazon.com/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E306" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E306" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E307" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E307">Amazon CA:</span><span id="E308" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E308"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F" id="E309" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E309" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E310" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E310">https://www.amazon.ca/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E312" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E312">Amazon AU:</span><span id="E313" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E313"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F" id="E314" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E314" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E315" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E315">https://www.amazon.com.au/Bur-Oak-Ridge-Sheltering-Trees-ebook/dp/B0B2KXB19F</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />Samuel <br /><br />“Oh! Sorry...” a voice rasps out in shock. <br /><br />I gasp and feel the heat before I ascertain what has happened. Hot coffee has sloshed down the front of my thick, twill shirt. I use a couple of fingers to pull the wet fabric away from my chest. A waft of roasted brew rises to my nostrils. I’ve always liked the smell of coffee but not the bitter taste. I prefer tea. <br /><br />Mrs. Lund—Molly—stands inches from my chest with a tray of mugs, her mouth agape. We briefly look at each other, full in the face, before she bows her head to the side, hiding her scars. Her lovely, dark hair drapes over the smooth side of her face. The pink shade of her lips reminds me of the wild roses that grow in the ditch. Smooth, unblemished, ivory skin covers the pleasing planes of her face. Her fetching image puts me in mind of a harpy from the sea. Mother told me stories of such creatures when I was a child. I doubt Mrs. Lund knows how beautiful she is. It saddens me to take in the other half of her face. I hate to think of the pain she endured to have such scars. Burns, I now surmise. <br /><br />“Again, I apologize. Mabel sent me out with coffee for the crew before things swing into action.” <br /><br />She says the words without looking up; they exit from her mouth rough, strained. I wonder what makes her sound as if she’s smoked too many cigarettes. I wouldn’t guess her to indulge in what Mother would call “the sin of smoking.” <br /><br />With a hint of the sarcasm I feel, I tell her, “Linc did send me to get some coffee, but I didn’t think I’d be wearing it.” <br /><br />Why am I talking so much? <br /><br />I feel a need to engage this woman in conversation, to pull her out of her shell, but ironically, I usually act the same way she does—reserved. <br /><br />Her clear eye—green-colored with bits of brown and blue— tilts up at me at a strange angle, in question. “Linc?” <br /><br />I let my childhood name for Lincoln slip, but she was bound to find out eventually. “Yes. Lincoln and I are...old friends. Schoolmates. I called him Linc in our younger days.” <br /><br />I shrug, release my shirt, and wipe my wet fingers on my thigh. Again, I’m revealing too much. She nods and looks back down at the mown lawn, making as if to return to the house. <br /><br />“Wait.” I stop her and place my hands on either side of the wooden tray. “There’s no harm done, except I’m a little damp. Still plenty here to drink. I’ll carry it out to the men for you.” <br /><br />I pull the tray, but she holds firm. She’s stronger than she appears. <br /><br />She points her chin to my chest. “You’ll need to change.” “It’ll dry in no time, I reckon.” <br /><br />“But it’s chilly. You’ll...” she gives me a one-eyed gaze, “be cold.” <br /><br />I gently pull the tray again. “I’ve faced worse.” <br /><br />She relinquishes it with a quiet sigh. <br /><br />“Much obliged,” she utters, and she drops her hands, brushing them on her blue, gingham apron. <br /><br />“My pleasure,” I say and inwardly kick myself. I sound like a salesclerk. <br /><br />She pauses before she turns. I decide to skip asking for a cinnamon roll. But something else eats at me besides hunger. Some need to connect with another who obviously knows what pain is gives me the courage to ask. <br /><br />“What...is it that you grieve?” <br /><br />I surprise myself with my raw boldness. She stops, her hand on the knob of the door to the house and her back to me. Her head droops farther south. <br /><br />Her voice sounds hollow, tinny. “You mean who?” <br /><br />I swallow at my audacity and tighten my grip on the tray. “I suppose so. Who, then?” <br /><br />Mrs. Lund turns partially back, captured in a perfect silhouette, backlit by the slanted morning light. <br /><br />“My son,” she tells me, and she slips into the house without so much as a creak of the door. <br /><br />The words sound like they hurt in more ways than one. Family—deep love and deep heartache. <br /><br />I shake my head of thoughts that will weigh me down, turn, and walk to the men and their machine to serve up some half- empty mugs of coffee on a drenched tray. <br /><br />I’m curious about Mrs. Lund’s story, and if I ask her more questions, she may answer. But then she’ll want to ask me some, and I am not ready to confess my sins to her. For some reason that I can’t name, it’s important to me for her to think well of me. <br /><br />Why I do not know.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Jenny Knipfer</b></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E311" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E311" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAtvwRs8sdXGsYgopmIXrK9e27uj4IEC4C7-mJH9li0PRqcjeZt7bHWQWO87BMNHlreLnkYUr8ag7IQt6F8Zx45yO847163EeY3ku3F7VMJSw1zMkldQwIKUr-m-KV_ApGvrTFvEm4PUE3B9r4bRIPwPksfa1LrAbxb99Ei9J7yI8CC-gFK3TviIr/s2549/Jenny%20Knipfer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2549" data-original-width="2065" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAtvwRs8sdXGsYgopmIXrK9e27uj4IEC4C7-mJH9li0PRqcjeZt7bHWQWO87BMNHlreLnkYUr8ag7IQt6F8Zx45yO847163EeY3ku3F7VMJSw1zMkldQwIKUr-m-KV_ApGvrTFvEm4PUE3B9r4bRIPwPksfa1LrAbxb99Ei9J7yI8CC-gFK3TviIr/w314-h388/Jenny%20Knipfer.jpeg" width="314" /></a></span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling. <br /><br />Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. <br /><br />All of Jenny’s books have earned five-star reviews from Readers’ Favourite, a book review and award contest company. She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association. <br /><br />Jenny’s favourite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. <br /><br />She deems a cup of tea and a good book an essential part of every day. When not writing, Jenny can be found reading, tending to her many houseplants, or piecing quilt blocks at her sewing machine. <br /><br />Her new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, is set in the area Jenny grew up in, where she currently lives, and places along Minnesota’s Northern Shore, where she loves to visit. She is currently writing a four-part novella series entitled: Botanical Seasons and a three-part fantasy series entitled: Retold Fairy Tales.</span><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI14" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E126" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E357" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E357" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white;"></p></qowt-section></div></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E159" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E159" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with Jenny Knipfer via these platforms -</span></div><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E365" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E365" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E366" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E366"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://jennyknipfer.com/" id="E367" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E367" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E368" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E368">https://jennyknipfer</span></a><a contenteditable="false" href="https://jennyknipfer.com/" id="E369" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E369" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E370" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E370">.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E371" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E371" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E372" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E372"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/JennyKnipfer/" id="E373" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E373" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E374" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E374">https://</span></a><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/JennyKnipfer/" id="E375" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E375" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E376" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E376">twitter.com/JennyKnipfer/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E377" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E377" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E378" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E378"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://facebook.com/jennyknipfer.writer/" id="E379" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E379" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E380" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E380">h</span></a><a contenteditable="false" href="https://facebook.com/jennyknipfer.writer/" id="E381" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E381" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E382" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E382">ttps://facebook.com/jennyknipfer.writer/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E383" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E383" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E385" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E385">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E387" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E387">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://instagram.com/jennyknipferbrave/" id="E388" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E388" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E389" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E389">https://</span></a><a contenteditable="false" href="https://instagram.com/jennyknipferbrave/" id="E390" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E390" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E391" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E391">instagram.com/jennyknipferbrave/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E392" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E392" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E393" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E393"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Pinterest: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://pinterest.com/JennyKnipfer/" id="E394" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E394" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E395" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E395">https://pinterest</span></a><a contenteditable="false" href="https://pinterest.com/JennyKnipfer/" id="E396" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E396" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E397" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E397">.</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E399" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E399">com</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E401" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E401">/</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E403" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E403">JennyKnipfer</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E405" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E405">/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E406" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E406" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E408" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E408">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E410" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E410">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenny-knipfer" id="E411" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E411" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E412" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E412">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenny-knipfer</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E413" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E413" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E414" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E414"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Knipfer/e/B07QV9HPH4%25253F" id="E415" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E415" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink6" id="E416" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E416">https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Knipfer/e/B07QV9HPH4%253F</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E417" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E417" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E418" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E418"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19133392.Jenny_Knipfer" id="E419" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E419" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E420" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E420">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19133392.Jenny_Knipfer</span></a></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E421" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E421" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><br /></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E423" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E423" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E424" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E424" qowt-format="{"udl":false}" style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Book Trailer: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://youtu.be/LeAAhaLqekk" id="E425" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E425" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E426" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E426">https://youtu.be/LeAAhaLqekk</span></a></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E423" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E423" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E423" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E423" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E185" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E185" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E181" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E181" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-on-bur-oak-ridge-sheltering.html" id="E183" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E183" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-on-bur-oak-ridge-sheltering.html</span></a>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0VwCyyG0JIE8ZRWOHE6T1qF3cFDlSNIsImh4wEquOPJyupqL4nNyEBEHI8lNKI9LLBZkQsrBPnqMzazLEUYpTiSb1l84uNfrYbj4P99tDgDoMnILPkieaKWNQVKs1ixMHbpzXIfBi1YGGf9JztYhGMx_zzADoBlXa1I6vJqrvYq85fGgSqRsmN2b/s1600/On%20Oak%20Bur%20Ridge%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0VwCyyG0JIE8ZRWOHE6T1qF3cFDlSNIsImh4wEquOPJyupqL4nNyEBEHI8lNKI9LLBZkQsrBPnqMzazLEUYpTiSb1l84uNfrYbj4P99tDgDoMnILPkieaKWNQVKs1ixMHbpzXIfBi1YGGf9JztYhGMx_zzADoBlXa1I6vJqrvYq85fGgSqRsmN2b/w641-h361/On%20Oak%20Bur%20Ridge%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="641" /></a></div><br /><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E181" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E181" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E181" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E181" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E181" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E181" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-32131629044305407832022-07-19T08:00:00.005+01:002022-07-19T08:00:00.174+01:00Welcoming M J Porter and her book - Cragside - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming M J Porter and her book - Cragside: A 1930's murder mystery - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQa-zn_Js7xwusjZ9d-dem3fJ4y_Aqs6ZSSiKN3j3XneU6Uan4HgcasF3msUT68VMiCYsdxVd7_03u6rO8EbBoNrhT3jVAWXyvZpM50YZC4mINz-Tt_GOEXtB0Xc3m8gK1wxU1GuG9WKc-scbhElbVZbEMQGfhKyuXqTtuVwm_7iPh8FJiI0IbHiE/s1600/Cragside%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQa-zn_Js7xwusjZ9d-dem3fJ4y_Aqs6ZSSiKN3j3XneU6Uan4HgcasF3msUT68VMiCYsdxVd7_03u6rO8EbBoNrhT3jVAWXyvZpM50YZC4mINz-Tt_GOEXtB0Xc3m8gK1wxU1GuG9WKc-scbhElbVZbEMQGfhKyuXqTtuVwm_7iPh8FJiI0IbHiE/w638-h359/Cragside%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="638" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Cragside</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQBH-RzSvW-WEzRB6VZQ1xktYJLbpbbbrjVIHUhZjLQd5Vbx-Y2vRLMEiMyrwvLNJrt-guoRXc3VD8aqJrGIwqsjvfTPOfiP4jIirivJJIfrs5gpIUTSrDVREhKXoeQKllqd4bPoIzSDncPZhcCz8KS8YNVv4S0Xhu0iHMcNi4tgwCUG0jjNTfYlf/s2560/cragside-e_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQBH-RzSvW-WEzRB6VZQ1xktYJLbpbbbrjVIHUhZjLQd5Vbx-Y2vRLMEiMyrwvLNJrt-guoRXc3VD8aqJrGIwqsjvfTPOfiP4jIirivJJIfrs5gpIUTSrDVREhKXoeQKllqd4bPoIzSDncPZhcCz8KS8YNVv4S0Xhu0iHMcNi4tgwCUG0jjNTfYlf/w269-h430/cragside-e_book.jpg" width="269" /></a></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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Apprehended for the murder of her husband the year before, and only recently released, she hopes a trip away from London will allow her to grieve. The isolated, but much loved, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Cragside</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Estate in North Northumberland, home of her friends, Lord and Lady Bradbury, holds special memories for her.</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;" /></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;" /></span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">But, no sooner has she arrived than the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and suspicion immediately turns on her. Perhaps, there are no friendships to be found here, after all.</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br class="SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;" /></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Cragside</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> only to discover a second murder has taken place in her absence, and one she can</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">t possibly have committed.</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW158577912 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">realising</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> that these new murders must be related to that of her beloved husband, Lady </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Merryweather</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> sets out to solve the crime, once and for all. But there are many who don</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">t want her to succeed, and as the number of murder victims increases, the possibility that she might well be the next victim, can</span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW158577912 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Publication</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Date: 1</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">4th April 2022</span><span class="EOP SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW18606814 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW18606814 BCX0" paraeid="{fc5e54ee-3cfa-4b1f-82b5-14811b0f03bc}{208}" paraid="1623742933" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Publisher: M J Publishing</span><span class="EOP SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW18606814 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW18606814 BCX0" paraeid="{fc5e54ee-3cfa-4b1f-82b5-14811b0f03bc}{214}" paraid="19603742" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Page Length: 234 Pages</span><span class="EOP SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW18606814 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW18606814 BCX0" paraeid="{fc5e54ee-3cfa-4b1f-82b5-14811b0f03bc}{220}" paraid="1856117789" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Mystery</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW18606814 BCX0" paraeid="{fc5e54ee-3cfa-4b1f-82b5-14811b0f03bc}{220}" paraid="1856117789" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW18606814 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW18606814 BCX0" paraeid="{fc5e54ee-3cfa-4b1f-82b5-14811b0f03bc}{220}" paraid="1856117789" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW16763752 BCX0" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cragside-1930s-murder-mystery-Porter-ebook/dp/B09R26PFW2/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|13","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.3",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink3",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"1033",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cragside-1930s-murder-mystery-Porter-ebook/dp/B09R26PFW2/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW16763752 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{438b9330-98c5-43a4-ac89-dedad31d2ae2}{196}" paraid="1708893330" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.amazon.com/Cragside-1930s-murder-mystery-Porter-ebook/dp/B09R26PFW2/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW16763752 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{438b9330-98c5-43a4-ac89-dedad31d2ae2}{207}" paraid="910512167" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{438b9330-98c5-43a4-ac89-dedad31d2ae2}{218}" paraid="471907639" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="DE-DE" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DE-DE">Amazon AU:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW16763752 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{438b9330-98c5-43a4-ac89-dedad31d2ae2}{229}" paraid="789029037" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Barnes and Noble:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW16763752 BCX0" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cragside-m-j-porter/1141311981" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Kobo</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW16763752 BCX0" href="https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/cragside-1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/cragside-1</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW16763752 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{9}" paraid="237742264" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Apple Books:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW16763752 BCX0" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/cragside/id1617307479" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://books.apple.com/us/book/cragside/id1617307479</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW16763752 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{20}" paraid="1005866712" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="IT-IT" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="IT-IT">Audio:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW16763752 BCX0" href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Cragside-Audiobook/B09WH16CH9" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Cragside-Audiobook/B09WH16CH9</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{20}" paraid="1005866712" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{20}" paraid="1005866712" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW16763752 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{20}" paraid="1005866712" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW16763752 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{175}" paraid="724434130" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Our first introduction to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Cragside</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Estate and Lady Ella</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":2,"335551620":2}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{185}" paraid="996886415" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{189}" paraid="1897979346" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":2,"335551620":2}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{193}" paraid="161740759" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Chapter 1</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":2,"335551620":2}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{199}" paraid="1271295072" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{203}" paraid="345090065" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Rain thuds onto the black roof of the Rolls Royce Phantom, but that doesn’t concern me. No, my eyes are drawn to the flurry of activity taking place around the main door of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Cragside</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> house, despite the sheeting rain that makes everything appear elongated and out of focus. I can see little despite my best efforts. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{213}" paraid="943880488" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{217}" paraid="854149587" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">What’s happened now? I want nothing more than to luxuriate in the Turkish bath complex with its beautiful blue tiles, soaking away the stink of the local police station at Rothbury, but that isn’t about to happen. Not if the bustle I’m witnessing is anything to go by.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{223}" paraid="858695436" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{227}" paraid="985792407" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Eagerly, not waiting for my chauffeur, Williams, to open the door, I swing it outwards, noticing how my sleeve darkens beneath the deluge, able to hear the hub of conversation as I skip over the gravel driveway. My red driving shoes are drenched between one heartbeat and the next. I can already feel the leather chaffing my cold feet. I hadn’t precisely been dressed for a cold and draughty police station when I was led away in handcuffs the night before.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{233}" paraid="1404566800" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{237}" paraid="1064769747" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Now I wear Williams’ overcoat over my sensible travelling clothes of a green skirt and thick stockings. My favourite blue coat and hat are still on the coat and hat stand. I was given no chance to put them on before being made to leave the house.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{243}" paraid="167772428" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{247}" paraid="1459630014" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I’ve been gone for much of the day—darkness shadows even the brightest of the light pouring through the open doorway.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{1c1ba59e-2a98-49d2-960d-c020f0df32cd}{253}" paraid="805130223" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{2}" paraid="1026843837" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“My Lady,” a startled housemaid meets my gaze, bowing and curtseying all at the same time as we almost collide. I don’t get so much as the chance to ask what’s happened. She runs past me, a dark coat flung over thin shoulders, covering the smart black dress and white pinafore she wears. Her frightened eyes, hollowed by her short-cropped hair and pale face, reinforce my belief something is badly amiss.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{8}" paraid="1408072440" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{12}" paraid="503939814" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hastily, I stride into the sheltered stone alcove, grateful to be clear from most of the rain. I wince as I step into a puddle that hadn’t been there on my arrival the day before, cresting the flat and wide stone steps. Above my head, the weight of the house, cast almost into darkness, is telling. Chill water from the puddle slips over wet shoes and onto my cold skin. The rain is streaming at an angle, able to sneak into the stone alcove, whereas normally, it would do no such thing.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{18}" paraid="659850111" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{22}" paraid="1844411400" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Bright lights welcome me into the house, for all the large double wooden doors hang entirely open, the trickle of flowing water attesting to the direction of the biting north wind even through my borrowed overcoat. I don’t want to consider the state of my hair, and I’m not even a vain woman.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{28}" paraid="557030550" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{32}" paraid="393620961" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I can see into the far reaches of the well-appointed property from my location. And there, the activity comes to an abrupt stop. There’s no one inside, not even the efficient butler, Mr </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Underhill. I can hear no noise from the kitchen. No noise from the dining room. Nothing at all. Can the upright Mr Underhill be out in the rain? I hardly dare think he’ll risk getting his immaculately shined shoes muddied. And if he has, then it’s indeed some new catastrophe that’s befallen the inhabitants of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Cragside</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{44}" paraid="1145862076" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{48}" paraid="734708906" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">So then, where are the remainder of the weekend guests? Where are those who’d been so keen to see me sent away, slim hands held cuffed before me as the police smirked at having caught the culprit so easily? I turn, the pull of the unknown too much to ignore. I wish there were a handy torch to light my path into the impenetrable dusk that beckons to me.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{54}" paraid="1787520733" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{58}" paraid="484934369" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The rumble of another motorcar outside pulling onto the gravel-strewn drive with the distinctive crunch beneath the thin tyres is all I need to hear. I swivel. All thoughts about luxuriating in the Turkish bath complex are forgotten. I need to see. I have to know.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{64}" paraid="2050171222" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{68}" paraid="2023010918" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">As I hope, the other motorcar has been brought alongside that of my Rolls Royce Phantom, Williams still inside and just about visible behind the rain-soaked windscreen. Now both vehicles’ thin, yellow beams attempt to drive back the mizzle and the gloom. I’ve experienced rain like this before on very few occasions. Williams warned me when I mentioned our destination was the far North-East of England in November, but well, I didn’t believe it could be so torrential.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{74}" paraid="437814625" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{78}" paraid="2072832483" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I step outside once more, pulling the hood of Williams thick woollen coat over my head, wishing for an umbrella. I meet Williams’ eyes through the fogged-up interior of the car. I incline my head questioningly, but he shakes his. I’m not the only one to be unaware of what’s happening.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{84}" paraid="1097607182" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169206142 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Carefully, wary of the deep ravine that lies below me if I take a wrong step, I make my way to where the beams of the two vehicles are being directed. There are yellowed glimmers from small torches, and an amber glow spills from the curtains of the study and the staircase. Still, it isn’t enough to truly see the focus of everyone’s attention. I consider the time. It can only be just after 4 pm. The blackness of the storm shocks me.</span><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><b>M J Porter</b></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="EOP SCXW169206142 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiLl69lDF6EUk-VMb8kMenJKygY3UEp1AbFxKJVFfz9epUV2TXbAUeUgKdo8d6u05yomLlPggX77aGJvlkNxr_g1eiiY86U6KRhuPs0gpbh8_o5TUabws59r4bc-R_ihhhwFeRgYHoX6zJwE8_bUf5G63hwTBzPJL8hSlshjYVNe0DPfhUC8jQRoq/s320/M%20J%20Porter%20author%20imagejpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiLl69lDF6EUk-VMb8kMenJKygY3UEp1AbFxKJVFfz9epUV2TXbAUeUgKdo8d6u05yomLlPggX77aGJvlkNxr_g1eiiY86U6KRhuPs0gpbh8_o5TUabws59r4bc-R_ihhhwFeRgYHoX6zJwE8_bUf5G63hwTBzPJL8hSlshjYVNe0DPfhUC8jQRoq/w345-h345/M%20J%20Porter%20author%20imagejpg.jpg" width="345" /></a></span></div><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #0f1111; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times Roman", "Times Roman_EmbeddedFont", sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times Roman", "Times Roman_EmbeddedFont", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, as well as three twentieth-century mysteries. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author's writing destiny was set.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can connect with M J Porter via these platforms -</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{81}" paraid="399605416" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Website: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.mjporterauthor.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|10","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.1",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink1",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",469778324,"Hyperlink"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.mjporterauthor.com/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{90}" paraid="1525987818" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Blog: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://mjporterauthor.blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://mjporterauthor.blog/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{99}" paraid="2039293159" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Twitter:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://twitter.com/coloursofunison" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|13","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.3",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink3",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"1033",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://twitter.com/coloursofunison</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{110}" paraid="919445712" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Facebook:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006592412433" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006592412433</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{121}" paraid="161423056" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">LinkedIn:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-porterauthor/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-porterauthor/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{132}" paraid="946716025" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="DA-DK" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DA-DK"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Instagram</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">:</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|14","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.4",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink4",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"1043",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{145}" paraid="1695190877" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pinterest:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/coloursofunison/_saved/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.pinterest.co.uk/coloursofunison/_saved/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{156}" paraid="1630198980" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">BookBub</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">:</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mj-porter?list=about" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mj-porter?list=about</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{169}" paraid="1147420753" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Amazon Author Page:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/MJ-Porter/e/B006N8K6X4/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="PT-PT" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="PT-PT"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|15","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.5",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink5",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"2070",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.amazon.co.uk/MJ-Porter/e/B006N8K6X4/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW121166585 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW121166585 BCX0" paraeid="{cbfe01fd-0b22-467d-b915-33e6278312ae}{180}" paraid="1426340248" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Goodreads:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163404.M_J_Porter" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: black; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163404.M_J_Porter</span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><p class="Paragraph SCXW169206142 BCX0" paraeid="{729bf1ff-43c4-42b6-940d-c0e1e1139cfb}{88}" paraid="1744153846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #0f1111; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">Linktr.ee: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW121166585 BCX0" href="https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW121166585 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour - </span></span></div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW118557961 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW118557961 BCX0" paraeid="{438b9330-98c5-43a4-ac89-dedad31d2ae2}{15}" paraid="757390041" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a class="Hyperlink SCXW118557961 BCX0" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-cragside-1930s-murder-mystery.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW118557961 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW118557961 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|10","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.1",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink1",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",469778324,"Hyperlink"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-cragside-1930s-murder-mystery.html</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW118557961 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW265708884 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a3730867-8170-4063-b3a1-7b3a9781823a|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\",\"Hyperlink.5\",\"Hyperlink.6\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5r5JBzGZU6DGF8qqUT0KCv-r0lJVI-IaqOXfeR5MYdMrp7K6tWXlgdzFynf7DulL6lqhVNVqHME0ghZSh8fEECCU-uAfHCeYrrt7nKk-pRfBude1CRQyE_LrXTADlWwMWZKWhhWlcXBryvPiJ-Pzcjl14P66IS_mdtUjYJkIX8Wme66dfO1I7_-K/s1600/Cragside%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5r5JBzGZU6DGF8qqUT0KCv-r0lJVI-IaqOXfeR5MYdMrp7K6tWXlgdzFynf7DulL6lqhVNVqHME0ghZSh8fEECCU-uAfHCeYrrt7nKk-pRfBude1CRQyE_LrXTADlWwMWZKWhhWlcXBryvPiJ-Pzcjl14P66IS_mdtUjYJkIX8Wme66dfO1I7_-K/w653-h367/Cragside%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="653" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>That's it for now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.<br /><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-78025853066982835622022-07-18T08:00:00.003+01:002022-07-18T08:00:00.152+01:00Welcoming Tonya Ulynn Brown and her book - The King's Inquisitor - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Tonya Ulynn Brown and her book - The King's Inquisitor- to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlLdZc0KvKxhsaUZEpKXC_lZGkB2kbtHkYtX_1wzrgH5KoVzmDokQS1_J82F3E921a9tbUxs5t_IpqNdlHqaD8lKGMEQHxfh2dYkM2KfnU9MRypVqWywkJkKsn7BB2SsOw7G3qdNgA4Vf4M3hAx5Dm99KpWv-9m_fdTn8Y7yP1ThSj5qFeM9x2nXM/s1600/The%20King's%20Inquisitor%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlLdZc0KvKxhsaUZEpKXC_lZGkB2kbtHkYtX_1wzrgH5KoVzmDokQS1_J82F3E921a9tbUxs5t_IpqNdlHqaD8lKGMEQHxfh2dYkM2KfnU9MRypVqWywkJkKsn7BB2SsOw7G3qdNgA4Vf4M3hAx5Dm99KpWv-9m_fdTn8Y7yP1ThSj5qFeM9x2nXM/w657-h370/The%20King's%20Inquisitor%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="657" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>The King's Inquisitor</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnwMLWlX57EBJ1_b_Vtj8WbzY-FhP-Ktvwu-PoqfsHn5YUvsiDFVO3Pi4gA7Xte6oo4WMPCNWBOX9ooPF_C3myfSIKdjw2pipG2jHnKBRuIKr8zr4q9BUC5kUmNtg0SpwQRW4PE6FP8dlQfTBt0HIx0yvKd4mc1w2psa0a_4y3Umtl_OTorpn1D4V/s2700/The_Kings_Inquisitor_Book%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnwMLWlX57EBJ1_b_Vtj8WbzY-FhP-Ktvwu-PoqfsHn5YUvsiDFVO3Pi4gA7Xte6oo4WMPCNWBOX9ooPF_C3myfSIKdjw2pipG2jHnKBRuIKr8zr4q9BUC5kUmNtg0SpwQRW4PE6FP8dlQfTBt0HIx0yvKd4mc1w2psa0a_4y3Umtl_OTorpn1D4V/w267-h401/The_Kings_Inquisitor_Book%20Cover.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250494949 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{98}" paraid="1705832355" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0f1111; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The queen of Scotland is dead. Her almoner’s son, William Broune, has fulfilled his father’s wish that he should serve the king, James VI, at court. William finds himself caught between loyalty to the king or loyalty to his conscience. As William is forced to serve as the king’s inquisitor in the North Berwick witch trials, he must make a decision. Will he do what the king asks, and earn the wife, title, and prestige he has always desired, or will he let a bold Scottish lass influence him to follow his heart and do the right thing?</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0f1111; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br class="SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;" /></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br class="SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;" /></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0f1111; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">If William doesn’t make the right choice, he may be among the accused.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0f1111; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250494949 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250494949 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{106}" paraid="1111252135" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Some violent imagery.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250494949 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{114}" paraid="521112722" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW250494949 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{207}" paraid="869316291" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Publication Date:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">July 1, 2022</span></span><span class="TabRun IPSelectionBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; white-space: nowrap; width: 0px;"><span class="TabChar SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span aria-hidden="true" class="TabLeaderChars SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; display: inline-block; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; user-select: none; white-space: pre !important;"></span></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{219}" paraid="1761616017" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Publisher:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Late November Literary</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{229}" paraid="1156468912" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Page Length:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">369</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{239}" paraid="93998337" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Genre:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW160720356 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Historical Romance</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{239}" paraid="93998337" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{239}" paraid="93998337" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW160720356 BCX0" paraeid="{e6c7fd8e-38ae-40b5-823e-b2b895c99283}{239}" paraid="93998337" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW160720356 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{154}" paraid="1402573422" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Universal Link: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://books2read.com/u/4NjWD8" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://books2r</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">e</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ad.com/u/4NjWD8</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{167}" paraid="932158736" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{171}" paraid="1811860335" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amazon UK:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonUK" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonUK</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{182}" paraid="881023660" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amazon US:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonUS" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonUS</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{193}" paraid="1222460963" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amazon CA:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonCA" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonCA</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{204}" paraid="1911730165" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Amazon AU:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonAU" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://tinyurl.com/TheKingsInquisitorAmazonAU</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{215}" paraid="78495605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Barnes and Noble:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW211695860 BCX0" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-kings-inquisitor-tonya-ulynn-brown/1141654694" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">w</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ww.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-kings-inquisitor-tonya-ulynn-brown/1141654694</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{215}" paraid="78495605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{215}" paraid="78495605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW211695860 BCX0" paraeid="{e5a67330-d95f-4700-8eb1-48170e4fa8d4}{215}" paraid="78495605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW211695860 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{171}" paraid="299327270" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">It took only a minute or two to change my clothes, and I was soon on my way back to the gathering. However, a slight lifting of the hair on the back of my neck indicated to me that I was not alone in the hallway. I turned and looked over my shoulder just in time to see Francis Stewart, the Earl of Bothwell, stepping out into the dim light. Candlelight bathed his face in a warm glow, but there was nothing warm about his company. I stiffened at the sight of him and resumed my walk toward the hall. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{177}" paraid="346526733" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{183}" paraid="241824550" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{189}" paraid="295809300" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“William Broune, just the man I wanted to see.” He caught up to me and matched his stride with mine, keeping pace with my quickened steps. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{195}" paraid="51580814" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{199}" paraid="2067435944" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{203}" paraid="222851689" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Bothwell, what are you doing here? I’m sure you did not receive an invitation to the queen’s birthday celebration.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{209}" paraid="794420733" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{213}" paraid="589326842" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{217}" paraid="651746327" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Ah, is </span><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">that</span><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> what is going on? And here I thought perhaps it was a welcome home party for me. I’ve been abroad, you know.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{227}" paraid="1753229822" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{231}" paraid="2019990895" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{235}" paraid="400027737" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I didn’t bother to answer him. His company was about as welcome as a burr in one’s shoe. Only, the burr could be removed and discarded. We could never seem to rid ourselves of the earl completely. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{241}" paraid="1149425868" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{247}" paraid="1378628579" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d1f067a3-87dd-4bdd-b6cc-a85e8c052207}{253}" paraid="80705047" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I sighed. “What do you want?” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{4}" paraid="1970958480" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{10}" paraid="636622346" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{16}" paraid="1396987040" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">He chuckled, scratching his chin. “Such a friendly greeting from an old friend. I’m touched.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{22}" paraid="1209780458" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{28}" paraid="2138002314" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{34}" paraid="1826936840" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stopped abruptly and turned to him. He took two steps further before he realized I had paused. “I would hardly call you an old friend. I don’t make a habit of befriending men who make sport of kidnapping our king and terrorizing the nobility.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{40}" paraid="1859090243" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{44}" paraid="574656854" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{50}" paraid="571756393" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">A grin crept up his face, but the look in his menacing eyes was anything but jovial. “Aren’t we the sycophant. You are no more noble than the Holyroodhouse maid your father married.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{56}" paraid="1378237944" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{62}" paraid="3614552" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{68}" paraid="1592596297" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I drew my clenched fist back. I didn’t like to fight but speaking of my dead mother was too much. He flinched but smiled again when he realized I hesitated. He was an earl after all, and I merely a servant of the crown. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{74}" paraid="1218653652" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{80}" paraid="628444842" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{84}" paraid="924969950" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“You’ve gone too far.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{90}" paraid="1521920748" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{96}" paraid="727872237" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{102}" paraid="2061477968" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“Oh, come now, William. You know I meant no offence. I’m merely pointing out that you are not nobility and therefore shouldn’t be troubled when one of the noble </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">class</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> is ruffled. I know I’m not bothered, and I’m as noble as they come.” He inspected the nails on his upturned hand, and I started walking again.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{112}" paraid="257713911" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{118}" paraid="1900612207" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{124}" paraid="438446708" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">When I didn’t speak, he hastened his pace to catch up. “I was hoping to speak to you about a business proposition. Then again, perhaps you are too busy with the witch trials.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{130}" paraid="734227916" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{134}" paraid="1050554016" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{138}" paraid="56095691" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I ignored him. It unnerved me how much this man always knew about the king’s business. Besides, I was too busy. There had been many more arrests and another interrogation awaited me tomorrow with Doctor Fian. But I wasn’t about to tell him that.</span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{144}" paraid="1613786512" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{150}" paraid="816338419" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{154}" paraid="1021844917" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“It is a chance to make a lot of money, and I thought perhaps you would be just the person to assist me.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{160}" paraid="825895485" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{166}" paraid="801664490" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{172}" paraid="925726358" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Not interested.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{178}" paraid="1714103396" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{182}" paraid="515663770" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{186}" paraid="538972316" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“But there may be a wench or two in the kitty as well.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{192}" paraid="1579079436" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{198}" paraid="153740020" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{204}" paraid="653547916" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Still not interested.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{210}" paraid="796604677" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{216}" paraid="119283319" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{222}" paraid="1556700441" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">He reached out and grabbed my arm, stalling me once more. “Since when is William Broune not interested in a good roll in the hay and a chance to make some loot?” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{228}" paraid="872768978" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{234}" paraid="983285881" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{238}" paraid="1310713262" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Since I am actively pursuing Lady Beatrix Ruthven, and I have no desire to attach myself to the likes of you.” I jerked my arm from his hand which still held fast to my coat.</span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{244}" paraid="951790972" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{250}" paraid="1314685550" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{d362d9d8-7381-4363-a139-aa7ed9acf290}{254}" paraid="2144128960" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Lady Beatrix? Ah, but she is a fine, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">fine</span><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> prize.” His voice turned husky, and he cocked his head.</span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{9}" paraid="1867182990" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Yes, a marriage to her will certainly enhance your prospects. But this is money in your pocket, man. Immediate money. And there’s no need for her to know about the wenches.” He lifted and dropped both eyebrows in one swift motion, and I caught a glimpse of how persuasive he was capable of being. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559731":0,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{15}" paraid="695108531" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559731":0,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{19}" paraid="536436237" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559731":0,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{23}" paraid="264192070" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I’ll go into business with you when hell freezes over.” I was just inches from his face, close enough to smell the whisky that clung to his breath. I tapped the side of his face playfully, then resumed my walk. He did not follow. </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559731":0,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{29}" paraid="923890567" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{35}" paraid="1085918578" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{39}" paraid="864674158" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I can barely resist your sweet talk, Broune,” he called as I continued walking. “But when you realize that you need a little capital, and your new bride is suffering from a headache again, as all new brides do, come find me. I’ll be more than happy to accommodate you.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{45}" paraid="1455587778" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{51}" paraid="1268380980" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW70189627 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW70189627 BCX0" paraeid="{fe8ba9b2-3ea1-433c-91f9-901ddf677e71}{57}" paraid="889431491" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 3px 0px -1px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I suggest you make yourself scarce, Bothwell.” I called over my shoulder. “If His Majesty were to find you here, you may not escape as easily as you did at your last trial.” </span><span class="EOP SCXW70189627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":-5,"335559737":50,"335559991":10}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Ulynn</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Brown is an elementary school teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and uses her love of history and reading to encourage the same love </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">in her students. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Tonya finds inspiration in the historical figures she has studied and in the places she has traveled. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Her interest in medieval and early modern British history influences her writing. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">She resides in rural southeastern Ohio, USA with her husband, Stephen, two boys, Garren and Gabriel, and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">a very naughty </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW239653116 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Springer Spaniel. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can connect with Tonya Ulynn Brown via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW239653116 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{53}" paraid="1094580369" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Website:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="http://www.tonyaubrown.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">www.tonyaubrown.com</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{64}" paraid="1239574573" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Twitter:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="http://www.twitter.com/mrsbrownee2u" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">www.twitter.com/mrsbrownee2u</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{75}" paraid="721180835" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Facebook:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="http://www.facebook.com/tonyaubrown" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">www.facebook.com/tonyaubrown</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{86}" paraid="2016367924" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">LinkedIn:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-littell-brown-4b58b0b1/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-littell-brown-4b58b0b1/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{97}" paraid="457883266" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Instagram:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="http://www.instagram.com/tonyaubrown" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">www.instagram.com/tonyaubrown</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"></span><span class="EOP SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW112729168 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{108}" paraid="55496971" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Pinterest</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">: </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="http://www.pinterest.com/tonyaulynnbrown" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Goodreads:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW112729168 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW112729168 BCX0" href="https://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsAuthorTonyaUlynnBrown" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW112729168 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: windowtext;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9W_d4ja13uqZaL5yv4PISaRUN5HJJGzr1oVJy9i9hvM6zD-t8Y73iX2YlBqA75E0DB43YK68ZBMhHTajONsL0YOebGWC1I43JyuyO_jAjEHx8ffpJubkGs_bvcntPE4Rw4M--41FrMQ1kVj1dR_yB-bnWUABFnugzp25kBMVU-iZ8SOFKwzzKnBq/s1600/The%20King's%20Inquisitor%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9W_d4ja13uqZaL5yv4PISaRUN5HJJGzr1oVJy9i9hvM6zD-t8Y73iX2YlBqA75E0DB43YK68ZBMhHTajONsL0YOebGWC1I43JyuyO_jAjEHx8ffpJubkGs_bvcntPE4Rw4M--41FrMQ1kVj1dR_yB-bnWUABFnugzp25kBMVU-iZ8SOFKwzzKnBq/w619-h349/The%20King's%20Inquisitor%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="619" /></a></span></div><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span><p></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW239653116 BCX0" paraeid="{bd2d200f-cb16-44d2-8c83-c6bd83634643}{11}" paraid="1679928306" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.<br /><span style="color: windowtext;"><br /></span></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-88455315402380391202022-06-30T08:00:00.127+01:002022-06-30T08:00:00.159+01:00Welcoming Rachel R. Heil and her book - Leningrad: The People's War - to my blog<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Rachel R. Heil and her book - Leningrad: The People's War (Leningrad book 1)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJFaXMbxkmcI-QfKBK-XVG8HjWKBvaDVkjZxHu1n40sXGvs4e25vlIQE4EUL9yG2NBL1EpKpbT1C9OKkXJgSVQaSh3BNyduNIiZy-RPEPxmSGiJxr2vx-orVkJDeJgemzKoLeIhZh10REfnYEXkgwNGp4IbR0Nr94b4oFHq7ZxjYO0lP4CbnIPZ3K/s1600/Leningrad%20The%20People's%20War%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJFaXMbxkmcI-QfKBK-XVG8HjWKBvaDVkjZxHu1n40sXGvs4e25vlIQE4EUL9yG2NBL1EpKpbT1C9OKkXJgSVQaSh3BNyduNIiZy-RPEPxmSGiJxr2vx-orVkJDeJgemzKoLeIhZh10REfnYEXkgwNGp4IbR0Nr94b4oFHq7ZxjYO0lP4CbnIPZ3K/w662-h372/Leningrad%20The%20People's%20War%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="662" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Leningrad: The People's War</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvRug9-qj6_4-mzkeivmv6Hv-I81HgnvOu2fSEMJ0NzbcfQTo9wRz03PgvL4JdyVnvyJTb88_wzhgcnlVeR9bFsPD_o1k_hkeFNCz7txrPrLqgpMKWZhcTRx1ZwcDqt_Px4e0IT8jMiJjZmeXaKIDl9WFJrsdieRzp6sP3lGX4UDUpXqFXxub1zi/s2775/Leningrad%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1838" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvRug9-qj6_4-mzkeivmv6Hv-I81HgnvOu2fSEMJ0NzbcfQTo9wRz03PgvL4JdyVnvyJTb88_wzhgcnlVeR9bFsPD_o1k_hkeFNCz7txrPrLqgpMKWZhcTRx1ZwcDqt_Px4e0IT8jMiJjZmeXaKIDl9WFJrsdieRzp6sP3lGX4UDUpXqFXxub1zi/w243-h367/Leningrad%20cover.jpg" width="243" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Leningrad, 1941. As Europe crumbles under the German war machine, the people of the Soviet Union watch. There are whispers of war but not loud enough for the civilians of Leningrad to notice. Instead, they keep their heads down and try to avoid the ever-watching eyes of their own oppressive government.</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E175" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E175" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E176" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E176">University student Tatiana </span><span id="E178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E178">Ivankova</span><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180"> tries to look ahead to the future after a family tragedy that characterizes life under the brutal regime. But, when the rumors that have been circulating the country become a terrifying reality, Tatiana realizes that the greatest fear may not be the enemy but what her fellow citizens are prepared to do to each other to survive.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E182" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E182" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E183" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E183">As his men plow through the Russian countryside, Heinrich </span><span id="E185" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E185">Nottebohm</span><span id="E187" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E187"> is told to follow orders and ask no questions, even if such commands go against his own principles. His superiors hold over him a past event that continues to destroy him with every day that passes. But, when given the opportunity to take an act of defiance, Heinrich will jump at the chance, ignoring what the end results could be.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E189" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E189" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190" style="font-style: italic;">Leningrad: The People</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E191" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E191">’</span><span id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192" style="font-style: italic;">s War</span><span id="E193" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E193"> tells the harrowing beginning of a war that forever changed the landscape of a city, told through the eyes of both sides in a tale of courage, love, and sacrifice. </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E113" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E113" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E114" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E114">Publication Date: February 5, 2021</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E115" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E115" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E116" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E116">Publisher: Independently Published</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E117" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E117" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E118">Page Length: 326 P</span><span id="E120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E120">ages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E122" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E122" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance </span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E122" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E122" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E207" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E207" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14pt;"><span id="E208" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E208"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Universal Link: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://mybook.to/LeningradWar" id="E209" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E209" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E210" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E210">mybook.to/</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E212" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E212">LeningradWar</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E214" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E214" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E215"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon UK: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PMM3NX6" id="E216" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E216" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E217" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E217">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PMM3NX6</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E218" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E218" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon US: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PMM3NX6" id="E220" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E220" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E221" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E221">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PMM3NX6</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E222" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E222" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E223"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon CA: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08PMM3NX6" id="E224" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E224" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225">https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08PMM3NX6</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E122" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E122" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E226" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon AU: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08PMM3NX6" id="E228" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E228" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E229">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08PMM3NX6</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E226" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can also get this book on Kindle Unlimited.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E226" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The whistles squealed and Heinrich slid away his mirror, closed his bag, and stood. He threw his luggage over his shoulder, grabbed his overcoat, and headed for the door. From the small window, Heinrich could see the figure of his old friend Maximilian Rothmann waiting by the tracks, hands behind his back and leaning on his heels. So, his appointment hadn’t been accidental after all. <br /><br />The train came to an uneasy stop and one of the workers opened the door for Heinrich. Before him stood a grinning Max. <br /><br />“I should have known.” Heinrich stepped on solid ground. <br /><br />Max strode up and held his hand. “It’s good to see you again, Heinrich.” <br /><br />A friend from their days in training, Max was a handsome individual. Slightly over six feet tall with blond hair, calm brown eyes, and smooth skin, he never had issues finding a female companion. Strange he hadn’t settled down yet. <br /><br />“So, when given the option, you request someone all the way from Belgium?” Heinrich chuckled. “I think you have something against me.” <br /><br />“Come now, Heinrich!” Max held up his arms. “You can’t tell me you enjoyed Belgium. Hell, you nearly lost your life there.” Max motioned to his chest, where Heinrich’s injury was located. <br /><br />“Still a bit sore, might I add! They weren’t planning on discharging me for another few days.” <br /><br />Max rolled his eyes. “You were taking advantage of it, I’m sure.” <br /><br />“Nevertheless, when the doctor gave me some pills in case it flared up, he told me to take it easy. I exploded with laughter.” <br /><br />Max joined in and patted Heinrich on the back. “Come on, let me take you to your camp.” <br /><br />The city of Pinsk had been taken the day before, and from Heinrich’s new company’s position, he could still see the city smoldering. Max led Heinrich into a tent. In the middle of the space was a large table with several maps and a bed in the corner. <br /><br />“Don’t get too comfortable,” Max advised. “Your unit is heading out early tomorrow morning.” <br /><br />Heinrich placed his bag on the ground next to the table. “And what is our ultimate goal, Moscow?” <br /><br />Max grinned. “Where were you born again, Heinrich?” <br /><br />He closed his eyes and shook his head. <br /><br />Max howled. “Doesn’t seem like my appointment was made out of spite, now does it?” <br /><br />“No.” Heinrich sighed. “But it was foolish.” <br /><br />“How do you suppose?” <br /><br />“Max, it will kill me inside to bomb that city to ruins.” <br /><br />“Well if the rumor I am hearing from upper command is true, then it will make you happy.” Max stood straight. “We aren’t going to bomb Leningrad.” <br /><br />“No?” Heinrich raised an eyebrow. <br /><br />“No. We’re going to starve it out.” <br /><br />Heinrich felt his mouth drop. “Starve it out?” <br /><br />Max’s forehead wrinkled. “You seem upset.” <br /><br />“I applaud Higher Command for not destroying the city but starving it doesn’t seem like a mercy plea either.” <br /><br />“Heinrich, I wouldn’t worry about this.” Max waved away his concerns. “At the rate the Red Army has been retreating, the city will be abandoned. No need to make yourself ill over it.” <br /><br />Heinrich made himself look relaxed but inside he was stirring. Why inflict such needless suffering on civilians who wanted nothing to do with the war? He hadn’t wanted to burn the city but that seemed more humane than starving its people. <br /> <br />“In any case, you’ll have several other cities to get through before Leningrad.” Max gestured to the map. Heinrich leaned over while Max pointed to the city of Smolensk. “This is our next target. Some of the companies are already heading that way so you’ll need to catch up. I’m leaving tonight with my unit.” <br /><br />Heinrich nodded. “I’m used to chasing you, so it should be fun.” <br /><br />“This isn’t military school anymore, Heinrich.” Max playfully jabbed his finger into Heinrich’s shoulder. “I rank above you. Remember that.”</span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="height: 842pt; width: 595pt;"><qowt-footer class="style-scope qowt-page style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false" id="footer" style="min-height: 72pt; padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"></qowt-footer></qowt-page><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“Not for much longer.” Heinrich grinned.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“Fighting words, Nottebohm. Ranks are earned by blood these days. This isn’t France—or even Poland for that matter.” <br /><br />His words had a serious tone to them that Heinrich did not fail to notice. “I understand.” <br /><br />Max shook his head. “You don’t, but in time you will.” <br /><br />Heinrich said nothing, allowing Max’s words to sink in. What had he signed up for?</span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Rachel R. Heil</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSFe3uCTzdaBwP29I2VLWBSD7h3KfOT9zFrFCVsHYfYmWHdTLlccjK8qx1ynVfwfWjPvfJXICxerOmqDQHU9k5AZwDC8fkAfE5z0O0JRvccUW9kh9VI5-sAx0l6q1V6SxMAtVsX3loPBSWUnscA5wkWuZHlhYxvCZOtaipCFUuBJyj_z_aLXeWST2/s4032/Rachel%20R.%20Heil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSFe3uCTzdaBwP29I2VLWBSD7h3KfOT9zFrFCVsHYfYmWHdTLlccjK8qx1ynVfwfWjPvfJXICxerOmqDQHU9k5AZwDC8fkAfE5z0O0JRvccUW9kh9VI5-sAx0l6q1V6SxMAtVsX3loPBSWUnscA5wkWuZHlhYxvCZOtaipCFUuBJyj_z_aLXeWST2/w367-h275/Rachel%20R.%20Heil.jpg" width="367" /></a></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Rachel R. Heil is a historical fiction writer who always dreamed of being an author. After years of dreaming, she finally decided to turn this dream into a reality with her first novel, and series, Behind the Darkened Glass. Rachel is an avid history fan, primarily focused on twentieth century history and particularly World War Two-era events. In addition to her love for history, Rachel loves following the British Royal Family and traveling the world, which only opens the door to learning more about a country's history. Rachel resides in Wisconsin.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with Rachel via these platforms -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E248" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E248" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/HeilRachelR" id="E251" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E251" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E252">https://twitter.com/HeilRachelR</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E254" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E254" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E255"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/RachelRHeil" id="E256" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E256" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E257" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E257">https://www.facebook.com/RachelRHeil</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E258"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E259" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E259" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E260" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E260"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">LinkedIn: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-heil-90bbb6119/" id="E261" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E261" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-heil-90bbb6119/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E264" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E264" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E266" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E266">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E268" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E268">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelrheil/" id="E269" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E269" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270">https://www.instagram.com/rachelrheil/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E271" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E271"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E272" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E272" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E274" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E274">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E276" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E276">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rachel-r-heil" id="E277" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E277" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E278" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E278">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rachel-r-heil</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E280" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E280" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-R-Heil/e/B07MY8DZT8" id="E282" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E282" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-R-Heil/e/B07MY8DZT8</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18802162.Rachel_R_Heil" id="E286" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E286" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18802162.Rachel_R_Heil</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288"><br /></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span id="E146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E146"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-leningrad-peoples-war.html" id="E147" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E147" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-leningrad-peoples-war.html</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KU3GUXhhY6v6vu1hRXILO7uNpZAgmEZvcsaymXMRFBSx1bSFDu2i2mIi3QE2Hd4yixkXFehGHJwnQ3upO7bVMpljTaBvnvMTWzfl1qVLQc4ad6UhapBl8eCuPAGuHO4qWRW9uGbDvUb8Gb7Kq8jo5eWwcoRctYpfSHvOueIfyZElmHiMniaky-K4/s1600/Leningrad%20The%20People's%20War%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KU3GUXhhY6v6vu1hRXILO7uNpZAgmEZvcsaymXMRFBSx1bSFDu2i2mIi3QE2Hd4yixkXFehGHJwnQ3upO7bVMpljTaBvnvMTWzfl1qVLQc4ad6UhapBl8eCuPAGuHO4qWRW9uGbDvUb8Gb7Kq8jo5eWwcoRctYpfSHvOueIfyZElmHiMniaky-K4/w678-h381/Leningrad%20The%20People's%20War%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="678" /></a></div><br /><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe</span></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-65005030652722924522022-06-21T08:00:00.007+01:002022-06-21T08:00:00.164+01:00Welcoming Craig R. Hipkins and his book - Clement: The Templar's Treasure - to my blog<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">Today I'm welcoming Craig R. Hipkins and his book - Clement: The Templar's Treasure (Clement Book 3)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"> - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpGV-yOxhzkXOH_HcaD7R6mgs79zRHSwwSofJMytBcbU_4lQNSbWzyVDULea7upj4tesJ6Ih4my1pQw43kPCqdZQ1FvlsOvYC91ZLF4WGuaK69kC5h1KayPeHdcfr9I6TJIP2jrQ5cbRG4crCha5MSn-1nYFE27puKxDuTGYUw0LQVFMNzpQ12FDj/s1600/Clement%20The%20Templar's%20Treasure%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpGV-yOxhzkXOH_HcaD7R6mgs79zRHSwwSofJMytBcbU_4lQNSbWzyVDULea7upj4tesJ6Ih4my1pQw43kPCqdZQ1FvlsOvYC91ZLF4WGuaK69kC5h1KayPeHdcfr9I6TJIP2jrQ5cbRG4crCha5MSn-1nYFE27puKxDuTGYUw0LQVFMNzpQ12FDj/w655-h369/Clement%20The%20Templar's%20Treasure%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="655" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">Delighted to share a guest post with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Clement: The Templar's Treasure</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJzCquc3sMPCCVgbq0upQG2MzC_aVaEYqUoTsfyxfRgMB-Z87DxCSnDphmD0RhPGXcWD0M3_zsopDMnN9uawqP-OlTAgpDU9VWS7kJL_3aSlX21DrpCa-1_9qOZ9SQeahUOqQomVbWjF9QguQYVt17NMDzuUF4CFWN_t4El2Rq9-YxWK_YAius_fv/s2560/ebookTemplar'streasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJzCquc3sMPCCVgbq0upQG2MzC_aVaEYqUoTsfyxfRgMB-Z87DxCSnDphmD0RhPGXcWD0M3_zsopDMnN9uawqP-OlTAgpDU9VWS7kJL_3aSlX21DrpCa-1_9qOZ9SQeahUOqQomVbWjF9QguQYVt17NMDzuUF4CFWN_t4El2Rq9-YxWK_YAius_fv/w242-h387/ebookTemplar'streasure.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E193" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E193" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E183" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E183" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184">Clement & </span><span id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186">Dagena</span><span id="E188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E188"> return for another </span><span id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190">action packed</span><span id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192"> adventure. From the cold and dreary shores of Greenland to the fabled land of Vinland. The legendary treasure of the Knights Templar awaits.</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E123" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E123" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E125">Publication</span><span id="E127" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E127"> Date: </span><span id="E128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128">4th </span><span id="E129" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129">May 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E130" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E130" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E131" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E131">Publisher: </span><span id="E133" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E133">Hipkins</span><span id="E135" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E135"> </span><span id="E137" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E137">Twins</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E139" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E139" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E140" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E140">Page </span><span id="E142" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E142">Length</span><span id="E144" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E144">: 233 </span><span id="E145" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E145">Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E146" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E146" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147">Genre: Young Adult</span><span id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148"> Historical Fiction</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E146" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E146" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E218" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E218" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219">Amazon</span><span id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220"> </span><span id="E221" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E221">UK: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/" id="E222" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E222" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E223">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E224" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E224" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225">Amazon</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E226" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E226"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227">US: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/" id="E228" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E228" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E229">https://www.amazon.com/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E230" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E230" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E231">Amazon</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E232" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E232"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E233">CA: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/" id="E234" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E234" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E235">https://www.amazon.ca/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E236" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E236" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237">Amazon</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E238" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E238"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E239">AU: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/" id="E240" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E240" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E241" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E241">https://www.amazon.com.au/Clement-Templars-Treasure-Craig-Hipkins-ebook/dp/B09ZNHQG3L/</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E236" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E236" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E236" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E236" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the guest post -</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E44" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E44" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E45" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E45">For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E46" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E46">medieval times. The inspiration behind </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E47" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E47">writing Clement: The Templar’s Treasure </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E48" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E48">most certainly came from my youth. My twin brother and I would devour </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E49" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E49">the works of Sir Walter Scott</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E50" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E50"> and Howard Pyle. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E51" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E51">We were also fascinated by the </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E52" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E52">legend of Robin Hood and the </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E53" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E53">campaigns of King Richard the Lionheart. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E54" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E54">We would often act out </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E55" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E55">and pretend to be these classic heroes</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E56" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E56">.</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E57" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E57"> </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E58" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E58">As we got older our interests changed from play-acting to writing </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E59" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E59">adventure tales of our own. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E60" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E60">Some of them</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E61" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E61"> with a gothic or horror theme, but we always returned to </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E62" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E62">the </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E63" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E63">Middle Ages</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E64" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E64">. </span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E65" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E65" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E66" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E66">The character of Clement </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E67" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E67">first appeared in my novel Adalbert. At first</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E68" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E68">,</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E69" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E69"> he was </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E70" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E70">merely a minor character, but as the book progressed his character became more developed and by the end was an integral part of the plot. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E71" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E71">I decided that I would do a YA spin off series of books centered around him and </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E73" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E73">Dagena</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E75" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E75">, his</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E76" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E76"> witty and </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E77" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E77">strong-willed</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E78" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E78"> girlfriend</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E79" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E79">. Together, the two youths </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E80" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E80">involve themselves in </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E81" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E81">many adventures. In this third installment of the Clement </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E82" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E82">series, they find themselves </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E83" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E83">traveling to the fabled land of Vinland.</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E84" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E84"> </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E85" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E85">Although this book can be read as a stand alone novel, it is really a</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E86" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E86"> continuation of the previous book in the series; </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E87" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E87" style="font-style: italic;">Clement: The Green Ship.</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E88" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E88" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E89" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E89" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E90" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E90">Over the years, I have read a lot of books about the Norse and their settlements </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E91" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E91">in Greenland and Iceland. I am also </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E92" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E92">fascinated with</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E93" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E93"> </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E94" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E94">the</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E95" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E95"> voyages of Leif Erikson who </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E96" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E96">is known to have traveled west of Greenland and </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E97" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E97">recorded two large land masses. The first, he named Markland</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E98" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E98">, a wooded region where the Norse gathered timber. It has often been suggested that Markland </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E99" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E99">might be located in present day Labrador. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E100" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E100">South of Markland, Leif encountered </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E101" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E101">an</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E102" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E102"> area where a wild grape grew in abundance. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E103" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E103">Leif called this area Vinland. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E104" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E104">It </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E105" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E105">is not known with any certainty where Vinland </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E106" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E106">was located</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E107" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E107">. Some scholars point </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E108" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E108">to </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E109" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E109" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">L'Anse aux Meadows</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E110" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">, on the coast of </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E111" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E111" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">Newfound</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E112" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E112" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">land where a </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E113" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E113" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">Norse settlement was excavated back in the 1960s. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E114" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E114" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">However, no wild grapes are known to grow there. I am of the opinion that Vinland was located much f</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E115" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E115" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">arther south of Newfoundland near Cape Cod, where </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E116" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E116" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">there are cranberry bogs that might be mistaken for wild grapes. </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E117" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E117" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">It is here where I take a little literary license and </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E118" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">set the story for </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E119" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E119" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-style: italic;">Clement: The Templar’s Treasure</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E120" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">. </span>
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E122" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E122" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">Since I grew up in Massachusetts</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">, I am</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E124" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E124" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"> well</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E125" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"> familiar with the terrain and the history of the region. This was one of the main reasons that I set th</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E126" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E126" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">e story to take place here.</span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E127" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E127" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"> </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">In a way, as I was writing this, my mind occasionally drifted back to my childhood and the days spent romping through the </span><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" id="E129" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">forests of Vinland. </span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><b>Craig R. Hipkins</b></span></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="qowt-font2-TimesNewRoman" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129" style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #202122; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrybwHB88ywNLnfvyR-0Tb63dKfLuOriJNVKjCp3iQUHuNm7isqLdo6DOyUcxp6Da3BqPknBy-9ej0A-_EjamBvesPkY1fCJv47sxMIznC5VtRfa-FRIxl_EruAsmba8L13Vgi2Z-3oxIQYp5_vWAdsZXE-HI-Hnm6AKfRQxjlrgDydgJmZsk-fAs/s699/Craig%20R.%20Hipkins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="481" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrybwHB88ywNLnfvyR-0Tb63dKfLuOriJNVKjCp3iQUHuNm7isqLdo6DOyUcxp6Da3BqPknBy-9ej0A-_EjamBvesPkY1fCJv47sxMIznC5VtRfa-FRIxl_EruAsmba8L13Vgi2Z-3oxIQYp5_vWAdsZXE-HI-Hnm6AKfRQxjlrgDydgJmZsk-fAs/w240-h349/Craig%20R.%20Hipkins.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248">Craig R. </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250">Hipkins</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E252"> grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel, Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E254" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E254">Hipkins</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E256" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E256"> (1968-2018) He is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with Craig R. Hipkins via these platforms -</span></div></span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E264" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E264" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.hipkinstwins.com" id="E266" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E266" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E267">www.hipkinstwins.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248"></span></span></p><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E268" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E268" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E269"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/CraigHipkins" id="E270" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E270" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E271" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E271">https://twitter.com/CraigHipkins</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E272" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E272" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E273" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E273"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.facebook.com/craig.hipkins.9" id="E274" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E274" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E275">www.facebook.com/craig.hipkins.9</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E276" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E276" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">LinkedIn: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hipkins-7a042357" id="E278" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E278" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279">https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hipkins-7a042357</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E280" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E280" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/craighipkins3/" id="E282" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E282" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">https://www.instagram.com/craighipkins3/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Pinterest: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/craighipkins/" id="E286" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E286" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287">https://www.pinterest.co.uk/craighipkins/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E288" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E288" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E289" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E289"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Craig-R.-Hipkins/e/B004RDJMNC" id="E290" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E290" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E291" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E291">https://www.amazon.com/Craig-R.-Hipkins/e/B004RDJMNC</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E292" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E292" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E293" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E293"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19975162.Craig_R_Hipkins" id="E294" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E294" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E295" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E295">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19975162.Craig_R_Hipkins</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E292" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E292" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E292" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E292" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E164" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E164" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E160" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E160" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E161" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E161"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/05/blog-tour-clement-templars-treasure.html" id="E162" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E162" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E163">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/05/blog-tour-clement-templars-treasure.html</span></a>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Hw8n5UOnGdeEZln5t4LnTARyBwAuysRag1ergzLNbrsNRKl28nGaWmnq3jgHoItfPiym4cc7FJIZL7xmwgJ0Ek_6qUBhl2BBlKSBvDogCKJ339_Nb8svC2c1JrzfRPOeVqvgV8uwcLEaJMfOvT1uKOPiDo_ehI7j-AzdYzaYrdOvy4_OyTc7LD0/s1600/Clement%20The%20Templar's%20Treasure%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Hw8n5UOnGdeEZln5t4LnTARyBwAuysRag1ergzLNbrsNRKl28nGaWmnq3jgHoItfPiym4cc7FJIZL7xmwgJ0Ek_6qUBhl2BBlKSBvDogCKJ339_Nb8svC2c1JrzfRPOeVqvgV8uwcLEaJMfOvT1uKOPiDo_ehI7j-AzdYzaYrdOvy4_OyTc7LD0/w649-h365/Clement%20The%20Templar's%20Treasure%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="649" /></a></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E160" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E160" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined">That's it for now.</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E160" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E160" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined">Till the next time.</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E160" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E160" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined">Take care Zoe</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-73876089611115335492022-06-17T08:00:00.004+01:002022-06-17T08:00:00.158+01:00Welcoming Tony Riches and his book - Raleigh - Tudor Adventurer - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Today I'm welcoming Tony Riches and his book - Raleigh - Tudor Adventurer (Book 3, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The Elizabethan Series)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYIXvWw9JpV7XfrgqME2FPSd9NWM9jfv6kODLfLIlZeSRHfdEMeT-fbFBplUqG7nN8PJfRGoLPacE7Qnie5ONQt_1uAXA4KdLuSWwowgqPVgPf8HvJHcGqNwIvi56ETC3QS7c6LwRjfd5CXO2fWD2i8kiXVcl5lc7GCRknzBGdSQlibrKhWT7Qtg_/s1600/Raleigh%20Tudor%20Adventurer%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYIXvWw9JpV7XfrgqME2FPSd9NWM9jfv6kODLfLIlZeSRHfdEMeT-fbFBplUqG7nN8PJfRGoLPacE7Qnie5ONQt_1uAXA4KdLuSWwowgqPVgPf8HvJHcGqNwIvi56ETC3QS7c6LwRjfd5CXO2fWD2i8kiXVcl5lc7GCRknzBGdSQlibrKhWT7Qtg_/w662-h373/Raleigh%20Tudor%20Adventurer%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="662" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large;">Raleigh - Tudor Adventurer</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF5EMrKZlrERrj-zMbUK21aTH2D7GUrntXBgWiIhdzh9OR6qsDUrQ6v6wmV2BAIdlH_hZ6zrwzzIxsT0AUKnWp6kSKr0MmKqQ7jKo61-iAsKFHp7iIoM8Y6EPM1xWr9cg0VNESLFd2aAHKF1LHgzguHoBWZADA10rtpx5jxsOvlgF-P_j_kx4j9Xr/s3294/Raleigh%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3294" data-original-width="2162" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF5EMrKZlrERrj-zMbUK21aTH2D7GUrntXBgWiIhdzh9OR6qsDUrQ6v6wmV2BAIdlH_hZ6zrwzzIxsT0AUKnWp6kSKr0MmKqQ7jKo61-iAsKFHp7iIoM8Y6EPM1xWr9cg0VNESLFd2aAHKF1LHgzguHoBWZADA10rtpx5jxsOvlgF-P_j_kx4j9Xr/w238-h363/Raleigh%20cover.jpg" width="238" /></a></div></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E146" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E146" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147">Tudor adventurer, courtier, exp</span><span id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148">lorer and poet, Sir Walter Raleigh has been called the last true Elizabethan.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E150" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E150" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151">He didn’t dance or joust, didn’t come from a noble family, or marry into one. So how did an impoverished law student become a </span><span id="E153" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E153">favourite</span><span id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155"> of the queen, and Captain of the Guard?</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E157" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E157" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E158" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The story which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy follows Walter Raleigh from his first days at the Elizabethan Court to the end of the Tudor dynasty.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E93" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E93" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E95" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E95">Publication</span><span id="E97" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E97"> Date: 1st May 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E98" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E98" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E99" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E99">Publisher: </span><span id="E101" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E101">Preseli</span><span id="E103" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E103"> Press</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E104" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E104" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E105" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E105">Page Length: 332 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E157" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E157" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158" style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E106" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E106" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E107" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E107">Genre: </span><span id="E109" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E109" qowt-runtype="qowt-tab"> </span><span id="E110" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110">Historical Fiction</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E106" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E106" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E175" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E175" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon UK: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09Z98J183" id="E177" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E177" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E178">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09Z98J183</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E179" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E179" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon US: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z98J183" id="E181" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E181" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z98J183</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E183" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E183" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon CA: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09Z98J183" id="E185" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E185" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186">https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09Z98J183</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E187" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E187" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon AU: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09Z98J183" id="E189" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E189" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09Z98J183</span></a><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-1" id="E187" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E187" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Westminster Palace</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">July 1580</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sir Francis Walsingham gestured to me to sit, and returned to studying his papers. I’d never been inside Westminster Palace before, and was surprised at the plainness of his office. His desk was empty except for an inkstand and the papers in front of him. The tapestries on the walls were faded relics from another age.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">His trimmed beard was tinged with grey and he dressed in black with an outdated figure-of-eight ruff. I noted the hem of his sleeve was frayed and repaired. It seemed impossible such an influential and powerful man might be short of money, and I guessed that, unlike me, he had no concern for what he wore.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">His terse note summoning me to see him offered no clue as to the reason. I expected to finally account to the queen’s principal secretary for the ruin of the Falcon. I had no idea what the punishment might be, but was so deep in debt a fine would be of little consequence.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘It seems you’ve been making quite a nuisance of yourself since your return, Master Raleigh.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">His softly spoken voice sounded more sinister than if he’d shouted and, for once, I hesitated to spring to my own defence. I’d been restless since landing at Plymouth, fallen in with the wrong company and turned to drink to forget the burden of guilt.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘Nothing to say?’ Sir Francis raised an eyebrow. ‘I was told you are something of a poet.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘I’ve been unwell, sir, after contracting a fever at sea.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">He looked through his papers. ‘There is the matter of oranges, stolen from a Spanish merchant ship in Dartmouth.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘I swear I had no part in that, sir.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘The Privy Council believes you did, but I’m sure the Spanish can spare a few oranges.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I smiled at his understatement, beginning to like him, despite my dire situation. Some members of the impoverished Falcon crew had taken the Spanish merchant ship one moonless night. They sailed her to Torbay, and sold her valuable cargo of ripe fruit before the alarm was raised.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sir Francis turned his papers to the next page. ‘You were summoned again to the Privy Council, and sent to the Fleet prison for a week for fighting with Sir Thomas Perrot.’ His eyes narrowed. ‘You know Her Majesty’s views on duelling?’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘It wasn’t a duel, sir. Thomas Perrot was also sentenced to the Fleet, so the Privy Council understood the fault was not entirely mine. He offended me, and I demanded his apology.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘Sir Thomas Perrot is well known for his ability to give offence. If I were to demand an apology from every man who offended me, I would be busy indeed.’ He read the next page and looked up at me. ‘You were then committed to Marshalsea prison for fighting in the street and wounding a man named Edward Wingfield.’ He frowned. ‘You were released from the Fleet on a good conduct bond from the Privy Council.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My hand formed a fist at the memory. ‘I was set upon by Perrot’s friends, who lay in wait to ambush me as I walked here in Westminster. I believed they intended to murder me, sir.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘This was the third time you’ve been before the Privy Council in as many months.’ Sir Francis leaned forwards in his chair, fixing me with his intense stare. ‘What are we to do with you, Master Raleigh?’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I had no answer for him and sat in dejected silence, waiting to hear my punishment. I cursed my bad luck.</span></div><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="height: 841.9pt; width: 595.3pt;"><div style="text-align: left;"><qowt-header class="style-scope qowt-page style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false" id="header" style="min-height: 72pt; padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"></qowt-header></div></qowt-page><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Things could not be much worse. My reputation was destroyed, and I’d come to the Privy Council’s notice once too often, through no fault of my own.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sir Francis smiled, for the first time. ‘You are fortunate that I see some of your redeeming qualities. You are the only commander who refused to abandon Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s expedition. I also hear you’ve proved a natural leader, and an able ship’s captain.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My conscience urged me to point out that half of my crew failed to return, but I recalled that Simon Fernandez was Sir Francis Walsingham’s man. We’d formed an unexpected bond, and he would have given the queen’s spymaster a colourful account of my part in our voyage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sir Francis didn’t wait for my answer. ‘The Spanish believe Ireland is our Achilles heel and are plotting another revolt. We’re sending reinforcements, and you will have a Crown commission of the rank of captain, and an opportunity to redeem yourself.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It sounded like an order, but my mind filled with the possibilities of a new adventure. My brother had been knighted for his service in Ireland. I could become one of Walsingham’s men, part of his network of trusted informers, put my past behind me and win my longed-for place at court.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘I would be honoured, sir.’</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">He nodded. ‘A hundred men have been mustered here in London. You will take them to Cork, and report to the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lord Grey of Wilton.’ He spoke as if I had no choice, leaving me wondering whether this was my punishment, or a test.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tony Riches</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEnT68CuI1K6Hv39xyP3lREFnVwtti66qGID8Av-OcixwesOWW9tnoFJx36xDJVWd2rFe3YrR6pO3nzuCW43rQCj5f9PzYeUwFBknkS_0rKJtZu5KyLTFNii4RkmaPCQjpZn995ZjQJms_IL2cE8j2FBhwIWEeWpO64-gkqz94baamt1Q67CyEsiQ/s3024/Tony%20Riches%20Author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2820" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEnT68CuI1K6Hv39xyP3lREFnVwtti66qGID8Av-OcixwesOWW9tnoFJx36xDJVWd2rFe3YrR6pO3nzuCW43rQCj5f9PzYeUwFBknkS_0rKJtZu5KyLTFNii4RkmaPCQjpZn995ZjQJms_IL2cE8j2FBhwIWEeWpO64-gkqz94baamt1Q67CyEsiQ/w318-h341/Tony%20Riches%20Author.jpg" width="318" /></a></div></span><span id="E201" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E201"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E201" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E201">Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-se</span><span id="E202" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E202">lling historical fiction. He lives in </span><span id="E204" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E204">Pembrokeshire</span><span id="E206" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E206">, West Wales and is a specialist in the lives of the Tudors. He also runs the popular </span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207">‘</span></span></div></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://tonyriches.podbean.com/" id="E208" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E208" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E209" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E209">Stories of the Tu</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E210" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E210">d</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E211" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E211">ors</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS qowt-stl-None" id="E212" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E212">’ </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E213" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E213">podcast, and posts book reviews, author intervie</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E214" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E214">ws and guest posts at his blog, </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://tonyriches.blogspot.co.uk/" id="E215" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E215" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216">The Writing Desk</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E217" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E217">.</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218"> For more information about Tony</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS qowt-stl-None" id="E219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219">’</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220">s books please visit his website </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.tonyriches.com/" id="E221" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E221" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E222" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E222">tonyriches.com</span></a><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E223"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> and find him on </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/tonyriches.author" id="E224" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E224" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225">Facebook</span></a><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E226" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E226"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> and Twitter </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/tonyriches" id="E227" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E227" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E228" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E228">@tonyriches</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with Tony Riches via these platforms -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E234" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E234" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E235" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Blog: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/" id="E236" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E236" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237">https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E239" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.tonyriches.com/" id="E240" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E240" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink6" id="E241" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E241">https://www.tonyriches.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E242" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E242" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E243" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E243" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Podcast: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://tonyriches.podbean.com/" id="E244" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E244" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245">https://tonyriches.podbean.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E246" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E246" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/tonyriches" id="E248" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E248" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249">https://twitter.com/tonyriches</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E250" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E250" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E251" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E251" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/tonyriches.author" id="E252" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E252" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253">https://www.facebook.com/tonyriches.author</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E254" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E254" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E256" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E256" style="color: #212121;">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E258" style="color: #212121;">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/tonyriches.author/" id="E259" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E259" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E260" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E260">https://www.instagram.com/tonyriches.author/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E261" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E261" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262" style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/author/tonyriches" id="E263" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E263" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink6" id="E264" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E264">https://www.amazon.com/author/tonyriches</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E261" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E261" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can also find out more about the author and book by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E261" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E261" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-raleigh-tudor-adventurer.html">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-raleigh-tudor-adventurer.html</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhas-myBUJE-4vB8cU3K2P3YzT9SkwRthN65a8fQl5h-7rXfWg0szXXSw-xSSv-sJlhnOL1NPouEwIVFiHC-7fpmMz22NGxA0JW1nnDcJGzLcMuGzQ-HpXQvRAZAsqdoWEW3wSEq9EAyaE2HMxPo4DDCgVziasAf2Mizss5BQnhyBlsp8p7j44oH8/s1600/Raleigh%20Tudor%20Adventurer%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhas-myBUJE-4vB8cU3K2P3YzT9SkwRthN65a8fQl5h-7rXfWg0szXXSw-xSSv-sJlhnOL1NPouEwIVFiHC-7fpmMz22NGxA0JW1nnDcJGzLcMuGzQ-HpXQvRAZAsqdoWEW3wSEq9EAyaE2HMxPo4DDCgVziasAf2Mizss5BQnhyBlsp8p7j44oH8/w660-h371/Raleigh%20Tudor%20Adventurer%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="660" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe<br /></span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E261" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E261" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><br /></p></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-32778662035531374762022-06-08T08:00:00.005+01:002022-06-08T08:00:00.185+01:00Welcoming Mercedes Rochelle and her book - The Accursed King - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Today I'm welcoming Mercedes Rochelle and her book - The Accursed King (Book 4, </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Plantagenet Legacy)</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> - to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club (founded by Mary Anne Yarde)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvnOfeTOj_R1RORfwgfXzF7QNV59FZLkWW0azRqF3_kr77t0YhKwIJwkAT9hY_AARcI7ZfN-aT_MVCNdviFu2wkuzM2SaI0AiVmId9hoqC0X7nNfKvfdVqElWDB6uoFsI96QvuZPMguWNmRA5wuvKWeaUbBbUE21cNCehKZYG1f4DhM6xkStZFBHh/s1600/The%20Accursed%20King%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvnOfeTOj_R1RORfwgfXzF7QNV59FZLkWW0azRqF3_kr77t0YhKwIJwkAT9hY_AARcI7ZfN-aT_MVCNdviFu2wkuzM2SaI0AiVmId9hoqC0X7nNfKvfdVqElWDB6uoFsI96QvuZPMguWNmRA5wuvKWeaUbBbUE21cNCehKZYG1f4DhM6xkStZFBHh/w639-h360/The%20Accursed%20King%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="639" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to introduce you all to this book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Accursed King</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeKVdhSUJD-J7U0A5oH9kKZwe0rqbNtsD4HnOKjgRaYJhDH0874amAG7jWxmEdvJ1oVaA18CE47F-QOyeSlSEICiAOyokxZ28gNPWTxmVYDvODv0Nxo4w9m2NJKRCI2GsCa6e47XX32xGqNn1jDZOF6lnjkxwVWNQXfKUv0hGRZNB86_SxL1T6m0i/s1383/HenryAccursedCover-Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="927" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeKVdhSUJD-J7U0A5oH9kKZwe0rqbNtsD4HnOKjgRaYJhDH0874amAG7jWxmEdvJ1oVaA18CE47F-QOyeSlSEICiAOyokxZ28gNPWTxmVYDvODv0Nxo4w9m2NJKRCI2GsCa6e47XX32xGqNn1jDZOF6lnjkxwVWNQXfKUv0hGRZNB86_SxL1T6m0i/w247-h369/HenryAccursedCover-Medium.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E158" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E158" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></div></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyB x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E153" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E153" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E154" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E154">What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divin</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155">e judgement was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to a</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E156" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E156">n invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E157"> Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart. </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E111" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E111" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E113" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E113">Publication</span><span id="E115" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E115"> Date: 18th April 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E116" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E116" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E117" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E117">Publisher: Sergeant Press</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E118" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E118" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E119" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E119">Page Length: 282 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E120" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E120" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E121" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E121"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Fiction</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E120" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E120" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E121"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E120" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E120" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E121"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon UK: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLC" id="E219" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E219" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLC</span></a><br /></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E194" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E194" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E195" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E195">Series Links:</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E196" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E196" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E197" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E197"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">A King Under Siege (Book 1): </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/mKdzpV" id="E198" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E198" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E199" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E199">https://books2read.com/u/mKdzpV</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E200" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E200" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E201" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E201"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The King’s Retribution (Book 2): </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/mBzGwA" id="E202" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E202" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E203" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E203">https://books2read.com/u/mBzGwA</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E204" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E204" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E205" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E205"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Usurper King (Book 3): </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/b6RZMW" id="E206" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E206" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207">https://books2read.com/u/b6RZMW</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E120" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E120" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E121"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E208" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E208" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E209" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E209">The </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E211" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E211">Accursed</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E213" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E213"> King (Book 4): </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/3RLxZL" id="E214" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E214" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E215">https://books2read.com/u/3RLxZL</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E208" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E208" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E167" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E167">This </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E169" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E169">book</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E171" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E171"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E173">is</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E175" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E175"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E177" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E177">free</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E179" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E179"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E181" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E181">to</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E183" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E183"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E185" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E185">read</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E187" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E187"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E189" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E189">with</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E191" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E191"> #KindleUnlimited </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192">subscription</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E208" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E208" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcMk4nryVqE7Txc8nGcBxsPtI8IhecboCWeOTbi-1_TbUYmPx2wat58gsrWrFJrqrwJQ5azhg-1oqFcIZQnlf2AFo_36o2y9uYe60c75S00fuQGa_0VAvuzaD4TkAbkdzASnSw1R1-5F_76lu2JqD5xLP_2AaIzwhRQXY6LmDzyoCQSMHqLyPFDLh/s1600/The%20Plantagenet%20Legacy%20Series%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcMk4nryVqE7Txc8nGcBxsPtI8IhecboCWeOTbi-1_TbUYmPx2wat58gsrWrFJrqrwJQ5azhg-1oqFcIZQnlf2AFo_36o2y9uYe60c75S00fuQGa_0VAvuzaD4TkAbkdzASnSw1R1-5F_76lu2JqD5xLP_2AaIzwhRQXY6LmDzyoCQSMHqLyPFDLh/w652-h367/The%20Plantagenet%20Legacy%20Series%20Banner.png" width="652" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: xx-large; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mercedes Rochelle</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUYHibCo8Ho5WbKio343xxO89JvieJ3REHQVbujDPb6EiF4QsxKE0xaeIYxRiaawiy1GEgZMqoUEy3Fe1xpnhrSITOAWYqJUG9HcYhjhLCOnvJJb1FJWzPl5x7G46YWJwsCRSjp2C78CnZSUv0uUTVQNJch5EfCEWezeG9M0A6N-vYZdFTSfFJEAU/s929/MercedesBookClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="865" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUYHibCo8Ho5WbKio343xxO89JvieJ3REHQVbujDPb6EiF4QsxKE0xaeIYxRiaawiy1GEgZMqoUEy3Fe1xpnhrSITOAWYqJUG9HcYhjhLCOnvJJb1FJWzPl5x7G46YWJwsCRSjp2C78CnZSUv0uUTVQNJch5EfCEWezeG9M0A6N-vYZdFTSfFJEAU/w347-h373/MercedesBookClose.jpg" width="347" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">The next series is called </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E251" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E251" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">The Plantag</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E252" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">enet Legacy</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E254" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E254" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in L</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E255" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">iterature at the Univ. of Missouri </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E258" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">St.Louis</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E261" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E261" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to </span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS qowt-stl-None" id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">“</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">see the world</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E264" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E264" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">”</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">. The search </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E267" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">hasn</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS qowt-stl-None" id="E269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E269" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">’</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">t ended! Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E208" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E208" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;">You can connect with Mercedes Rochelle via -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E278" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E278" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279">Website: <a href="https://www.MercedesRochelle.com">https://www.MercedesRochelle.com</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E280" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E280" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281">Twitter: <a href="https://www.Twitter.com/authorRochelle">https://www.Twitter.com/authorRochelle</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E282" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E282" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">Facebook:</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E284" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284"> </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mercedesrochelle.net">https://www.facebook.com/mercedesrochelle.net</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E286" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E286" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290">: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mercedes-rochelle">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mercedes-rochelle</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E291" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E291" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E292">Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://ww">https://ww</a></span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E293" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E293"><a href="http://w.amazon.com/Mercedes-Rochelle/e/B001KMG5P6">w.amazon.com/Mercedes-Rochelle/e/B001KMG5P6</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E295" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E295"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1696491.Mercedes_Rochelle" id="E296" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E296" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E297" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E297">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1696491.Mercedes_Rochelle</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E134" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E134"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tour Schedule Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-accursed-king-plantagenet.html" id="E135" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E135" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E136" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E136">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-accursed-king-plantagenet.html</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcixggR-noQ6mCEGHq0aWeTYf11MwvH0fC6JWS7YvMV7HQZgOPpxnxgQO0x-n1nWYnVWNje_faMC_kp4yaWG2TOg-UiQqFz6h8Tsnj8pfsfCiUU2ZjPSmcHrufRvsA0IY5Qtlu4BH19IzSF73qDExymEIzVzhVwmfzUWZ3a2ph44ZYxNYvHVAzkBk/s1600/The%20Accursed%20King%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcixggR-noQ6mCEGHq0aWeTYf11MwvH0fC6JWS7YvMV7HQZgOPpxnxgQO0x-n1nWYnVWNje_faMC_kp4yaWG2TOg-UiQqFz6h8Tsnj8pfsfCiUU2ZjPSmcHrufRvsA0IY5Qtlu4BH19IzSF73qDExymEIzVzhVwmfzUWZ3a2ph44ZYxNYvHVAzkBk/w651-h366/The%20Accursed%20King%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="651" /></a></div><br /><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E294" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E294" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-88151667751927718972022-05-13T08:00:00.005+01:002022-05-13T08:00:00.188+01:00Welcoming M. K. Tod and her book - The Admiral's Wife - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming M.K.Tod and her book - The Admiral's Wife </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V8HUCzVc83IO-quRaUkYzQx0iQ8C48MoUkRAzQmvO19JiswROzaUg_YYfBo9f8rIJTEg_WuMTKYZiALSvwowNP6tBoL-aLQhFLUR_SGEUifdKvphEV0NpK34Cg4P2UqSUKUnLy0zf1F-iqpWXs_TgChoX48acJ2oLCPpT1aHUTIwfzNwQOoBXbA2/s1600/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V8HUCzVc83IO-quRaUkYzQx0iQ8C48MoUkRAzQmvO19JiswROzaUg_YYfBo9f8rIJTEg_WuMTKYZiALSvwowNP6tBoL-aLQhFLUR_SGEUifdKvphEV0NpK34Cg4P2UqSUKUnLy0zf1F-iqpWXs_TgChoX48acJ2oLCPpT1aHUTIwfzNwQOoBXbA2/w653-h368/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="653" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Admiral's Wife</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY42E2fj_bWP3MNM2oTrLL2WsEdSJ8ex9kgd0ai8SIYGkWGpiHnY_XJSJlshwKZpOAthK3LLmHBEi59Areclvv_IReIyR9vObV4QIZY4INYadCaH2u5ReBZJTaI77gfQ6bfUdyNlXL2KFUIlPjS9zMmOF8w9tqHM4JETzExULDVRreh3W90_0iMZB-/s648/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY42E2fj_bWP3MNM2oTrLL2WsEdSJ8ex9kgd0ai8SIYGkWGpiHnY_XJSJlshwKZpOAthK3LLmHBEi59Areclvv_IReIyR9vObV4QIZY4INYadCaH2u5ReBZJTaI77gfQ6bfUdyNlXL2KFUIlPjS9zMmOF8w9tqHM4JETzExULDVRreh3W90_0iMZB-/w271-h407/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></div></b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />The lives of two women living in Hong Kong more than a century apart are unexpectedly linked by forbidden love and financial scandal. <br /><br />In 2016, Patricia Findlay leaves a high-powered career to move to Hong Kong, where she hopes to rekindle the bonds of family and embrace the city of her ancestors. Instead, she is overwhelmed by feelings of displacement and depression. To make matters worse, her father, CEO of the family bank, insists that Patricia’s duty is to produce an heir, even though she has suffered three miscarriages. <br /><br />In 1912, when Isabel Taylor moves to Hong Kong with her husband, Henry, and their young daughter, she struggles to find her place in such a different world and to meet the demands of being the admiral’s wife. At a reception hosted by the governor of Hong Kong, she meets Li Tao-Kai, an influential member of the Chinese community and a man she met a decade earlier when he was a student at Cambridge. <br /><br />As the story unfolds, each woman must consider where her loyalties lie and what she is prepared to risk for love. <br /><br />Trigger Warnings:<br />Brief sex scenes <br /><br />Praise: <br /><br />“Family secrets and personal ambitions, east and west, collide in this compelling, deeply moving novel." -- Weina Dai Randel, award-winning author of THE LAST ROSE OF <br /><br />SHANGHAI<br /><br />“Irresistible and absorbing.” Janie Chang, bestselling author of THE LIBRARY OF LEGENDS</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Publication Date: 11th April 2022 <br /><br />Publisher: Heath Street Publishing <br /><br />Page Length: 390 Pages <br /><br />Genre: Dual-Timeline</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E197" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E197"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon (Universal Link): </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/mg70YX" id="E198" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E198" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E199" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E199">https://books2read.com/u/mg70YX</span></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />At 6:00 p.m., Kennedy Road was still crowded along the winding section that cut across Victoria Peak. Hong Kong’s ubiquitous red taxis dodged from lane to lane as they ferried commuters from offices in Sheung Wan, Central, and Wan Chai to apartment buildings that crammed the hillside like an invading army. Patricia stared out the tinted windows of their limousine, idly reading the names mounted on each grand entrance gate: Camelot Heights, Wing Wai Court, Amber Garden, Bamboo Grove. <br /><br />“You seem moody,” Andrew said. <br /><br />“Do I?” She turned to look at him. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still annoyed with my father.” <br /><br />“Come on, sweetheart. That was more than a week ago. Just ignore him and find a job on your own.” He squeezed her hand. “What’s happened to my strong, capable wife? The woman who could handle tough negotiations with people who had twice as much experience.” <br /><br />Patricia flashed him a little smile. “You’re right,” she said. “But the whole thing still pisses me off.” <br /><br />Her husband rubbed the red stubble on his face, a sign that he was weighing his next words. “Should we return to New York?” he asked. <br /><br />She pushed a strand of long black hair behind one ear. “No, no, no. We can’t go back to the U.S. My father would have a fit. So would my mother. But I’m going nuts with nothing to do.” <br /><br />During the first three or four months in Hong Kong, Patricia had spent her days organizing their spacious apartment, exploring the city, spending time with her family, and indulging in what she thought of as frivolous pursuits like shopping and weekly pedicures. She had also played tennis, learned mahjong, taken up qigong, and made a few friends. After almost twenty years of working in a demanding career, she’d considered this interlude a well-deserved rest. <br /><br />Depression had come on unexpectedly. The first sign was difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. General fatigue and irritability had followed, and there were days when she just couldn’t focus. Andrew had encouraged her to go to the doctor. Doctor Leung, her mother’s GP, had prescribed pills but after less than a month Patricia had stopped taking the medication. At the same time, she’d resolved to get back to work. <br /><br />“I know it’s been difficult,” Andrew said. He took her hand again and ran his thumb across her fingers. “You’ll find something. But please don’t antagonize your father tonight. I’m finally making headway at the bank. I think he’s even beginning to appreciate my skills, which is an improvement over resenting me. If he believes he can trust me, there could be more opportunity here than back home. And more money. I have to think of the kids.” <br /><br />“I wish we could see them,” she said. Sadness surged across her chest. <br /><br />“So do I. Very much. But they’ll be here for Christmas.” <br /><br />Andrew’s ex-wife had primary custody of his two children. When Patricia and Andrew lived in New York, Steven and Emma had spent every other weekend with them, but now that they were in Hong Kong, visits could only be scheduled during summer holidays, spring break, and Christmas, unless business took Andrew to the U.S. After agonizing over the decision, she and Andrew had agreed to restrict their relocation to three years. They both missed his children terribly, a sacrifice made more<br />acute by her inability to carry a baby to term. <br /><br />Patricia looked at her husband, whose pale blue eyes were bloodshot from a string of late nights. She was being unreasonable but couldn’t help herself. Situations that she would have dismissed as trivial when they lived in New York had become major sources of discontent and angst. <br /><br />“If I had a job . . .” Her voice trailed off. They’d been round and round the topic all week. Andrew was becoming exasperated. <br /><br />“Well, given your father’s reaction, you should probably wait a while before raising that topic again.” Andrew withdrew his hand and fingered the crease of his dark gray pants. “What about looking outside banking? You’re a great project manager.” <br /><br />“Maybe,” Patricia said. “But so far, every possibility I’ve found requires Asian experience and fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin.” She sighed. “Dammit. Why does he always make things so difficult?” <br /><br />“To tell you the truth, I have no idea. Probably because he can. I admire many of your father’s tactics. But I don’t like the way he treats people, especially you.” Andrew’s voice was gentler than before. “Aren’t you seeing someone about that board position?” <br /><br />“Mm-hmm. Arthur Chung said it’s mine if I want it.” She linked her fingers with Andrew’s. “We’re meeting Friday afternoon for a briefing on the role he wants me to play. I’m sure he only asked me to get a donation from Ah Ba, but it could be interesting.” <br /><br />Their driver merged the Mercedes onto Queen’s Road East, past hotels and schools along with a Sikh temple and remnants of air-raid tunnels built during the Second World War. Traffic was at a standstill. <br /><br />“Well, make the best of it for now,” he said. “I’m sure things will get better.” <br /><br />Patricia knew her husband was trying to be helpful, but his remark felt patronizing. She hated being patronized. Unlike many of her male colleagues who had underestimated her abilities, Andrew had treated her as an equal from the day they’d met. Had their new circumstances changed his perspective? Was she only his equal when they were both working? <br /><br />After she’d told him about the conversation with her father, Andrew had asked why she’d allowed her parents to persuade her to live in a place that had never been her home. Patricia hadn’t replied. And ever since, the question had hovered, unsettling in its stark clarity. <br /><br />She loved her parents, despite their idiosyncrasies and traditional ways. And they loved her. Of that she was certain. Eighteen months earlier, when she and Andrew still lived in New York, her mother had ended a lengthy argument about Patricia’s duty to her family by saying, “We’ll be dead soon and then you’ll be sorry you never came back.” <br /><br />That conversation had been the tipping point. After much debate, Andrew had agreed to try living in Hong Kong. They’d also agreed that if it didn’t work out, they would return to New York. Ever since, she’d felt displaced, torn between Andrew’s world and the Chinese world of her parents. Her husband expected a modern businesswoman with Western values; her parents expected a dutiful Chinese daughter. The two were irreconcilable. <br /><br />“I wonder when this place is going to feel like home,” Patricia said. <br /><br />“You’re the one—” <br /><br />“Yes, I know,” she said. “I’m the one who wanted to move here. I’m just a little out of sorts. But don’t worry. I’ll make nice with my father. You should know, though, that I’m not going to put up with him telling me what to do any longer.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>M.K. Tod</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pI7u_GStmQKj8yBHjddMnmxX8jpPHG8xnngI7FEs0fbzlmSj4YgwJSC__Z__anHFZUFdLekVrzks-sHEedrzKonO0wHlyPZ09QhWkKjSxF1XQFze_taeFanr7A29Nqd6ML9jWpXkef3H3gwHSs78LBGc6_88UKORMq7fkdO2SGks9luEDDu9800d/s450/M.K.%20Tod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pI7u_GStmQKj8yBHjddMnmxX8jpPHG8xnngI7FEs0fbzlmSj4YgwJSC__Z__anHFZUFdLekVrzks-sHEedrzKonO0wHlyPZ09QhWkKjSxF1XQFze_taeFanr7A29Nqd6ML9jWpXkef3H3gwHSs78LBGc6_88UKORMq7fkdO2SGks9luEDDu9800d/w404-h269/M.K.%20Tod.jpg" width="404" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />M.K. (Mary) Tod’s interest in historical fiction began as a teenager immersed in the stories of Rosemary Sutcliff, Jean Plaidy, and Georgette Heyer. In 2004, her husband’s career took them to Hong Kong where, with no job and few prospects, Mary began what became Unravelled, her first novel. The Admiral’s Wife is her fifth novel. <br /><br />Mary’s award-winning blog, <a href="http://www.awriterofhistory.com/">www.awriterofhistory.com</a>, focuses on reading and writing historical fiction. She’s an active member of the historical fiction community and has conducted five unique reader surveys on topics from readers’ habits and preferences to favorite historical fiction authors. Mary is happily married to her high-school sweetheart. They have two adult children and two delightful grandsons.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can connect with Mary Tod via these platforms -</span></div><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E264" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E264" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.mktod.com" id="E266" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E266" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E267">https://www.mktod.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E268" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E268"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E269" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E269" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Blog: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.awriterofhistory.com" id="E271" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E271" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E272" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E272">https://www.awriterofhistory.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E273" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E273"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E274" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E274" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E275"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/MKTodAuthor" id="E276" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E276" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277">https://twitter.com/MKTodAuthor</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E278" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E278" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.tod.3/" id="E280" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E280" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281">https://www.facebook.com/mary.tod.3/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E282" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E282"> </span>
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</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E288" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E288" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E292">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/mktodauthor/?hl=en" id="E293" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E293" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E294" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E294">https://www.instagram.com/mktodauthor/?hl=en</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-3" id="E295" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E295" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E297" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E297">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E299" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E299">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-k-tod" id="E300" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E300" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E301">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-k-tod</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E302" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E302" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E303"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Tod/e/B00ELV1H7E/" id="E304" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E304" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E305">https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Tod/e/B00ELV1H7E/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E306" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E306"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E308" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E308"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181549.M_K_Tod" id="E309" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E309" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E310" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E310">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181549.M_K_Tod</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-stl-NoneA" id="E311" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E311"><br /></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-admirals-wife-by-mk-tod.html">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-admirals-wife-by-mk-tod.html</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HVdT0ydJgZ3867QA3BJvQPn9HgffRrw7n01ToM0XN_Xb4KlEd-fL16OZQf4JN1A3_VR2Pn7psGoNPSlUmm3ulCtPbD38hxUoQRQk151MGn_8DFoXcP5cu3CAYMlMHOzX4hWk4rvHqyIucUjdfiYreNNiUHRhUydq3Mp08KI_KlnhLQufHHo6ENkO/s1600/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HVdT0ydJgZ3867QA3BJvQPn9HgffRrw7n01ToM0XN_Xb4KlEd-fL16OZQf4JN1A3_VR2Pn7psGoNPSlUmm3ulCtPbD38hxUoQRQk151MGn_8DFoXcP5cu3CAYMlMHOzX4hWk4rvHqyIucUjdfiYreNNiUHRhUydq3Mp08KI_KlnhLQufHHo6ENkO/w654-h368/The%20Admiral's%20Wife%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="654" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E307" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E307" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-78707182312079310422022-05-09T08:00:00.004+01:002022-05-09T08:00:00.175+01:00Welcoming Phil Hughes and his book -The Alcoholic Mercenary - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Phil Hughes and his book - The Alcoholic Mercenary </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD1DS6GwKUPOSLbZg3tbXWM-TwjkX8ryJa50Foe7blLM1q5e1xsTYMORghf12DQIkqn9WTtUAlwoWZXGYaPixY2tsLbs4zYEVirheU2M01Ylb_yxfe02ZluH6au4lJmvt_vleyMjwHrw541uyQwgZ7AoSRUIiyHavKtBa9pYptUSyGfJB8mTyQrdp/s1600/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD1DS6GwKUPOSLbZg3tbXWM-TwjkX8ryJa50Foe7blLM1q5e1xsTYMORghf12DQIkqn9WTtUAlwoWZXGYaPixY2tsLbs4zYEVirheU2M01Ylb_yxfe02ZluH6au4lJmvt_vleyMjwHrw541uyQwgZ7AoSRUIiyHavKtBa9pYptUSyGfJB8mTyQrdp/w657-h370/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="657" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="color: #111111;">Delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b>The Alcoholic Mercenary</b></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM-Fl8C_sojsLmbqdHXTzLZJfEATA-Drk6AsDMNXTro7xbrCInqnIHVBsGXasUq1rstRiCjohHAOBkgL3TPhJMkT5LJYRj6NbwmDkNAIQBac6moZdksY28KgXVVUcpdahPHHDeYlO38Jfh7fjXGK4N785-zYlM3VWUoSuNLCsCmK2WVVXlcgGLHiX/s3508/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM-Fl8C_sojsLmbqdHXTzLZJfEATA-Drk6AsDMNXTro7xbrCInqnIHVBsGXasUq1rstRiCjohHAOBkgL3TPhJMkT5LJYRj6NbwmDkNAIQBac6moZdksY28KgXVVUcpdahPHHDeYlO38Jfh7fjXGK4N785-zYlM3VWUoSuNLCsCmK2WVVXlcgGLHiX/w262-h370/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20cover.jpg" width="262" /></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E136" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E136" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E137" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E137">They said, </span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E138" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E138">“</span><span id="E139" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E139">See Naples and then die!</span><span id="E140" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E140">”</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E142" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E142" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E143" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E143">Rachel had thought it was to do with the natural beauty of the place. A misconception she soon lost after climbing down from the C130 troop carrier. The suspicious death of her predecessor, followed by the murder of a sailor, and an enforced liaison with a chauvinistic and probably corrupt cop saw to that.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E145" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E145" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E146">“</span><span id="E147" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E147">See Naples and then die!</span><span id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148">”</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E150" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E150" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151">Some said the saying was anonymous. Some attributed it to Goethe. Still, others said it was Lord Byron, or maybe Keats. When the young brother of a mercenary hitman became her main suspect, Rachel leant towards Keats. </span><span id="E153" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E153">Didn</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155">’</span><span id="E156" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E156">t the poet die here? Somewhere near, for sure. Probably coined the phrase on his deathbed.</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E157" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E157" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E158" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158">And then, the cherry on the top of her ice cream soda, she could smell grappa on the breath of the mercenary when she interviewed him. The only thing worse than a violent man: a violent man who drinks.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E160" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E160" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E161" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E161">The only thing worse than a violent man who drinks: a violent man who drinks and considers himself Rachel</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS" id="E162" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E162">’</span><span id="E163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E163">s </span><span id="E165" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E165">enemy</span><span id="E167" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E167">.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E90" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E90" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E91" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E91">Publication Date: 30th April 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E92" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E92" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E93" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E93">Publisher: </span><span id="E95" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E95">PerchedCrowPress</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E97" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E97" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E98" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E98">Page Length: 350 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E100" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E100"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Crime</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180">Universal</span><span id="E181" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E181"> Amazon Link:</span><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books2read.com/u/mlAvpZ" id="E183" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E183" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink" id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184">https://books2read.com/u/mlAvpZ</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can also find the book on Kindle Unlimited.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />Quantico, USA <br /><br />Arriving in the Director’s anteroom, Rachel asked, ‘Do you know what it’s about?’ <br /><br />The aide shook his head, not looking up from his spreadsheet. Director’s weekly planner, or whatever. Rachel couldn’t read it upside down, nor did she have any inclination. <br /><br />Her thoughts were on the summons. It had come from nowhere. She’d been in her office working on the probability of an armed invasion of Afghanistan when Special Agent Thomas knocked on her doorframe, smiled – flashing at least a thousand bucks of dental work – and ordered her to go see the Director. Rachel had asked Thomas what it was about as she stood and smoothed down her slacks, palms already turning slick with sweat, suddenly glad she’d chosen a dark pantsuit. But Thomas just tutted and shooed her out. <br /><br />During the five-minute walk to Hubble’s office, Rachel racked her brains for what it might be about. She could think of nothing; had done nothing deserving either praise or castigation. Still, she knew it had to be the latter because Hubble was not renowned for issuing the former. <br /><br />‘Take a seat, Rachel. The Director will be with you shortly. He’s just finishing a call,’ the aide said, still not looking up. Rachel nodded and took a seat on the leather couch opposite the man’s desk. <br /><br />What was going on? Whatever it was, it was an annoyance. She could ill-afford the time, working hard on the risk assessment, the NIS counter-threat remit having taken on a new meaning with the growing crisis in Afghanistan. Rachel had spent the last weeks looking into risks associated with possible actions from the Sixth Fleet in response to an invasion. She needed to be in her office. Not here, crossing and uncrossing her legs. <br /><br />The intercom buzzed. Rachel looked up expectantly. The aide nodded at her and moved around the desk to open the door into the inner sanctum. Walking through, she looked at the Director, seated on the other side of his rosewood desk. His face was set in an unfathomable mask, a look that would give a Navy SEAL reason to pause. Rachel stopped, unsure of herself, once again throwing her mind into the recent past, trying to think what she’d done to earn his displeasure. <br /><br />‘Please sit,’ Hubble said, gesturing at a chair with an open palm. <br /><br />Rachel watched the aide close the door before taking the offered seat. She felt an urge to rub her hands on her thighs, to rid her of the sweat gathering on her palms, a sweat that first started in high school when her peers would jeer at her and call her names. Instead, she placed them in her lap, keeping her face as neutral as she could. What could it be? Nothing presented as a solution. <br /><br />Is it Afghanistan? Have the Soviets invaded? <br /><br />‘How long have you been with me now, Rachel?’ Hubble asked. </span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E99" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘A year and a bit, sir.’ <br /><br />She could have said one year, eleven months, and twelve days. She knew to the minute when Jake had turned his back on her in the municipal park. Walking away into an unknown future. Leaving her and her love behind without a backward glance. She hated to admit that she missed him. She thought she probably still loved him, but often a feeling of loathing replaced that thought. How could he just abandon their marriage like that? Abandon her? Head to Washington, like he’d dreamed of since snapping at the ankles of those around him. <br /><br />‘Nearer two,’ Hubble said, smiling. <br /><br />Why would he be smiling? After her initial meeting with him, she hadn’t spoken to the Director at all. Apart from team meetings, she barely saw him. She’d been starting to think Jake’s assessment was less knee jerk reaction and more realistic than she had given him credit for. <br /><br />Wouldn’t Jake just love this? <br /><br />‘Really, sir. I hadn’t realised,’ Rachel said with a frown. <br /><br />‘No. Far too busy to be thinking of such mundanities, I should imagine. What are you working on, Afghanistan?’ <br /><br />‘Yes, sir.’ <br /><br />‘How’s it going?’ Hubble asked, broadening his smile. Confused, Rachel didn’t allow it to sway her, to daunt her, looking him in the eye as she shrugged. ‘I mean the job, rather than the Afghan crisis.’ <br /><br />‘It’s all relative,’ she said. <br /><br />Truth be told, after being admitted to his inner circle, she’d expected a faster progression. At least one promotion. A career with wings. Instead, this morning, she arrived here expecting the Director to tear her a new one for some innocent infringement. <br /><br />‘I know you find it all slow,’ Hubble said, head angled sympathetically, more condescending than sympathetic. <br /><br />‘Yes, sir,’ she said. Just another chauvinist, flashed through her mind. <br /><br />Suddenly, her nerves of moments before dissipated. She was just sitting opposite another senior officer. Another chauvinist in a service that was full of them. She wondered what it would feel like to sit on the other side of that desk when she became Director. <br /><br />‘I also expected miracles when I graduated top of the year,’ Hubble continued with a shake of the head and a smile, fond memories. ‘Course, the reality is never in line with expectations</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E99" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="height: 842pt; width: 595pt;"><qowt-footer class="style-scope qowt-page style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false" id="undefined" qowt-eid="undefined" style="min-height: 36pt; padding-bottom: 35.45pt; padding-left: 89pt; padding-right: 89pt;"></qowt-footer></qowt-page></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘No, sir. Of course. I just…’ She trailed off, unsure what she wanted to say. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">‘Yes, I understand. Well, your opportunity is here now, Rachel. You’ve spent the best part of two years at Quantico. The brass have decided you need to be tested.’ <br /><br />‘Tested, sir?’ <br /><br />‘Yes. Bit of fieldwork.’ <br /><br />Rachel swallowed several times. Fieldwork was not what she’d expected – or wanted. Senior Field Agent in some no hope hole at the back end of nowhere was not high on her priority list. Not when the promotion path began in Quantico. <br /><br />‘There is a sudden vacancy we need to fill.’ <br /><br />‘Sudden vacancy, sir?’ Dead man’s boots, she realised. Her day was nose-diving real quick. There were no plaudits from being sent to fill the footwear of a corpse. No one would say, “She deserved that.” <br /><br />‘Yes.’ He looked down at the report on his desk. ‘SAC Alex Troy, NSA in Naples. Sudden infarction at his desk. Died on the spot. One of his Junior Field Agents found him several hours after the event. Sad.’ <br /><br />‘Several hours later? Is that not a little suspicious, sir?’ It sure as hell sounded suspicious to Rachel and not just because it hit close to home. <br /><br />‘I’m not following.’ <br /><br />‘Why did someone in his team not discover him sooner? I don’t know when bringing him a coffee or reporting on activities in the field.’ <br /><br />And give him CPR instead of just letting him die. <br /><br />‘He was not active in the field agent side of his duties.’ <br /><br />‘And the other side?’ she asked, trying to hide her scepticism. <br /><br />‘No. Troy was not really active there, either.’ <br /><br />‘I see.’ Baking with the alligators. Great. ‘North Naples in Florida?’ <br /><br />‘No, Naples, Italy. There is a heavy naval presence there because it’s the headquarters of AFSOUTH, Allied Forces South. Us and the Brits, mostly, but all the other nations too.’</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Phil Hughes</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z6aWyBipwwxyfgwSLh4fdl_jbkRcHhw3W0H8h2tUMcHDpX53zBbLbU-k2ps0kXrmyhnGVqX5hRhQXmAXjqi7vDb5x4q94-xBFwb8bajil0bLbZ4U91HwJTs5okypYc1LIFxXsgGTpieyXL7Xr128BDES7QNDtHZ3nxc4oChRqx-c_z_dthSnTVeD/s2829/Phil%20Hughes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2829" data-original-width="2119" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z6aWyBipwwxyfgwSLh4fdl_jbkRcHhw3W0H8h2tUMcHDpX53zBbLbU-k2ps0kXrmyhnGVqX5hRhQXmAXjqi7vDb5x4q94-xBFwb8bajil0bLbZ4U91HwJTs5okypYc1LIFxXsgGTpieyXL7Xr128BDES7QNDtHZ3nxc4oChRqx-c_z_dthSnTVeD/w300-h399/Phil%20Hughes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E214" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E214" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E215">Although educated in Classical Studies, Phil is the author of several historical crime novels. Having spent many years living in the Mafia infested hinterlands of Naples, Phil bases his novels on his experiences while living there. Much of what he includes in his stories is based on real events witnessed first-hand.</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E216" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E216" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E217" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E217"> </span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E218" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E218" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span id="E219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Having retired from writing and editing technical documentation for a living, Phil now lives in Wexford with his partner and their border terriers, Ruby, Maisy, and the new addition Ted. He writes full time and where better to do it than in the Sunny South East of Ireland.</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E218" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E218" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> You can contact Phil Hughes via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E228" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E228" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E229"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.philhughespublishing.com" id="E230" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E230" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E231">www.philhughespublishing.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E232" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E232" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E233"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Hughes_Nov" id="E234" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E234" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E235">https://twitter.com/Phil_Hughes_Nov</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E236" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E236" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/PerchedCrowPress" id="E238" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E238" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E239">https://www.facebook.com/PerchedCrowPress</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E240" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E240" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E241" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E241">LinkedIn:</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E242" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E242"> </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-hughes-26aa5b1b/" id="E243" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E243" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E244" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E244">https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-hughes-26aa5b1b/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E245" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E245" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/p_l_hughes/?hl=en" id="E250" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E250" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E251" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E251">https://www.instagram.com/p_l_hughes/?hl=en</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-4" id="E252" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E252" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Pa</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">ge: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phil-Hughes/e/B01LXH4EGL" id="E254" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E254" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E255">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phil-Hughes/e/B01LXH4EGL</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E218" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E218" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E257" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E257"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodread: </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/198016.Phil_Hughes">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/198016.Phil_Hughes</a></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the author and the blog by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/12/blog-tour-alcoholic-mercenary-by-phil.html">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/12/blog-tour-alcoholic-mercenary-by-phil.html</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoMZABmy26AhPoLrV60rh_nVIHoKS6PlrHbcWi8xETphzIb6-WUa3trvBXNNyhkIN0TrnRQi3Q4xqoQFgixPZeHOJB9-EOzUe39ZHOx7IqUWLW3_GUQJb9mD3XofwrTiB5PLg2_UtEjE_ywHS0xfVphvP5xj-Gk0abxZjmgSfR1rxJzlAOmfAzbWT/s1600/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoMZABmy26AhPoLrV60rh_nVIHoKS6PlrHbcWi8xETphzIb6-WUa3trvBXNNyhkIN0TrnRQi3Q4xqoQFgixPZeHOJB9-EOzUe39ZHOx7IqUWLW3_GUQJb9mD3XofwrTiB5PLg2_UtEjE_ywHS0xfVphvP5xj-Gk0abxZjmgSfR1rxJzlAOmfAzbWT/w660-h371/The%20Alcoholic%20Mercenary%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="660" /></a></div><br /><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E220" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E220" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E221" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E221"></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-11735650438668930832022-04-22T08:00:00.001+01:002022-04-22T08:00:00.163+01:00Welcoming Amy Maroney and her book - Sea of Shadows - to my blog<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">oday I'm welcoming Amy Maroney and her book - Sea of Shadows (Sea and Stone Chronicles book 2) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQDpiloK7BsFw8KVL9I6xCemKzrC6vBNKngPy_Wg9DvBRjPKNZT0LQ-WEZvHxyJ6joCNSd1NVpV2qJBDMLklQfhtZ59pZqP3BIUp6LE2IvKZCviVJlI180C4PNGSgy5WIzArvj9IXN7_m1d3rehHO6nMtOdU9w-9bqVOKVWYZAOk2RM6qIkNFoLae/s1600/Sea%20of%20Shadows%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQDpiloK7BsFw8KVL9I6xCemKzrC6vBNKngPy_Wg9DvBRjPKNZT0LQ-WEZvHxyJ6joCNSd1NVpV2qJBDMLklQfhtZ59pZqP3BIUp6LE2IvKZCviVJlI180C4PNGSgy5WIzArvj9IXN7_m1d3rehHO6nMtOdU9w-9bqVOKVWYZAOk2RM6qIkNFoLae/w660-h372/Sea%20of%20Shadows%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="660" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sea of Shadows</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaImsR-YpCyTnWEXaBAI4ATre5fj07JBg-64jplhm5FSEZAKm4MtSPYeWRuudcaobUE4m-Lr3Gsx4cVwlI4NXXAHLKnaa0tByhD_HTmDadEOFpEgZNL8tvrAyjzg0bLAsYJUCEnrtZ91b0AngENYoJzVRcLB20-1whbDw2Gi343PXeJ2sl9Swc8nqq/s1802/sea_of_shadows_medres_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1802" data-original-width="1198" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaImsR-YpCyTnWEXaBAI4ATre5fj07JBg-64jplhm5FSEZAKm4MtSPYeWRuudcaobUE4m-Lr3Gsx4cVwlI4NXXAHLKnaa0tByhD_HTmDadEOFpEgZNL8tvrAyjzg0bLAsYJUCEnrtZ91b0AngENYoJzVRcLB20-1whbDw2Gi343PXeJ2sl9Swc8nqq/w259-h389/sea_of_shadows_medres_front.jpg" width="259" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1459. A gifted woman artist. A ruthless Scottish privateer. And an audacious plan that throws them together—with dangerous consequences. </span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />No one on the Greek island of Rhodes suspects Anica is responsible for her Venetian father’s exquisite portraits, least of all her wealthy fiancé. But her father’s vision is failing, and with every passing day it’s more difficult to conceal the truth. <br /><br />When their secret is discovered by a powerful knight of the Order of St. John, Anica must act quickly to salvage her father’s honor and her own future. Desperate, she enlists the help of a fierce Scottish privateer named Drummond. Together, they craft a daring plan to restore her father’s sight. <br /><br />There’s only one problem—she never imagined falling in love with her accomplice. <br /><br />Before their plan can unfold, a shocking scandal involving the knights puts Anica’s entire family at risk. Her only hope is to turn to Drummond once again, defying her parents, her betrothed, even the Grand Master of the Knights himself. But can she survive the consequences? <br /><br />With this captivating tale of passion, courage, and loyalty, Amy Maroney brings a lost, dazzling world to vivid life. <br /><br />Sea of Shadows is Book 2 in a series of stand-alone historical novels packed with<br />adventure and romance.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Publication Date: 12th April 2022</span></span></div><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E126" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E126" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E127" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E127">Publisher: </span><span id="E129" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129">Artelan</span><span id="E131" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E131"> Press</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E132" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E132" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E133" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E133">Page Length: 396 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E134" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E134" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E135" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E135"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical suspense/romance</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E134" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E134" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E135"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E217" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E217" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon UK: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3" id="E219" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E219" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220">https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E221" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E221" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E222" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E222"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon US: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3" id="E223" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E223" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E224" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E224">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E225" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E225" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E226" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E226"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon CA: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3" id="E227" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E227" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E228" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E228">https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09T3M2HM3</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E134" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E134" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E135"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E229" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E229" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E230" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E230"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon AU: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Sea-Shadows-Stone-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B09T3M2HM3/" id="E231" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E231" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink0" id="E232" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E232">https://www.amazon.com.au/Sea-Shadows-Stone-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B09T3M2HM3/</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E229" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E229" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Summer, 1459 <br /><br />Rhodes Town <br /><br />A man appeared at Émile de Chambonac’s elbow, dressed in a long tunic of burnt-orange silk. Drummond recognized him as the agent who had taken the gold from him at the harbor. The man smiled, revealing small, widely spaced teeth. <br /><br />“Our supper awaits,” he said smoothly. “Lord de Milly has promised me the Scotsman’s ear, and I’m eager to take my place at his side.” <br /><br />Drummond studied him. “And you are . . . ?” <br /><br />“Guillaume Lopic, at your service. Servant of the Order.” <br /><br />Servant? The man was dressed like a noble. Gold rings adorned nearly every finger on his hands. His short brown beard was painstakingly oiled. <br /><br />“I’m surprised we haven’t already met,” Drummond said. “I’d never clapped eyes on you before that day at the harbor.” <br /><br />“I’ve been living in Genoa these past few years, representing the Order and protecting its interests with our allies. Please, Master Fordun, follow me. The grand master desires us both to sit at the high table with him.” <br /><br />The young knight made to follow them, but Monsieur Lopic put up a hand. “Émile, I believe you’ll find a place on a bench at that table over there, with the other novice knights.” <br /><br />The man frowned, his lower lip thrust out in a display of petulance that nearly forced a laugh from Drummond, and slunk away. <br /><br />Drummond took his seat in a heavy oak chair at the head table. A servant poured a long stream of wine into his cup. He began to guzzle it, then stopped himself. <br /><br />Steady, man. You’ve got to keep a few wits about you tonight. <br /><br />Before him lay a knife, a spoon, and a two-pronged silver instrument with a long mother-of-pearl handle he recognized as a fork, an item common on tables in Alexandria and Damascus but something he rarely saw anywhere else. The knights’ vow of poverty—it, too, was merely a guideline, Sir Peter always said with a wink. <br /><br />The musicians strolled into the center of the room, playing their courtly tunes. Shoveling in a spoonful of roasted peacock mixed with saffron-scented rice, Drummond relaxed a little. He might as well enjoy the feast itself. <br /><br />“So, Master Drummond,” Guillaume Lopic said. “The Mamluk peace holds, thanks to you. A fragile peace indeed, all too easily frayed.” <br /><br />“I just do my job and follow orders. I don’t know much about the Mamluks or peace accords.” <br /><br />This wasn’t entirely true. Drummond did know that the Mamluks were descended from elite Turkish slaves who had been taken from their families and raised to be ruthless warriors. They’d turned their fate around when they overthrew the Egyptian Sultanate, making them the rulers of Egypt to this day. What he had little knowledge of was the patchwork of diplomatic arrangements between the Mamluks and various other powers in this part of the world, including the Order. And quite honestly, he didn’t care to learn all the details. <br /><br />“I find it confusing myself,” Lopic said, spearing a morsel of peacock with his fork. “No sooner is a truce arranged than it falls apart again.” <br /><br />He was clearly no stranger to the utensil in his hand. Drummond, for his part, had no intention of handling his own spindly little fork, especially not when he was sitting at the high table during a lavish feast. Why invite embarrassment to an already charged moment? <br /><br />“As long as we rule the seas, the Mamluks will continue to negotiate with us,” his companion went on. “So a man like yourself—well, your service to the knights is equal in value to my own, though our work is quite different.” <br /><br />“What is it you do, then?” Drummond asked, eyeing him sideways. <br /><br />“I began as a notary, and my skill with languages launched me to the highest ranks of the Order’s servants. I help smooth over diplomatic tangles for the knights, usually by wielding a quill and an inkpot, unlike you with your swords and crossbows.” <br /><br />“Ah.” Drummond helped himself to a pile of grilled octopus from a platter offered by a servant. He’d been slow to warm up to this popular treat when he first arrived in Rhodes, but now he eagerly consumed it every time he had the chance. <br /><br />“Of course, as a Frenchman, my loyalties are twofold: to the Order and to my kingdom.” <br /><br />“Naturally.” Drummond reached for a piece of flatbread glistening with olive oil, wondering how many slices he could consume without looking like a complete glutton. He had not eaten this well in months. <br /><br />Lopic put down his cup. “Tonight, I have a delicate matter to address, something that encompasses both loyalties at once.” <br /><br />Drummond swallowed an enormous mouthful of bread and stifled a belch. “Is that so?” <br /><br />“Yes. I’ve been instructed to find a suitable protector for a newcomer to the Order, someone whose life is very precious indeed. Someone who needs a bit of extra guidance in the art of war.” <br /><br />A sinking feeling struck Drummond in the gut. “Who do you speak of?” <br /><br />Lopic took up his cup again and gestured to one of the lower tables. “Émile de Chambonac. His father is Lord de Milly’s cousin, and a generous benefactor to the Order.” <br /><br />“Has he seen any action at all?” Drummond asked bluntly. <br /><br />Lopic smiled. “Only at the hands of his sword masters. Of course, he’s got enthusiasm and the courage of youth. But he needs seasoning. Lord de Milly will send him out on a mission or two, to please him and his father, but only under the strictest surveillance of a trusted man. You would be the ideal candidate for such a role. Despite the risks, the great danger of the seas, you and your men return alive from every mission, against all odds. There’s no one better suited to take De Chambonac under his wing.” <br /><br />A slow burn of uneasiness crept up Drummond’s throat. He watched the young knight regale his seat mates with some story, then sulk peevishly when their attention was diverted elsewhere. He was barely more than a child. A spoiled, daft child. One who’d made sport of killing a lone fisherman at sea. And Drummond was supposed to invite him onto his vessel? Be a mother hen to a strutting little cockerel? <br /><br />He turned and looked Lopic full in the face. “I’m guessing I don’t have the option to refuse,” he said. “But know this. When I’m on the seas, it’s as an agent of the Order. If a knight joins my crew and puts all of us in danger, he will be breaking the one vow that has any teeth in this organization—the vow of obedience. If that boy—forgive me, man—does not follow my commands at sea, I’ll have no choice but to return him to Rhodes. Have I made myself clear?” <br /><br />Lopic nodded, his shrewd brown eyes never leaving Drummond’s. “Perfectly.” <br /><br />Drummond raised his cup and drained it dry.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Amy Maroney</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp0D-nN-oTP__HYRNoiSPdpxKsPcEkssYhxYCV1BHxyxzouHz6BEXUGoIrZj6OC7PyYkLXGYgRBLvvGs_vDA2QuMuV573Sc2rBMAX5tO5pT5Gjc49m6xu2LEG6w-LpeMOI-n57qVQ45bcBrgmKDmU9N9MTouyf_RiGyVQptLNW-JSkKU05aLN4Uit/s1024/Amy%20Maroney%20headshotsmall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1024" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp0D-nN-oTP__HYRNoiSPdpxKsPcEkssYhxYCV1BHxyxzouHz6BEXUGoIrZj6OC7PyYkLXGYgRBLvvGs_vDA2QuMuV573Sc2rBMAX5tO5pT5Gjc49m6xu2LEG6w-LpeMOI-n57qVQ45bcBrgmKDmU9N9MTouyf_RiGyVQptLNW-JSkKU05aLN4Uit/w364-h270/Amy%20Maroney%20headshotsmall.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div></span><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E239">Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of </span><span id="E240" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E240" style="font-style: italic;">The </span><span id="E242" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E242" style="font-style: italic;">Miramonde</span><span id="E244" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E244" style="font-style: italic;"> Series</span><span id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245">, an award-winning historical fiction trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Her new historical suspense/romance series, </span><span id="E246" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E246" style="font-style: italic;">Sea and Stone Chronicles</span><span id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247">, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247">You can connect with Amy Maroney via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E256" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E256" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Website: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amymaroney.com/" id="E258" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E258" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E259" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E259">https://www.amymaroney.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E260" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E260" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twitter: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/wilaroney" id="E262" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E262" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263">twitter.com/</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265">wilaroney</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E267" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E267" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Facebook: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor" id="E269" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E269" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270">www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E271" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E271" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E273" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E273">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E275">: </span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/amymaroneywrites/" id="E276" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E276" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277">www.instagram.com/amymaroneywrites/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E278" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E278" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Pinterest: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.pinterest.com/amyloveshistory/" id="E280" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E280" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281">pinterest.com/</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">amyloveshistory</span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285">/</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E286" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E286" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290">:</span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-maroney" id="E291" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E291" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E292"> www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-maroney</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-Heading2 x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E293" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E293" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; padding-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Amazon Author Page: </span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="http://author.to/AmyMaroneyAmazonPage" id="E295" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E295" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E296">author.to/</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E298" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E298">AmyMaroneyAmazonPage</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E300" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E300" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E301"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15831603.Amy_Maroney"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15831603.Amy_M</span><span style="font-size: medium;">aroney</span></a></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E300" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E300" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on the tour.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-sea-of-shadows-sea-and-stone.html"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-sea-of-shadows-sea-and-stone.html</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2NpJMxNINLcUfHGEAWi9ci3nK_8yT1eYD5tzjlF0za-IOpyY-Ozi_xfVU84fWKozIPOeCHZ9lj3LQ7doxyCO84bj7h-l9HzYpO5-byQSwHSyZ33C7VcAKmdpmQN-rkah2XXYEPJIEcAqwoPkuo6HcY3tws_rkSphpsZdfzU9H7aydAYDyET_AYvi/s1600/Sea%20of%20Shadows%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2NpJMxNINLcUfHGEAWi9ci3nK_8yT1eYD5tzjlF0za-IOpyY-Ozi_xfVU84fWKozIPOeCHZ9lj3LQ7doxyCO84bj7h-l9HzYpO5-byQSwHSyZ33C7VcAKmdpmQN-rkah2XXYEPJIEcAqwoPkuo6HcY3tws_rkSphpsZdfzU9H7aydAYDyET_AYvi/w654-h369/Sea%20of%20Shadows%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="654" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E300" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E300" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E248" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E248" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white;"></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-86941994153888441232022-04-21T11:01:00.001+01:002022-04-21T11:01:43.387+01:00Welcoming Holly Bush and her book - The Professor's Lady - to my blog.<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Holly Bush and her book - The Professor's Lady (The Thompsons of Locust Street, Book 3) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSSE7yFjHEqP32h53ao0jrpNSRcg0wpQhcfkhqEjh5JbTwdof2L16itYMG-xCAteZq0ErgVEQgRz8Nm-BRuNSBoToDlEWOXlLVnVxC0sVTlvQiJy5FMnw15K8Zhf3r802sMNnaGDLydCKK9r0MFbFsIDK4sXTn8AJU-PYWXRs5cVhgH5_XVEmRioC/s1600/The%20Professor's%20Lady%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSSE7yFjHEqP32h53ao0jrpNSRcg0wpQhcfkhqEjh5JbTwdof2L16itYMG-xCAteZq0ErgVEQgRz8Nm-BRuNSBoToDlEWOXlLVnVxC0sVTlvQiJy5FMnw15K8Zhf3r802sMNnaGDLydCKK9r0MFbFsIDK4sXTn8AJU-PYWXRs5cVhgH5_XVEmRioC/w660-h371/The%20Professor's%20Lady%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="660" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The Professor's Lady</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3vKhBfoC8Mcw7GYDCk7onqmqPO3RSmPxIQ3S0MlXEUYID86XoSvgmdujE4n_gqSE7fRUllQTlMnjsL82V-40pJDPd1h7LfGxYmfySJvWLMfLmYHqgMQ0idJJQ3WRGxXD0PCTh9bUB3NTs2LWIv0hK9H5E35iKFq2ZN9iJKrEDRN8m7kf_4OrYTmU/s900/Professor's%20Lady%20eBook%20Cover%20Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3vKhBfoC8Mcw7GYDCk7onqmqPO3RSmPxIQ3S0MlXEUYID86XoSvgmdujE4n_gqSE7fRUllQTlMnjsL82V-40pJDPd1h7LfGxYmfySJvWLMfLmYHqgMQ0idJJQ3WRGxXD0PCTh9bUB3NTs2LWIv0hK9H5E35iKFq2ZN9iJKrEDRN8m7kf_4OrYTmU/w268-h403/Professor's%20Lady%20eBook%20Cover%20Large.jpg" width="268" /></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E150" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E150" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151" style="font-style: italic;">Meet the Thompsons of Locust Street, an unconventional family taking Philadelphia high society by storm</span><span id="E152" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E152" style="font-style: italic;">…</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E154" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E154" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155">1870 Kirsty Thompson is determined to begin her own business bringing beloved Scottish fabrics and yarns to Philadelphia but first she must meet the men and women who weave the plaids and spin the wool. How will she ever escape her protective older siblings and sail to Scotland?</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E157" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E157" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E158" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158">Albert Watson is a medical doctor focusing on research, especially that of Joseph Lister and his sterilization techniques. He speaks at universities in America and in England while visiting his London relatives. As he prepares to sail for just such an engagement, Kirsty Thompson boards his ship to beg him to take her with him. What</span><span id="E159" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E159">’</span><span id="E160" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E160">s a gentleman to do? Albert cancels his trip across the ocean to escort Miss Thompson back to Philadelphia and finds there is danger afoot for her and her family.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E162" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E162" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E163"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Soon he comes to realize there is also danger for his heart, even for a man who rarely pulls his nose from a medical journal. He finds himself unable to put Miss Kirsty Thompson out of his thoughts, where they belonged, because certainly a beautiful, ambitious, and charming young woman could have no interest in him. Or could she?</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E103" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E103" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E104" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E104">Publication Date: 25th January 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E105" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E105" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E106" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E106">Publisher: Holly Bush Books</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E107" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E107" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E108" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E108">Page Length: 216 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E109" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E109" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span id="E110" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Genre: Historical Romance Gilded Age</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E109" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E109" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E169" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E169" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E170" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E170">Amazon UK: </span><span id="E171" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E171" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09M8WJJK7">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09M8WJJK7</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E172" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E172" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E173">Amazon US: </span><span id="E174" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E174" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M8WJJK7">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M8WJJK7</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E175" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E175" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E176" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E176">Amazon CA: </span><span id="E177" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E177" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09M8WJJK7">https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09M8WJJK7</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E178" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E178" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E179" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E179">Amazon AU: </span><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09M8WJJK7">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09M8WJJK7</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E181" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E181" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182">Barnes and Noble: </span><span id="E183" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E183" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-professors-lady-holly-bush/1140541963">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-professors-lady-holly-bush/1140541963</a></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E184" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E184" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E185" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E185">Kobo: </span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E188"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-professor-s-lady">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-professor-s-lady</a></span><span id="E193" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E193"></span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E109" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E109" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E110"></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196">Apple Books: </span><span id="E197" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E197" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-professors-lady/id1596647471">https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-professors-lady/id1596647471</a></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E195" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E195" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Muireall Thompson woke with a start from where she’d been dozing in the parlor of the Thompson home at 75 Locust Street, Philadelphia. “Has anything happened?” <br /><br />“Nothing,” James said. His wife, Lucinda, was upstairs in one of the beds trying to sleep, although he doubted she would. Nothing had happened as of yet, he thought, but James was sick with fear that the men after their family, especially after his younger brother, had taken Kirsty just like they’d taken Elspeth two years ago to hold her for ransom. There but by the grace of God she’d been rescued before anyone had harmed her more than could be healed. And in the end, Elspeth, always quiet and seemingly fragile, had killed a man with a knife as he beat her with his fists. He glanced at her as she came through the door. <br /><br />“Mrs. McClintok is making some sweet rolls for us, and I’ve got tea,” Elspeth said as she carried the tea tray awkwardly on her swollen belly. Her husband, Alexander, jumped to his feet. <br /><br />“Let me carry that,” he said. “You should be off of your feet.” <br /><br />Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I can’t, Alexander! I can’t sit still for one more minute worrying about Kirsty. I have to do something!” <br /><br />“It’s after four in the morning, Elspeth,” James said. “We don’t need tea.” <br /><br />“I’ll have tea,” Muireall said. “Where is Payden?” <br /><br />“In the kitchen with Mrs. McClintok and Robbie, sound asleep on his arms at the table. I tried to get him to go to his room, but he will not listen to me,” Elspeth said as her lip trembled. <br /><br />“Elspeth, darling,” Alexander led her to the settee, “please sit. You are upsetting yourself.” <br /><br />She looked at him and wobbled a smile. “I am being silly, am I not? But I just can’t help myself.” <br /><br />“Is this what I have to look forward to?” James asked. <br /><br />Muireall arched a brow, and their great-aunt Murdoch’s eyes flew open. “What are you saying, boy?” <br /><br />He shook his head and returned to peering out between the curtains to the street. “Someone is coming.” <br /><br />Alexander jumped to his feet and followed James to the front door. “Could you see who it was?” he asked. <br /><br />“It looked like one of those telegram messengers,” James said. <br /><br />The brass door knocker clattered, and James pulled the door open quickly, yanked the man inside, and shoved him against the wall. <br /><br />“Hey,” the man yelled, losing his cap. “Whatcha doing? Leave me be!” <br /><br />“Where is she?” James growled and tightened his hold on the man’s neck. <br /><br />“Don’t know what you’re talking about! Just delivering a message to 75 Locust Street!” <br /><br />“Let him talk, James,” Alexander said and held up the cap he’d picked up from the floor. “It says ‘Bernardo’s Messenger Service’ on this card on his hat.” <br /><br />James released the man and stepped back. “What are you doing here? Who sent you?” <br /><br />The man grabbed his cap from Alexander. “I’m here because my boss paid me extra to deliver the message in my satchel in the middle of the night. Special delivery from New York City.” He looked up with wide eyes at Alexander, who was aiming a pistol at him. <br /><br />“Slowly,” Alexander said. “Pull out that message slowly.” <br /><br />“Here,” the man said and handed over the recognizable telegram envelope to James. <br /><br />“He might be telling the truth.” Alexander lowered his weapon. Muireall slipped into the entranceway, coins in her hand. <br /><br />“Here is a tip for your trouble.” <br /><br />“Don’t want no money, ma’am. Just want to get out of here.” <br /><br />James opened the door, and the man ran down the steps, glancing over his shoulder as he did. He handed Muireall the letter. “It’s addressed to you.” <br /><br />Muireall took the telegram and went into the parlor. She slit the envelope and pulled out two pieces of paper. She unfolded one and plopped down on the seat behind her, her hand over her mouth. <br /><br />“What is it?” Elspeth asked. “Tell us!” <br /><br />“She’s fine.” <br /><br />Elspeth burst into tears, and James dropped down to his haunches in front of Aunt Murdoch. “Where is she?” he asked. <br /><br />Muireall scanned the letter. “In New York. At a hotel. With Albert Watson.” <br /><br />“Albert? What is she doing with Albert?” Alexander asked. <br /><br />Muireall began to read: <br /><br />Couldn’t get off the boat. I am fine, with Mr. Watson in NYC hotel, someone tried to kill me, be home soon. <br /><br />“A New York hotel? I’m going to kill her,” James said. “I’m going to f—”<br /><br />“James,” Lucinda said from the doorway. <br /><br />“And then I’m going to kill Watson!” James said. <br /><br />Muireall held up her hand: <br /><br />Miss Thompson safe but not out of danger. Escorting her home on the 16th. <br /><br />“He is the one that took her into dinner on the night of your party, isn’t he, Alexander?” Muireall asked. <br /><br />“He is, and although this is highly unusual, Albert is to be trusted. He’ll guard Kirsty with his life if necessary.” <br /><br />“What could possibly be the reason she got on a boat?” Elspeth asked. <br /><br />Lucinda walked into the room and sat down on the arm of Aunt Murdoch’s chair. “I believe I know. She told me she wants to visit Scotland to meet the people she’s been corresponding with about importing wool. She knows that Mr. Watson travels back and forth to England because he still has family there and for his work in medical research. She was going to ask him to escort her and a companion on a voyage to Scotland since he would be traveling there anyway.” <br /><br />“That is absurd! Albert would never agree to escort her,” Alexander said. <br /><br />“But it does sound so much like our dear Kirsty,” Elspeth said and patted her eyes. <br /><br />“How did she know what ship he would be on?” Muireall asked. <br /><br />“That is my fault,” Lucinda said. “My aunt’s stepson has been meeting with Mr. Watson and getting help from him with some advanced studies. Kirsty was at our house the day Geoffrey told us of Mr. Watson’s plans to sail on the Maybelle on the fourteenth.” <br /><br />“Good God, that girl will be the death of me,” Aunt Murdoch said. “And she’s going to have to marry this Watson person after this escapade.”<br /><br />“We must not jump to conclusions, Aunt,” Muireall said. <br /><br />“Be realistic, Muireall. Kirsty, our Kirsty, sleeping in a room alone with a handsome man—and I think he was, if I remember correctly. She’d be . . . energetic,” Aunt said. <br /><br />Alexander looked away, and James gritted his teeth. <br /><br />“If he has touched her, I’ll kill him, regardless of how energetic she was,” James growled. <br /><br />“I fear this is my fault.” Lucinda turned to Muireall. “Of course, I discouraged her plans before that day with Geoffrey, but I never in my wildest dreams thought she would board the Maybelle.” <br /><br />“Kirsty can be . . . unpredictable, Lucinda. You could not have prevented this.” <br /><br />“Also, energetic,” James said and shook his head. “I’m going to kill her.” <br /><br />Payden McTavish Thompson, the Tenth Earl of Taviston, moved from the door where he’d been standing, listening to the telegrams Muireall read. “But more than any of it, they are back. Plowman is back, and we must be on our guard.”</span><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI65" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E42" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E264" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E264" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined">
</p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E265" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E265" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></qowt-section></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Holly Bush</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBoZq6vYWiuZ60us08PRv9EngLir9Mp8Pfj5H5YnwY0Iy6s5d4132-bdctM0WPhkbdE3uwlsVma5i-GlstZpi_Dt67i_4yzewNgxxN5yVGqzOgn6B47C0FDH6X6jqeXz3eZqYox0y9fxnrW8b2hptje3qr8WSSxaLXSOYs51bKrkTK0anYrorC2Hm/s2655/Holly%20Bush.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2655" data-original-width="2501" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBoZq6vYWiuZ60us08PRv9EngLir9Mp8Pfj5H5YnwY0Iy6s5d4132-bdctM0WPhkbdE3uwlsVma5i-GlstZpi_Dt67i_4yzewNgxxN5yVGqzOgn6B47C0FDH6X6jqeXz3eZqYox0y9fxnrW8b2hptje3qr8WSSxaLXSOYs51bKrkTK0anYrorC2Hm/w353-h375/Holly%20Bush.jpeg" width="353" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E203" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E203" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E204" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E204">Holly Bush writes historical romance set in the U.S.in the late 1800</span><span id="E205" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E205">’</span><span id="E206" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E206">s, in Victorian England, and an occasional Women</span><span id="E207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207">’</span><span id="E208" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E208">s Fiction title. Her books are described as emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance. She makes her home with her husband in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at </span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E209" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E209"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E211" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E211"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E213" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E213"></span><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E215">www.hollybushbooks.com</span><span id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216"></span><span id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218"> and on Twitter @hollybushbooks and on Facebook at Holly Bush</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E203" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E203" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218">You can connect with Holly Bush via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E223" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E223" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E224" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E224">Website: </span><span id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">www.hollybushbooks.com</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E226" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E226" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227">Twitter: </span><span id="E228" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E228" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://twitter.com/hollybushbooks</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E229" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E229" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E230" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E230">Facebook: </span><span id="E231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E231" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1039237946113957</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E232" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E232" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E233">LinkedIn: </span><span id="E234" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E234" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-bush-47654218/</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E235" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E235" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E236" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E236">Instagram: </span><span id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.instagram.com/hollybushbooks/</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E239">Pinterest: </span><span id="E240" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E240" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.pinterest.com/hollisbush/_saved/</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E241" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E241" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E242" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E242">BookBub: </span><span id="E243" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E243" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/holly-bush</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E244" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E244" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245">Amazon Author Page: </span><span id="E246" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E246" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.amazon.com.au/Holly-Bush/e/B006ZDTQ1A</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E247" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E247" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="E248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248">Goodreads: </span><span id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3378392.Holly_Bush</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E247" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E247" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E247" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E247" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E132" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E132" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" id="E129" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/02/blog-tour-professors-lady-thompsons-of.html</span></span><span id="E130" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E130"></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fsEulsp0oU3tbQBjr9O-dN04fW85KO3Px1P0ylF9NOnloDST3SN4bUCpTL808801r9rva5IKviUmxNHg5qREJfTTEozTLVbsegR6Z8HE6Jd_NGHz9dMcHEpqoTEb07k5Lx1dvoFBOaGHNOjEk8wmGJHHZs1NTL05MzPUg3u3RV7BeI9kIG6E7Tvu/s1600/The%20Professor's%20Lady%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fsEulsp0oU3tbQBjr9O-dN04fW85KO3Px1P0ylF9NOnloDST3SN4bUCpTL808801r9rva5IKviUmxNHg5qREJfTTEozTLVbsegR6Z8HE6Jd_NGHz9dMcHEpqoTEb07k5Lx1dvoFBOaGHNOjEk8wmGJHHZs1NTL05MzPUg3u3RV7BeI9kIG6E7Tvu/w665-h375/The%20Professor's%20Lady%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="665" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129"><span style="font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink.0" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-Body#space#A x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E219" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E219" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="font-size: xx-large;"></p></div></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-80352909498039602352022-04-15T08:00:00.042+01:002022-04-15T08:00:00.157+01:00Welcoming Nadine Kampen and her book - The Brantford Wagers - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Nadine Kampen and her book - The Brantford Wagers (The Brantford series book 1) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ2PDXtYYfOMm8LloQAvDu_cD1b3qeuA1e9AiVVV3Vd_7gIJ2NNZlKHa2n4tGaPQ0ftTeDHpTXnOCP9Fti6YQbhhgFoTR0kYrPl8B9YYuH4msmQsFWvKHIuowPuyhEEb9Wof5k7OdaWQZCqCrg7TXenYletRtFyEPN1Zeqa5p-ptd4bWGW9KjsQa_/s1600/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ2PDXtYYfOMm8LloQAvDu_cD1b3qeuA1e9AiVVV3Vd_7gIJ2NNZlKHa2n4tGaPQ0ftTeDHpTXnOCP9Fti6YQbhhgFoTR0kYrPl8B9YYuH4msmQsFWvKHIuowPuyhEEb9Wof5k7OdaWQZCqCrg7TXenYletRtFyEPN1Zeqa5p-ptd4bWGW9KjsQa_/w651-h366/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="651" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="color: #111111;">Delighted to be able to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b>The Brantford Wager</b></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLuqUAbgVeGXuUvl-u51HxZodISKI0vZidSF9e53ztoEWWxlSB2hbnDx5y4v1a8szxDIZOFOJOwPTW2RGeZYTfbzCKfqMJLiuUanMEdhnMOUbtAXIuhrurkCSHI71hBB-sil1Qz1xN-rttKFsFyvWPSs1BzrokHg3nZtzYfZgO9hCTrqLKlLd1RNv/s2475/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1615" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLuqUAbgVeGXuUvl-u51HxZodISKI0vZidSF9e53ztoEWWxlSB2hbnDx5y4v1a8szxDIZOFOJOwPTW2RGeZYTfbzCKfqMJLiuUanMEdhnMOUbtAXIuhrurkCSHI71hBB-sil1Qz1xN-rttKFsFyvWPSs1BzrokHg3nZtzYfZgO9hCTrqLKlLd1RNv/w222-h339/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Cover.jpg" width="222" /></a></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Is Clara Vincent ready to risk it all for love?<br /><br />Clara Vincent is “the artful dodger” when it comes to marriage, especially when her father is bent on match-making. Will her attitude change when she meets two eligible suitors and is drawn into the lives of intensely competitive families? Clara falls unexpectedly in love, but when fortunes are reversed and relationships up-ended, she needs to decide whether to trust James Brantford, who is seeking retribution, or accept the love of the man everyone else believes is her ideal match.<br /><br />As the Brantford wagers unfold and lay bare the history of past relationships, will Clara be able to learn the truth and finally follow her heart?</span><div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123">Publication</span><span id="E125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E125"> Date: </span><span id="E126" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E126">20th January 2022</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E127" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E127" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128">Publisher: </span><span id="E130" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E130">Birdsgate</span><span id="E132" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E132"> Publishing</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E133" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E133" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E134" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E134">Page Length: 358 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E135" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E135" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span id="E136" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E136">Genre: </span><span id="E137" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E137">Historical </span><span id="E138" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E138">Fiction</span><span id="E139" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E139">/Regency Romance</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E135" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E135" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E139">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E135" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E135" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E139"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mddA55">https://books2read.com/u/mddA55</a></span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E135" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E135" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now for the excerpt -</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">From Chapter 15 - The Seton Ball </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />The fact that these were Mr Brantford’s guests, while not being the best of news, was somewhat reassuring. It would be natural, thought Clara, for Mr Brantford to remain with them. She craned her neck a little and saw him approaching across the length of the hall, coming towards her. When he addressed her, she felt completely confused. <br /><br />‘Miss Vincent,’ he said, ‘Would you be so kind as to dance this next set with me?’ <br /><br />‘Oh,’ she blushed. ‘Are you certain?’ <br /><br />‘Completely, yes, of course. Is that a yes, or a no?’ <br /><br />‘Thank you, yes,’ she said, recovering her composure. <br /><br />There is nothing else that James Brantford could have done to engage the interest of almost everyone in the room than to arrive with Miss Westcott and dance first with Miss Vincent. For her part, beautiful Miss Westcott expected to hold his attention for as long as she wanted it, and was denied that option. Miss Vincent, beginning to understand the nature of her feelings, longed for his attention, and gained it. Both results, one wanting, one getting, were entirely positive from the man’s position, or so one might assume. <br /><br />Was Mr Brantford aware of this? He was not lacking powers of observation. It is improbable that he was unaffected by his guest’s good looks. Yet he did not stay by her side; he came first to enjoy the company of Clara Vincent. In his view, the impression Clara created when he first met her was as indelible, in an altogether different way, as that made by Miss Westcott this evening. Miss Vincent had shown courage and poise, two qualities he greatly admired, and he cherished his memory of meeting her at the river. <br /><br />Brantford stayed at Clara’s side, waiting for the dance to begin, and she shyly received his attention. She could not recall when she had looked forward to dancing more, and with such a partner. <br /><br />Their conversation began easily enough while they waited to dance. ‘I was wishing that I could speak with you at length someplace else—perhaps in the middle of a field, or on the bridge where we met that day. Do not you wish, Miss Vincent, that two people could have a conversation, on any point of interest, without attracting everyone’s attention?’ He looked with disdain at people straining to listen. Clara saw how closely they were being watched. ‘You do realise,’ he said seriously, ‘that all discussions in Finstead are attended on three sides; or four, if you come by the toll road.’ <br /><br />‘I have noticed that, yes.’ <br /><br />‘By noon tomorrow, every matron shall know who danced with whom, how many times, and more to the point, exactly what was said.’ <br /><br />‘Not that, surely!’ <br /><br />‘They will hear most of it in confidence, and if the source is insufficient, it shall be invented.’ <br /><br />‘I see how you hold members of my sex.’ <br /><br />‘And they will know—in this case, without a single word from either of us—that Mr Brantford found Miss Vincent to be extremely fine company, and an excellent dancer, and that he wanted her to know how lovely she looked this evening, and how he wished to know her better, but that circumstances have arisen to prevent him spending as much time with her as he wishes.’ <br /><br />He noticed Mrs Drinscol hovering nearby, trying to overhear their conversation. He pulled Clara towards him, nodding politely, and smiled as he skilfully moved Clara away from the older woman. <br /><br />The dance commenced, and they moved for some moments in silence. After this surprising speech, Mr Brantford looked resigned, and his expression unreadable. Clara, puzzled, could only suppose he had intended his remarks as some form of light-hearted flattery. He had, after all, been the one to bring guests, one of whom was an attractive woman staying on his property. She could not understand him and felt taken aback. In the pause between sets, not knowing how best to continue their conversation, Clara, mentioned the recent steeplechase race and his first-place finish. <br /><br />‘My cousin John told us that you won a good horse from Mr Ashton. That is a quite the prize. Is racing a common pass-time in this region?’ <br /><br />‘Not serious racing, no, but Ashton holds an event every year or two with his friends.’ <br /><br />‘You are accustomed, I suppose, to winning horses.’ <br /><br />‘I cannot say that I am. That is a fairly high purse. Mr Ashton put up the filly this year to entice a few of us to race again.’ <br /><br />‘What shall he do for an encore, do you suppose?’ <br /><br />‘Seton Manor, I should think,’ he replied, looking archly at her. Clara felt colour surging into her cheeks. <br /><br />‘You have an open countenance, Miss Vincent. Your friends must love to play opposite you at the tables.’ <br /><br />‘I never gamble, Mr Brantford.’ <br /><br />‘Women purportedly never do. It is said to be a man’s sin entirely, and one heavily active in this county, I cannot deny. Tell me, do women truly believe they take no risks? Is Mrs Drinscol not gambling this evening—and playing high stakes at that?’ <br /><br />Clara followed his look towards the bare-shouldered Miss Drinscol, standing nearby. <br /><br />‘Women would benefit from two basic lessons every boy learns at his father’s knee: never bet unless you have some chance of winning, however small; and be prepared to accept the consequences of your wager. Some people mistake their odds entirely. You, Miss Vincent, I would suggest, have a risk-taking nature; I witnessed this first-hand. You only need some outlet for it within the confines of our social norms and you will outshine us all.’ <br /><br />‘Pray, do not believe it, sir. I do not approve of gambling. I have seen entire fortunes lost by it. My own aunt, who came to live with us, had her world crumble in an instant. A few farthings at Loo—that is merely playing games—but gambling on horses and property is another thing entirely! I wonder that men can court ruin for such fleeting pleasure and no certainty of gain.’</span><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI41" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E190" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-2" id="E295" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E295" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p></qowt-section></div></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E140" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E140" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Nadine Kampen</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaePXQHWNyMDyIGH0mePtzP4ZLxx-OmRavdPzbu6lIYIRRsrVjP-kmUjKI-Nz2w2oIWO0yXsBqTlNggd99yRQMtomkFyM9neiHKiB7RhVogr-HDzYrhMgyIDy3vzuCnVOuS64JHkXocq9_9MyNeDEFDK2d2DdluKmlhbnn3ZfNjIVs76GzWFS0MuKg/s2505/Nadine%20Kampen_1MB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2505" data-original-width="2190" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaePXQHWNyMDyIGH0mePtzP4ZLxx-OmRavdPzbu6lIYIRRsrVjP-kmUjKI-Nz2w2oIWO0yXsBqTlNggd99yRQMtomkFyM9neiHKiB7RhVogr-HDzYrhMgyIDy3vzuCnVOuS64JHkXocq9_9MyNeDEFDK2d2DdluKmlhbnn3ZfNjIVs76GzWFS0MuKg/w317-h363/Nadine%20Kampen_1MB.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E268" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E268" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E269">In her d</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E270">é</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E271" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E271">but novel, The Brantford Wagers, Nadine </span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E273" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E273">Kampen</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E275"> draws on her passion for stories that bring a smile and warm the hearts of the reader. The author immerses the reader in the fictional world of traditional historical romance, set in the memorable Regency Engl</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E276" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E276">and period, sharing the hopes, schemes, and antics of her characters.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E278" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E278" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279">Prior to her career as an author, Nadine served as a regional marketing manager with an international consulting firm and as a communications and marketing director on university campu</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E280" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E280">ses. Earlier in her career, she worked in public relations and journalism, and was co-author and project lead for five non-fiction books comprising The Canadian Breast Cancer Series, published in 1989.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E282" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E282" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">A resident of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, Nadine lo</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E284" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284">ves relaxing with family and friends, reading and walking, playing tunes on her 1905 Bell piano, and gardening. </span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E282" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E282" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284">You can connect with Nadine Via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E282" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E282" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Website: </span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E293" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E293" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.nadinekampen.com" id="E295" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E295" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink20" id="E296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E296">www.nadinekampen.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E297" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E297" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twitter: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/cookiebuxton" id="E299" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E299" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E300" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E300">https://twitter.com/cookiebuxton</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E301" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E301" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">LinkedIn: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-kampen-b6828765" id="E303" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E303" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E304" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E304">www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-kampen-b6828765</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E305" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E305" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Facebook Author Page: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/Nadine-Kampen-and-The-Brantford-Wagers-107540071714536" id="E307" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E307" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E308" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E308">https://www.facebook.com/Nadine-Kampen-and-The-Brantford-Wagers-107540071714536</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E309" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E309" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E311" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E311" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Instagram</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E313" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E313" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E313" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.instagram.com/nadinekampenauthor/?hl=en" id="E314" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E314" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E315" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E315">https://www.instagram.com/nadinekampenauthor/?hl=en</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E316" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E316" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Amazon Author Page: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nadine-Kampen/e/B09GS6975W"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nadine-Kampen/e/B09GS6975W">https://www.amazon.com/Nadine-Kampen/e/B09GS6975W</a></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-5" id="E320" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E320" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E322" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E322" style="font-family: arial;">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-stl-None" id="E324" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E324" style="font-family: arial;">:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E324" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-brantford-wagers-the-brantford-series-by-nadine-kampen" id="E325" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E325" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E326" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E326">https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-brantford-wagers-the-brantford-series-by-nadine-kampen</span></a><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Goodreads:</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/142891393-nadine-kampen"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/142891393-nadine-kampen</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-brantford-wagers-brantford.html">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/01/blog-tour-brantford-wagers-brantford.html</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2awsWhGpCKZQoT6f5bFo5t1eW6oedViur3-9_xw2n58gqbaZZ9jBlkK7hBDkc4v9Cq6kfEgdvGRboqAzmdxv2Y8jzSzBU9oupecfX4Q-3wFqbGlU_QOPuLdARycBF9pZuBlKCQonE7weh0EfwdH0_zCpnnraqSGDe9-3tMJceaQ1iKp7-2iwlfT8J/s1600/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2awsWhGpCKZQoT6f5bFo5t1eW6oedViur3-9_xw2n58gqbaZZ9jBlkK7hBDkc4v9Cq6kfEgdvGRboqAzmdxv2Y8jzSzBU9oupecfX4Q-3wFqbGlU_QOPuLdARycBF9pZuBlKCQonE7weh0EfwdH0_zCpnnraqSGDe9-3tMJceaQ1iKp7-2iwlfT8J/w659-h372/The%20Brantford%20Wagers%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="659" /></a></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E327" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E327" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E285" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E285" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14pt;"></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-8541634793247673032022-03-24T08:00:00.012+00:002022-03-24T08:00:00.177+00:00Welcoming Glen Craney and his book - The Virgin of the Wind Rose: A Conspiracy Thriller - to my blog<p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 14.85px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 14.85px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Glen Craney and his book - The Virgin of the Wind Rose </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 14.85px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1hS3_CAizmuh7MsPheU-zAJ0vTlXGd7yIIKkO6oL5Ic4gnnXnvNpfOQprnn6lmeyYxGd6D64i5EuAS5KtpY8128V8PQfj1d3A2TVUoTpz4dhTBGdA2SNDg2PUSNfCaHIEXTyqu42fxSrBak_WgZUgt3MSUOWSqjLJRQIusAYEkOpur-iZERaIijo/s1600/The%20Virgin%20of%20the%20Wind%20Rose%20Tour%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1hS3_CAizmuh7MsPheU-zAJ0vTlXGd7yIIKkO6oL5Ic4gnnXnvNpfOQprnn6lmeyYxGd6D64i5EuAS5KtpY8128V8PQfj1d3A2TVUoTpz4dhTBGdA2SNDg2PUSNfCaHIEXTyqu42fxSrBak_WgZUgt3MSUOWSqjLJRQIusAYEkOpur-iZERaIijo/w600-h338/The%20Virgin%20of%20the%20Wind%20Rose%20Tour%20Banner.png" width="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #111111;">I am delighted to introduce this book to you all.</span><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Virgin of the Wind Rose</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukc7n-UdkazIHFcl0IScul6cENSIBnA6vOj3PYRshtqNuQli2E6LkU_I0oB4Yv0VP8uLr9jUA0YZRMcdRqiOaFy-R1rpBgwLegMicOwjpa4n8KCunmUqFRAWXFR_unzBJt2NkcDQM_Waph4YgLpvfAJxffANHNF4W60QNditOA1Im05dP7_cTtWgS/s669/TheVirginOfTheWindRose%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="447" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukc7n-UdkazIHFcl0IScul6cENSIBnA6vOj3PYRshtqNuQli2E6LkU_I0oB4Yv0VP8uLr9jUA0YZRMcdRqiOaFy-R1rpBgwLegMicOwjpa4n8KCunmUqFRAWXFR_unzBJt2NkcDQM_Waph4YgLpvfAJxffANHNF4W60QNditOA1Im05dP7_cTtWgS/w254-h380/TheVirginOfTheWindRose%20Cover.jpg" width="254" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E156" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E156" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E157" style="font-size: 12pt;">A Templar cryptogram has confounded scholars for centuries.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E158" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E158" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E159" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E159" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E160" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E160" style="font-size: 12pt;">Is it a ticking cipher bomb just hours away from detonating a global war?</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E161" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E161" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E162" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E162" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E163" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E165" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E165" style="font-size: 12pt;">Quartermane</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E167" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E167" style="font-size: 12pt;"> was never much good at puzzles. But now, assigned to investigate a ritual murder of an American in Ethiopia, she and a shady stolen-art hunter must solve the world's oldest palindrome—the infamous SATOR Square—to thwart a religious conspiracy that reaches back to the Age of Discovery and an arcane monastic order of Portuguese sea explorers.</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E168" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E168" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E169" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E169" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E170" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E170" style="font-size: 12pt;">Separated by half a millennium, two espionage plots dovetail in this breakneck thriller, driven by history's most elusive mystery....</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E171" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E171" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;"></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E174" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E174" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E172" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E172" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E173" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... the shocking secret that Christopher Columbus took to the grave.</span></span>
</p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0 qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E178" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E178" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E179" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E179" style="font-size: 12pt;">"If you love Steve Berry, Dan Brown or Umberto Eco, you may have a new author favorite in Glen </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182" style="font-size: 12pt;">Craney</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184" style="font-size: 12pt;">." -- BESTTHRILLERS.COM</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E185" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E185" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E186" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E186" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E187" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E187" style="font-size: 12pt;">"An exciting journey across time, with more twists and turns than a strawberry </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E189" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E189" style="font-size: 12pt;">Twizzler</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E191" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E191" style="font-size: 12pt;">." -- QUARTERDECK MAGAZINE</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E115" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E115" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E116" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E116" style="font-size: 12pt;">Publication Date: January, 2014</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E117" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E117" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E118" style="font-size: 12pt;">Publisher: Brigid's Fire Press</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E119" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E119" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E120" style="font-size: 12pt;">Page Length: 407 Pages</span>
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E122" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E122" style="font-size: 12pt;">Genre: </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123" style="font-size: 12pt;">Historical Mystery-Thriller</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123" style="font-size: 12pt;">You can purchase the book via -</span></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E199" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E199" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman" id="E200" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E200" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazon UK: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G8OULSS" id="E201" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E201" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E202" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E202">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G8OULSS</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E203" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E203" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E204" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E204" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazon US: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8OULSS" id="E205" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E205" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E206" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E206">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8OULSS</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E207" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E207" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E208" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E208" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazon CA: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00G8OULSS" id="E209" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E209" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E210" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E210">https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00G8OULSS</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E211" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E211" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E212" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E212" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazon AU: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00G8OULSS" id="E213" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E213" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E214" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E214">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00G8OULSS</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E215" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E215" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Barnes and Noble: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose-glen-craney/1123618132" id="E217" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E217" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose-glen-craney/1123618132</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E219" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E219" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Waterstones: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose/glen-craney/9780981648422" id="E221" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E221" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E222" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E222">https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose/glen-craney/9780981648422</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E223" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E223" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225" style="font-size: 12pt;">Kobo</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227" style="font-size: 12pt;">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose" id="E228" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E228" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E229">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-virgin-of-the-wind-rose</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E230" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E230" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E231" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Apple Books: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1012780966" id="E232" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E232" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E233">https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1012780966</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E121" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E121" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E238" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E238" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E234" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E234" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E235" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Google Play: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Glen_Craney_The_Virgin_of_the_Wind_Rose?id=CZ4sEAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US" id="E236" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E236" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237">https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Glen_Craney_The_Virgin_of_the_Wind_Rose?id=CZ4sEAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US</span></a>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E234" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E234" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Glen Craney</b></span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E234" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E234" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx91tCO79jx2lOczbhIuNEAGBfN6PFi1GHnBo8SQcWJ9L-3IfOsbwTpAKioDtC3iwIMFvaUsm83kfuZKP5apapFU5DNaa2vVkEZ-VYYWoeVrc7_uHWMbiC5qwdfczsbQO54ffSwWsYGhKOknUN7QKhfnVPPdremumWProC2Tf5rAeNUl9QcpQi6U4W/s300/Glen%20Craney-200x300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx91tCO79jx2lOczbhIuNEAGBfN6PFi1GHnBo8SQcWJ9L-3IfOsbwTpAKioDtC3iwIMFvaUsm83kfuZKP5apapFU5DNaa2vVkEZ-VYYWoeVrc7_uHWMbiC5qwdfczsbQO54ffSwWsYGhKOknUN7QKhfnVPPdremumWProC2Tf5rAeNUl9QcpQi6U4W/w230-h345/Glen%20Craney-200x300.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E269" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E269" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E239" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245" style="font-size: 12pt;">A graduate of Indiana University School of Law and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Glen </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247" style="font-size: 12pt;">Craney</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249" style="font-size: 12pt;"> practiced trial law before joining the Washington, D.C. press corps to write about national politics and the Iran-contra trial for </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Congressional Quarterly </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E251" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E251" style="font-size: 12pt;">magazine. In 1996, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences awarded him the Nicholl Fellowship prize for best new screenwriting. His debut historical novel, </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E252" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">The Fire and the Light, </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253" style="font-size: 12pt;">was named Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards. He is a three-time Finalist/Honorable Mention winner of </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E255" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Foreword</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E257" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E257" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"> Magazine</span><span class="qowt-font2-ArialUnicodeMS qowt-stl-None" id="E258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E258" style="font-size: 12pt;">’</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E259" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E259" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">s </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E260" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E260" style="font-size: 12pt;">Book-of-the-Year, a Chaucer Award winner, and a Military Writers Society of America Gold Medalist. His books have taken readers to </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262" style="font-size: 12pt;">Occitania</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E264" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E264" style="font-size: 12pt;"> during the Albigensian Crusade, the Scotland of Robert Bruce, Portugal during the Age of Discovery, the trenches of France during World War I, the battlefields of the American Civil War, and the American </span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E266" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E266" style="font-size: 12pt;">Hoovervilles</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E268" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E268" style="font-size: 12pt;"> of the Great Depression. He has served as president of the Southern California Chapter of the Historical Novel Society.</span></span>
</p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E239" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E268" style="font-size: 12pt;">You can connect with Glen via these platforms -</span></span></p><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contentsContainer" style="padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt;"><div class="style-scope qowt-page" id="contents"><qowt-section break-before="" indexed-flow="SI24" named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E104" style="column-count: 1;"><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E276" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E276" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Website: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="http://www.glencraney.com/" id="E278" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E278" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink3" id="E279" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E279">www.glencraney.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="x-scope qowt-word-para-0 qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E280" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E280" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Twitter: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://twitter.com/glencraney" id="E282" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E282" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink4" id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283">https://twitter.com/glencraney</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E284" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E284" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Facebook: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.facebook.com/GlenCraneyAuthor" id="E287" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E287" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288">https://www.facebook.com/GlenCraneyAuthor</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E289" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E289" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">LinkedIn: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/glencraney/" id="E291" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E291" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink2" id="E292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E292">https://www.linkedin.com/in/glencraney/</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E293" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E293" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E294" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E294" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pinterest: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.pinterest.com/gcraney5618/" id="E295" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E295" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink5" id="E296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E296">https://www.pinterest.com/gcraney5618/</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E297" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E297" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E299" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E299" style="font-size: 12pt;">BookBub</span><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E301" style="font-size: 12pt;">: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/glen-craney" id="E302" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E302" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E303">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/glen-craney</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E304" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E304" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span class="qowt-font1-TimesNewRoman qowt-stl-None" id="E305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E305" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazon Author Page: </span></span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://www.amazon.com/Glen-Craney/e/B002C1VQZ8" id="E306" is="qowt-hyperlink" qowt-eid="E306" target="_blank"><span class="qowt-stl-Hyperlink1" id="E307" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E307">https://www.amazon.com/Glen-Craney/e/B002C1VQZ8</span></a></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" id="E304" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E304" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1516207.Glen_Craney">Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1516207.Glen_Craney</a></span></p></qowt-section></div></div><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on the tour.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D-f2-k231usguZGbX_GODdNboeM6Dh7lAcWOnmZ-1wAFPUoVmqDRjOc5F67aIRGkzGR2GduJuM_bSdEWXJeFau2Kj-CBMzqKLqaUJhoM09lKHF6du5O1ba4wmWAwcg_FLe8F4WPDZ3wjrqmFs7nWkbEFXyslCL_H1WWWaOdnxKpYBJAU3AUoDeMa/s1600/The%20Virgin%20of%20the%20Wind%20Rose%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D-f2-k231usguZGbX_GODdNboeM6Dh7lAcWOnmZ-1wAFPUoVmqDRjOc5F67aIRGkzGR2GduJuM_bSdEWXJeFau2Kj-CBMzqKLqaUJhoM09lKHF6du5O1ba4wmWAwcg_FLe8F4WPDZ3wjrqmFs7nWkbEFXyslCL_H1WWWaOdnxKpYBJAU3AUoDeMa/w641-h361/The%20Virgin%20of%20the%20Wind%20Rose%20Tour%20Schedule%20Banner.png" width="641" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">You can visit the tour blog post here -</span><p></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-virgin-of-wind-rose.html"><span style="font-family: arial;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/03/blog-tour-virgin-of-wind-rose.html</span></a><br /><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="height: 712pt; width: 612pt;"><qowt-header class="style-scope qowt-page style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false" id="undefined" qowt-eid="undefined" style="min-height: 36pt; padding-left: 72pt; padding-right: 72pt; padding-top: 36pt;"></qowt-header></qowt-page></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">That's it for now.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="qowt-stl-BodyA x-scope qowt-word-para-0" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" qowt-entry="undefined" qowt-lvl="undefined"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care Zoe</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-73845262637307793942022-03-10T08:00:00.006+00:002022-03-10T08:00:00.203+00:00Welcoming Elizabeth R.Andersen and her book- The Scribe - to my blog<p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oday I'm welcoming Elizabeth R. Andersen and her books - The Scribe & The Land of God (Books 1 & 2 of The Two Daggers Series) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde" style="color: #991144; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWs8Byg9UNPkCRjsQxSxnGuEVDGDQM9AcS2dpqSl3gJzXcT-kmjcFIk7RmqSUcT5JwFCE2wTeSpc962TAd5ckfNA2Ix3YrDmO9cbWam1OqhNvHkEpLKItVjmiEe-NuCpjEvRd9nr9jeyDzzCPhyokYtr1HT3qnNC56AMXZPZto-Ingagx9KKLpIhOA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWs8Byg9UNPkCRjsQxSxnGuEVDGDQM9AcS2dpqSl3gJzXcT-kmjcFIk7RmqSUcT5JwFCE2wTeSpc962TAd5ckfNA2Ix3YrDmO9cbWam1OqhNvHkEpLKItVjmiEe-NuCpjEvRd9nr9jeyDzzCPhyokYtr1HT3qnNC56AMXZPZto-Ingagx9KKLpIhOA=w637-h358" width="637" /></a></div>I am delighted to share an excerpt from The Land of God with you all, but first I will introduce the books.<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Scribe</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgImEw0HaWQc3esT3XZR-abWEAaeAbxComJ2C8NbJYWb_K4YINIZixT0ljaDHaJFM4KB50EP8RDDVJxn8vjm0Mvx6_WFx5ZcmE4w2sdNvcxANymmhJXZ97nnNwWK1xDQ8julJ-RddQOMvve-uvL2H1P6SOaHd5ExsQ1Gy0BX6K1roYkG91rnGWqGdgr=s640" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgImEw0HaWQc3esT3XZR-abWEAaeAbxComJ2C8NbJYWb_K4YINIZixT0ljaDHaJFM4KB50EP8RDDVJxn8vjm0Mvx6_WFx5ZcmE4w2sdNvcxANymmhJXZ97nnNwWK1xDQ8julJ-RddQOMvve-uvL2H1P6SOaHd5ExsQ1Gy0BX6K1roYkG91rnGWqGdgr=w218-h349" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.0\",\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">All Henri of Maron wanted was to stay with his family on his country estate, surrounded by lemon groves and safety. But in 13th century Palestine, when noble-born boys are raised to fight for the Holy Land, young Henri will be sent to live and train among </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">men who hate him for what he is: a French nobleman of an Arab mother. Robbed of his humanity and steeped in cruelty, his encounters with a slave soldier, a former pickpocket, and a kindly scribe will force Henri to confront his own beliefs and behaviours. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">W</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ill Henri maintain the status quo in order to fit into a society that </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">doesn</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="NL-NL">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN-US">t want him, or will fate intervene first?</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW104197259 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="SCXW104197259 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span></span></span></div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW104197259 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW104197259 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{204}" paraid="2095420647" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The first book in </span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Two Daggers</span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> series, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Scribe</span><span class="TextRun SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> takes readers on a sweeping adventure through the years and months that lead up to the infamous Siege of Acre in 1291 CE and delves into the psyches of three young people caught up in the wave of history.</span><span class="EOP SCXW104197259 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{182}" paraid="2016010855" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Book Title:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The Scribe</span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{190}" paraid="2044692510" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Series:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> (The Two Daggers, Book 1)</span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{198}" paraid="259386649" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Author:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Elizabeth R. Andersen</span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{206}" paraid="974493657" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="DE-DE" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Publication</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Date:</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="DE-DE" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DE-DE"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">18th July 2021</span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{218}" paraid="1768892777" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Publisher:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNXB4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjRweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUgNCIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KICAgIDwhLS0gR2VuZXJhdG9yOiBTa2V0Y2ggNTYuMiAoODE2NzIpIC0gaHR0cHM6Ly9za2V0Y2guY29tIC0tPgogICAgPHRpdGxlPnNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlPC90aXRsZT4KICAgIDxkZXNjPkNyZWF0ZWQgd2l0aCBTa2V0Y2guPC9kZXNjPgogICAgPGcgaWQ9IkZsYWdzIiBzdHJva2U9Im5vbmUiIHN0cm9rZS13aWR0aD0iMSIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgZmlsbC1ydWxlPSJldmVub2RkIj4KICAgICAgICA8ZyB0cmFuc2Zvcm09InRyYW5zbGF0ZSgtMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIC0yOTYuMDAwMDAwKSIgaWQ9InNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPGcgdHJhbnNmb3JtPSJ0cmFuc2xhdGUoMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIDI5Ni4wMDAwMDApIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0wLDMgQzEuMjUsMyAxLjI1LDEgMi41LDEgQzMuNzUsMSAzLjc1LDMgNSwzIiBpZD0iUGF0aCIgc3Ryb2tlPSIjRUIwMDAwIiBzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg9IjEiPjwvcGF0aD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGlkPSJSZWN0YW5nbGUiIHg9IjAiIHk9IjAiIHdpZHRoPSI1IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQiPjwvcmVjdD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPC9nPgogICAgICAgIDwvZz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Haeddre</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Press</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{230}" paraid="1754564920" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Page Length:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> 360 P</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="FR-FR" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ages</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34056849 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Genre:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Historical F</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="FR-FR" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="FR-FR"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">iction</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW251404465 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW251404465 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{83}" paraid="1348336638" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW251404465 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW251404465 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{89}" paraid="1083772499" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW251404465 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Universal Link: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW251404465 BCX8" href="https://books2read.com/u/3RJE5L" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW251404465 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW251404465 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|13","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.1",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink1",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",469778324,"Hyperlink"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://books2read.com/u/3RJE5L</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW251404465 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW251404465 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Land of God</b></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW34056849 BCX8" paraeid="{c88d9942-f719-43f3-8059-4b9dd4b0ec00}{240}" paraid="627117734" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW34056849 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTVZzDatH7Gmt0IvzXNTjYrFMA3jh1-l6C-Oo0BcLe9Sr1GLtZpq6Mr5NZ250oU_wJcimk9JIX1RDNye3MjKF8oRDHSrt5JDsDoSqfeZLi88TjH5pka_TK4M8OGiSdmotaQEo0JTIPFJurGRkSHWu0BHjxvdHBmU-csfqwu4Ci3ounPhFCj4Sehbd6=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTVZzDatH7Gmt0IvzXNTjYrFMA3jh1-l6C-Oo0BcLe9Sr1GLtZpq6Mr5NZ250oU_wJcimk9JIX1RDNye3MjKF8oRDHSrt5JDsDoSqfeZLi88TjH5pka_TK4M8OGiSdmotaQEo0JTIPFJurGRkSHWu0BHjxvdHBmU-csfqwu4Ci3ounPhFCj4Sehbd6=w214-h342" width="214" /></a></span></div><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|11","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"None",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"None",335572020,"1",469778325,"[\"Hyperlink.0\",\"Hyperlink.2\",\"Hyperlink.3\",\"Hyperlink.4\"]"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Pain. His </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">sister</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">s screams. And a beautiful face in the jeering crowd. When Henri of Maron woke, he had only a few memories of his brutal flogging, but he knew the world had changed. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">He</span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> had changed.</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span></span></div></span><p></p></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW148613403 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{1}" paraid="1437759554" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Now, as he grapples with the fallout from his disastrous </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">decisions, war with the Mamluk army looms closer. To convince the city leaders to take the threat seriously, Henri and the grand master of the Templars must rely on unlikely allies and bold risks to avoid a siege.</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: large; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre;"> </span></div></span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Meanwhile, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Sidika</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> is trying to find a way</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to put her life back together. When she is forced to flee her home, her chance encounters with a handsome </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">amir</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and a strangely familiar old woman will have consequences for her future.</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre !important;"> </span></span></div></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre;"> </span></div></span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The Land of God weaves the real historical figures with rich, complex</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> characters and an edge-of-seat plot. Readers who enjoyed the </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-style: italic; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Brethren</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> series by Robyn Young and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-style: italic; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Physician</span><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> by Noah Gordon will appreciate this immersive tale set in the Middle East in the Middle Ages.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div></span></span><p></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW148613403 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{1}" paraid="1437759554" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="EOP SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW148613403 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW148613403 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{45}" paraid="985419731" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW148613403 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Book Title:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The Land of God</span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{7}" paraid="669512331" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Series:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> (The Two Daggers, Book 2)</span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{15}" paraid="139495560" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Author:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Elizabeth R. Andersen</span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{23}" paraid="345142197" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="DE-DE" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DE-DE"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Publication</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Date:</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="DE-DE" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DE-DE"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">8th November 2021</span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{35}" paraid="1366137757" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Publisher:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Haeddre</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Press</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{47}" paraid="1962395830" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Page Length:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> 350 P</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="FR-FR" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="FR-FR"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ages</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226633053 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Genre:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Historical F</span><span class="TextRun SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="FR-FR" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="FR-FR"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="Body A" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">iction</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can purchase a copy of the second book via -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW226633053 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Universal Link: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW263857177 BCX8" href="https://books2read.com/u/bMwLnA" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|13","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.1",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink1",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",469778324,"Hyperlink"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://books2read.com/u/bMwLnA</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW263857177 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixvXVf9HNr7SQykPNnNZnmeqLu07eNiYlSjtRdj0svvltIUqNNJ_l9OEgIV2YaopV9jM0msRlpBtMCO_rW9qnQkLdPeDiJ9uTx1NA5uw7aIAEdaci_4nJuKTtYVbZl1hRgxYC0xFebr26lllPwiy7KOxhmXB_Z71irzby7BugZL5vO2s0a-HXUYUDh=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixvXVf9HNr7SQykPNnNZnmeqLu07eNiYlSjtRdj0svvltIUqNNJ_l9OEgIV2YaopV9jM0msRlpBtMCO_rW9qnQkLdPeDiJ9uTx1NA5uw7aIAEdaci_4nJuKTtYVbZl1hRgxYC0xFebr26lllPwiy7KOxhmXB_Z71irzby7BugZL5vO2s0a-HXUYUDh=w629-h354" width="629" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Now for the excerpt -</span><p></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW226633053 BCX8" paraeid="{1b0575ef-4a20-46e0-8ba6-263b732e33a5}{57}" paraid="1625021238" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{189}" paraid="708039157" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The four Franj men stood brazenly in the throne room of the citadel, their feet and legs filthy from travel and their sweaty heads bare. A shimmer of dust fell from their tall bodies onto the fine, red and blue carpets that had been spread over the mosaiced floor. Khalil sat comfortably in his golden chair, which had been completed by his artisans only the day before. The chair separated him from his father, who often preferred to stand, until he was too frail to do so any longer. Khalil stared down at the men from his high dais, his face blank and impassive, every muscle practiced to stillness.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{195}" paraid="1571515515" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{199}" paraid="480194525" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Have these men been invited to wash before speaking in this council?</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">he asked the room in Turkish.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{211}" paraid="48969615" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; 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line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{215}" paraid="1727425011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; 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background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">amirs</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and courtiers looked at each other nervously. A slave rushed forward and prostrated himself to the ground. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Yes, my lord, but they did not wish to bathe until after they had spoken to you. They said they rode hard to come to you as quickly as possible.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{227}" paraid="1778755593" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{231}" paraid="64193785" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Khalil</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s face remained still and unreadable, but Yusuf could guess his thoughts. Although some Franj were courtly and genteel, with knowledge of basic hygiene and manners, many were not. They were generally considered uncouth, foul, smelly, and no Mamluk </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">– </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">indeed no Muslim </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">– </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">would allow themselves to be seen in such a revolting state.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{249}" paraid="1513733091" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{49417127-657b-46b8-97d3-a7626c47dbf8}{253}" paraid="127554730" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The shortest of the four, a man with a ruddy, good-natured face and a tail of dark brown hair, stepped forward and bowed.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{4}" paraid="1103688598" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{8}" paraid="1057177225" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Honored sultan, I am Sir Philip of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Mainboeuf</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. We bring you gifts and a plea of mercy from the leaders of Acre. We desire peace between your people and ours, which has brought prosperity into both of our harbors during times of truce. We ask that you reconsider your intentions to besiege Acre. Your father maintained good relations with our city, and we wish for the same with you.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{18}" paraid="1923339244" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{22}" paraid="185491626" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Khalil frowned at this.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{28}" paraid="218862605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{32}" paraid="715488590" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Today, Yusuf stood on the dais at the sultan</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s request in case translation was required. He wore his samite robe, belted with a black silk sash embroidered with verses of the Qur</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">an. Under the sash, the gold samite itched, and he willed himself to be as still as Khalil, but the urge to adjust his robes was maddening.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{46}" paraid="237481994" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{50}" paraid="1911505760" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Khalil folded his hands over his stomach and considered the men in front of him. The silence lasted for such a long time that the Franj knights began to glance at each other, confusion muddling their sun-red faces.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{56}" paraid="1611013708" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{60}" paraid="1242811276" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Your king did not honor my father</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s request to send the perpetrators of the atrocities against Faithful when we asked.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Although the Franj had addressed him in Arabic, Khalil answered in Turkic. The faces of the Franj were changing from confidence to confusion to fear. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Therefore, I see no reason why we should return these men to Acre.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{82}" paraid="1156251036" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{86}" paraid="1824456380" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">His eyes flicked to Yusuf, who bowed. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Yusuf Ibn Shihab, please explain to these men that the gold they sent will be returning to Acre, but they will not.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{98}" paraid="1268045221" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{102}" paraid="1933964625" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Yusuf dutifully translated, and when he had finished, there was a moment of silence. The knight called </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Mainboeuf</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> stuttered out an explanation to his colleagues in French, and they immediately began to shout and gesticulate.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{108}" paraid="1039058537" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{112}" paraid="254167735" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Khalil inclined his head, and five of his palace guards approached, their swords drawn.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{118}" paraid="911653291" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{122}" paraid="199584996" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Please,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the knight called </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Mainboeuf</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> begged in Arabic, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">my squire is only a boy. He has nothing to do with this business. Please send him back to Acre with the gold.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{140}" paraid="1174079512" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{144}" paraid="1814410224" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">At this, Khalil stood.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{150}" paraid="77541835" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{154}" paraid="1773504590" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Give him mercy? How much mercy did your people show to ours when they slaughtered innocents in your streets? When they beheaded prisoners of war a hundred years ago? When they came to Jerusalem, their bellies full of the flesh of Muslims that they had consumed in their ravenous hunger? You are not men; you are animals!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{164}" paraid="1393721953" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{168}" paraid="1413858488" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">His face flushed with rage, and Yusuf could see his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{174}" paraid="1648913413" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{178}" paraid="243208708" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Your squire will join you in chains, and I doubt that there is any gift that will be sufficient to slake my anger, which is the anger of every sultan before me! Get them out of my palace!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{188}" paraid="1090610476" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{192}" paraid="907825823" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">He was screaming now, pointing at the door, and the five guards grabbed the Franj knights roughly. One of them, the youngest, whimpered loudly before the door slammed behind him.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{198}" paraid="1268319598" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{202}" paraid="1219746170" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Yusuf looked at his friend, who had reseated himself in his golden chair. Khalil was spirited but always level-headed and not given to bursts of emotion or anger. The man sitting on the throne seemed a stranger to Yusuf. An unknown.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{208}" paraid="312067130" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{212}" paraid="2082917887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">***</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":2,"335551620":2,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{222}" paraid="324955189" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">When word reached Acre that a message had arrived from Cairo, the citizens</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’ </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">council crowded into Prince Amalric</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s lavish house near the harbor. As servants moved sedately among the men, their arms laden with trays of sweets and pitchers of wine, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Beaujeu</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> stood and motioned for silence, then cleared his throat.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{236}" paraid="878827385" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{6d41114d-767e-405f-9092-39a651c42604}{240}" paraid="809562651" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Well, we have received an answer from Khalil.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">He held up a sheaf of papers and handed them to a small man in a black sergeant</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s robe, who began to read.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">At this elaborate salutation, many of the men in the room murmured and began to look around at each other. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Beaujeu</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> rapped the floor loudly with the butt of his </span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: yellow; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; outline: transparent solid 1px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">baculus</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and the crowd quieted.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{29}" paraid="532912453" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{33}" paraid="1414002622" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">To the noble master of the Temple, the true and wise: Greetings and our good will! Because you have been a true man, so we send you advance notice of our intentions, and give you to understand that we are coming into your parts to right the wrongs that have been done. Therefore, we do not want the community of Acre to send us any letters or presents regarding this matter, for we will by no means receive them.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{43}" paraid="90360590" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{47}" paraid="1291013279" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">For a moment, the room was silent. Then the messenger of the sultan stepped forward and bowed curtly, his expression hard and unsmiling.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{53}" paraid="885918273" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{57}" paraid="320612819" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Your men,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">he began in broken French, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">we have them in our cage. They stay with us,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">he raised his hand and closed it into a fist. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">We not give them back.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{83}" paraid="1659630533" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{87}" paraid="1371040362" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Amalric stood from his chair, his silver wine cup clattering to the ground. A murmur rose from the assembled city leaders and servants as the messenger raked them with a disapproving stare. He continued.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{93}" paraid="1838719275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{97}" paraid="1295792550" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You broke peace. Killed innocent. No more men you send to us. No more gift. We come, and we take this city. Praise to God.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{107}" paraid="692509570" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{111}" paraid="1516016265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">For a moment, all in the room remained silent.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{117}" paraid="1503120413" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{121}" paraid="1228521558" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Fine,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amalric said, his eyes blazing, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">let them come. The city of Acre is strong, and so are its people. If Khalil wishes to find this out for himself, we are prepared to meet him in battle.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{139}" paraid="286260535" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{143}" paraid="1403356423" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Beaujeu</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> stood slowly and walked from the room as his secretary translated Amalric</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s words into fluid Arabic. The Patriarch raised his face towards heaven and closed his eyes in prayer. Brother Mathieu de Clermont pounded the arm of his chair.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{153}" paraid="1802081145" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{157}" paraid="1578180793" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Then let us march on this madman ourselves and end him before he can come this far north!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{167}" paraid="1072296511" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{171}" paraid="1499571309" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Quiet, Clermont!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amalric snapped. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">They do not need more reasons to hate us right now.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{189}" paraid="527627846" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{193}" paraid="1214550880" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Turning to the assembled council members, he sighed heavily. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">“</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You have heard the message. Please muster your fighting men and bring any servants you can spare. We must begin to secure the city walls immediately.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{205}" paraid="147746705" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="ePUB Style" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW46991725 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW46991725 BCX8" paraeid="{c2d3a720-a697-42cc-8fcb-ae6ff35a3021}{209}" paraid="1408784864" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Then he stood and swept from the room without looking at Henri or anyone else.</span><span class="EOP SCXW46991725 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559740":280}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 18.6667px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>Elizabeth R. Andersen</b></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhakDvpDTojUpa61bUMtsXfZYx_Fo-BcHVmEi2LGhKv-nJTePk5lZLUMeQNmUxCeIjyMEj4L4KM7hLpLVS-u6_eeqV-zRIa3DhzVtVdwKEaX6Jj45E1wXA5QwwyZMpbNXEtLJ8b0L7x3_T0Zj_2v4OOMejCbHUF81VO6ZPBGe0WksSTXboTv4AjfAon=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhakDvpDTojUpa61bUMtsXfZYx_Fo-BcHVmEi2LGhKv-nJTePk5lZLUMeQNmUxCeIjyMEj4L4KM7hLpLVS-u6_eeqV-zRIa3DhzVtVdwKEaX6Jj45E1wXA5QwwyZMpbNXEtLJ8b0L7x3_T0Zj_2v4OOMejCbHUF81VO6ZPBGe0WksSTXboTv4AjfAon=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW162083298 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{224}" paraid="1894526386" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Elizabeth R. Andersen's debut novel, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Scribe</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, launched in July of 2021. Although she spent many years of her life as a journalist, independent fashion designer, and overworked tech employee, there have always been two consistent loves in her life: writing and history. She finally decided to do somet</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">hing about this and put them both together. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW162083298 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{236}" paraid="799147467" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW162083298 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{240}" paraid="1975846809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Elizabeth lives in the Seattle area with her long-suffering husband and young son. On the weekends she usually hikes in the stunning Cascade mountains to hide from people and dream up new plotlines and characte</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">rs. Elizabeth is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{240}" paraid="1975846809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{240}" paraid="1975846809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can connect with Elizabeth via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW162083298 BCX8" paraeid="{4ebb9acd-6a04-4f2a-b591-2ef124c061d7}{240}" paraid="1975846809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW162083298 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #162127; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{9}" paraid="1861659466" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Website: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.elizabethrandersen.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|15","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.3",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink3",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"1033",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.elizabethrandersen.com/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{20}" paraid="135667900" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Twitter: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://twitter.com/E_R_A_writes" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|12","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.0",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink0",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",335551547,"1033",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://twitter.com/E_R_A_writes</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{29}" paraid="1408401580" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL">Facebook: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.facebook.com/ERAndersenBooks" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.facebook.com/ERAndersenBooks</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{40}" paraid="423567117" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="DA-DK" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="DA-DK"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Instagram</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">: </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethrandersen/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|16","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.4",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink4",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"12673797",335551547,"1043",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.instagram.com/elizabethrandersen/</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{53}" paraid="630653958" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pinterest: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethrandersen" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethrandersen</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{64}" paraid="763505895" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None B" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2,url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">BookBub</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="None B" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">: </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-r-andersen" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-r-andersen</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{77}" paraid="1979802053" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Amazon Author Page: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B099RJ66RM" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B099RJ66RM</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250978060 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="TextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Goodreads: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW250978060 BCX8" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58586385-the-scribe" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58586385-the-scribe</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="NL-NL" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="NL-NL"></span><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="EOP SCXW250978060 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">You can learn more about the books and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour -</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a class="Hyperlink SCXW84264568 BCX8" href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-tour-scribe-two-daggers-book-1-by.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: blue; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"a2d3c8b6-a295-460e-9cfa-f8aa3878a215|12","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Hyperlink.0",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"Hyperlink0",335572020,"1",134224902,"true",201334293,"0",335551500,"16711680",335551547,"1033",469778324,"None"]}" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink.0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-tour-scribe-two-daggers-book-1-by.html</span></span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: red; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: red; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHdYEiEppLlb_Rq54n-DuAuGrMKewbKTWoYFN4QDuY9piSn3swtCx2W9rQKRnwl0fjeE2TRhLekdsLHk77F2jy5FqmIzOYF3BA2QrfDUUhndYCG_YnGkoCcXQkRFBqkeOTrwBvGxJZUwYnnA8F-Ft6d7NZab8WvBaGfDpvqDbts_taSKUjvEsa87dM=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHdYEiEppLlb_Rq54n-DuAuGrMKewbKTWoYFN4QDuY9piSn3swtCx2W9rQKRnwl0fjeE2TRhLekdsLHk77F2jy5FqmIzOYF3BA2QrfDUUhndYCG_YnGkoCcXQkRFBqkeOTrwBvGxJZUwYnnA8F-Ft6d7NZab8WvBaGfDpvqDbts_taSKUjvEsa87dM=w629-h354" width="629" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span><p></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Till the next time.</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW250978060 BCX8" paraeid="{799ff1a3-e558-423b-bd1a-ae4531ae88ba}{88}" paraid="772852272" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Take care Zoe<br /><span class="EOP SCXW84264568 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: red; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-37610767959279116782022-01-26T08:00:00.008+00:002022-01-26T08:00:00.175+00:00Welcoming Rob Samborn and his book - The Prisioner of Paradise - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Rob Samborn and his book - The Prisoner of Paradise (Book 1 of The Paradise Series) </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsoG0vrGc_9wOPT-pHuBWR96-1artNSuTjy0onBvGxNojDCNJ6GTIoTx7x3GRJe2dgurTc28yVoN7mLsKwb8e9K7UZOAmKwqahW-Owwvx9uOrG7T6QDgOReYT3M-cemJ6OBluWTo88Le1u6Ymoe5h-ubmv2e6mtwKXf1WS7S-xKxiBwP1os9wNTO2Q=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsoG0vrGc_9wOPT-pHuBWR96-1artNSuTjy0onBvGxNojDCNJ6GTIoTx7x3GRJe2dgurTc28yVoN7mLsKwb8e9K7UZOAmKwqahW-Owwvx9uOrG7T6QDgOReYT3M-cemJ6OBluWTo88Le1u6Ymoe5h-ubmv2e6mtwKXf1WS7S-xKxiBwP1os9wNTO2Q=w596-h335" width="596" /></a></div>Delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Prisoner of Paradise</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3zO4BF8-A_huakRTRvsmrP1BtX3kY9bY_4YSQjzD70tdgI4o6-5-4IRQwYs4TWnWudJAqVZd2PbFAFTjW3DRo2_4Stl0cCMI_rh8YlCy4J3lFsxwl-aPVdG6rOrvoP65ziIgYSiI31jTzvI36SslPHJEqmsfjOHZDsE6vz2QwFuu-7Tat3GiPVmhe=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3zO4BF8-A_huakRTRvsmrP1BtX3kY9bY_4YSQjzD70tdgI4o6-5-4IRQwYs4TWnWudJAqVZd2PbFAFTjW3DRo2_4Stl0cCMI_rh8YlCy4J3lFsxwl-aPVdG6rOrvoP65ziIgYSiI31jTzvI36SslPHJEqmsfjOHZDsE6vz2QwFuu-7Tat3GiPVmhe=w229-h366" width="229" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0.37cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
world’s largest oil painting. A 400-year-old murder. A disembodied
whisper: “Amore mio.” </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
love.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0.37cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nick
and Julia O’Connor’s dream trip to Venice collapses when a
haunting voice reaches out to Nick from Tintoretto’s </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Paradise</span></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
a monumental depiction of Heaven. Convinced his delusions are the
result of a concussion, Julia insists her husband see a doctor,
though Nick is adamant the voice was real.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0.37cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Blacking
out in the museum, Nick flashes back to a life as a 16th century
Venetian peasant swordsman. He recalls precisely who the voice
belongs to: Isabella Scalfini, a married aristocrat he was tasked to
seduce but with whom he instead found true love. A love stolen from
them hundreds of years prior.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0.37cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
implores Nick to liberate her from a powerful order of religious
vigilantes who judge and sentence souls to the canvas for eternity.
Releasing Isabella also means unleashing thousands of other
imprisoned souls, all of which the order claims are evil.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">As
infatuation with a possible hallucination clouds his commitment to a
present-day wife, Nick’s past self takes over. Wracked with guilt,
he can no longer allow Isabella to remain tormented, despite the
consequences. He must right an age-old wrong – destroy the painting
and free his soul mate. But the order will eradicate anyone who
threatens their ethereal prison and their control over Venice.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Trigger
Warnings.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Violence</span><span lang="it-IT">,
a rape scene, a torture scene.</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="it-IT">
</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Publication
Date: </span><span lang="en-US">30th November 2021</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Publisher:
TouchPoint Press</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Page Length:
333 Pages</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Genre:
Commercial Thriller, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Amazon UK:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M">https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Amazon US:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Amazon CA:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M">https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Amazon AU:</span><span lang="en-US">
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M">https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09F8RYG2M</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Kobo:
</span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-prisoner-of-paradise-1">https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-prisoner-of-paradise-1</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">iBooks:
</span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://books.apple.com/gb/book/the-prisoner-of-paradise/id1593897696">https://books.apple.com/gb/book/the-prisoner-of-paradise/id1593897696</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Barnes &
Noble:
</span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prisoner-of-paradise-rob-samborn/1140407539">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prisoner-of-paradise-rob-samborn/1140407539</a></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsVDhNq7Dna2MwYkY5EkayJZEopt6rXpaiVHF2RMvSSdZyytBZErna4rTbuPt3nHJt4rfyFrE00_eeQI81vSWf4LzRN-jbNcorAOAChhug6GPT4UHGtynjgbwtvSePuWjrGN-ZNEOBncT7FkNpCGBZeh5CDE9sKTNckZfFs6Zhl9l0iNbua2f7sTok=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsVDhNq7Dna2MwYkY5EkayJZEopt6rXpaiVHF2RMvSSdZyytBZErna4rTbuPt3nHJt4rfyFrE00_eeQI81vSWf4LzRN-jbNcorAOAChhug6GPT4UHGtynjgbwtvSePuWjrGN-ZNEOBncT7FkNpCGBZeh5CDE9sKTNckZfFs6Zhl9l0iNbua2f7sTok=w546-h284" width="546" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> Angelo’s
breath caught in his throat. S<span lang="it-IT">iòra
</span>Scalfini differed
dramatically from her friends. Her flawless olive skin was not
powdered white. Her eyes smiled. They were sparkling, like polished
marble, offering a reflection of himself in her dark pupils. But they
weren’t marble—they were alive and vibrant, twinkling with
innocence and sensuality simultaneously. Her glance pierced his soul.
Angelo was overcome by her radiance.</span><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ivan
prodded him and flourished his hand in introduction. “May I present
Angelo Mascari, the finest young swordsman in La Serenissima.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
woman bowed her lashes and extended her gloved hand. Angelo took it
and brought it to his lips. The embroidered white leather smelled
exquisitely floral but with a stronger scent mixed in, possibly
cinnamon or pepper. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I
am enchanted, my lady,” said Angelo.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Her
eyes widened. “Are you suggesting I am a witch, sir?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“What?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“That
I can enchant you with a spell?” Isabella continued in a solemn
tone.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“My
lady, no.” Angelo stumbled for the words. “I meant—”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“How
he blushes,” Isabella said, giggling along with her friends. “At
ease, my good man. I only tease.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">She
locked eyes with Angelo over their joined hands. He swayed back. Her
contemplation of him felt deeply intimate, though a moment prior she
had been playfully mocking him. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A
pleasurable sort of queasiness rolled through Angelo’s gut. He was
reluctant to release her fingers, but Ivan tugged at his sleeve.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“There
you are.” A loud voice resonated from behind the group. Renzo
Scalfini took his place at his wife’s side. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ashamed,
Angelo dropped her hand at once.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“S<span lang="it-IT">iòr
</span>Mascari,” said
Ivan. “Allow me to introduce S<span lang="it-IT">iòr
</span>Renzo Scalfini.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Angelo
fought to regain his composure. “Happy Christmas, s<span lang="it-IT">iòr</span>,”
he managed, extending his hand to Renzo.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Renzo
narrowed his eyes, not reciprocating the salutation. “This is the
swordsman you were squealing like washer girls about?” he asked
Vito and Ivan.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Vito
laughed off the insult. “One of the Republic’s most promising.
He’s in need of a sponsor. Are you not, Angelo?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“It
would be an honor,” he said to Renzo.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I
think not,” Renzo snapped. “You speak of honor, yet you have
none.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“S<span lang="it-IT">iòr</span>?”
Angelo asked, shocked at this accusation. “Have I offended you in
some manner?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“You
gape at my wife with lecherous eyes and have the audacity to ask if I
have been offended? Not only do you lack honor, but you also lack
intelligence or sincerity. Or perhaps all three.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
group stood stunned.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“S<span lang="it-IT">iòr
</span>Scalfini, I assure
you, while your wife is a remarkable beauty, I had not an inkling she
was your wife, nor anybody’s wife. You have my humblest of
apologies.” With that, Angelo bowed low in deference but kept an
eye on the lady.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Isabella
lit up at Angelo’s description of her. Renzo noticed her reaction.
“Come, Isabella,” he said, practically dragging her away.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
Bird Brothers exchanged a brief look of disappointment. They bowed
their heads to the remaining women, then guided Angelo back to the
other end of the hall. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“That
did not go as planned,” Ivan said. He pulled Angelo’s ear to him.
The man’s pungent breath reeked of wine. “You were expected to
curry his favor now and seduce his wife <i>later</i>,
not instantly repel him.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“You
have squandered this opportunity, Mascari,” Vito agreed.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Angelo
watched Isabella, who had returned to her friends. His chest expanded
with an unfamiliar ease. “All is not lost.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“And
how is that?” Vito asked. “He didn’t consider a sponsorship for
an instant.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I
do not need a man’s sponsorship to win a woman’s affection.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ivan
and Vito followed Angelo’s gaze across the room. He was staring at
Isabella, entranced. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As
if she heard his mental call, she turned to him, smiled, and batted
her eyelashes. He could have sworn that in that moment, something
flickered in her eyes. Something… angelic.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rob Samborn</span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbGRml4RUTssTXvcjARNPAYfqOyowpSZsry16tVWtvmqbMpdgIQq1Mev47xTcKvpy_E-W0svqMTM5xXNm8SWqU7zCmV2LN94TVgoX5lHVy-fI3y_ygB-3U-5b5Hzuwpw2LrlNel7NR_y0N4Wdyo0beyyO53T0_OHP3LUPCYZrAEzEy6eg11o1y4rzP=s438" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbGRml4RUTssTXvcjARNPAYfqOyowpSZsry16tVWtvmqbMpdgIQq1Mev47xTcKvpy_E-W0svqMTM5xXNm8SWqU7zCmV2LN94TVgoX5lHVy-fI3y_ygB-3U-5b5Hzuwpw2LrlNel7NR_y0N4Wdyo0beyyO53T0_OHP3LUPCYZrAEzEy6eg11o1y4rzP=s320" width="305" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">In
addition to being a novelist, Rob Samborn is a screenwriter,
entrepreneur and avid traveler. He’s been to forty countries, lived
in five of them and studied nine languages. As a restless spirit who
can’t remember the last time he was bored, Rob is on a quest to
explore the intricacies of our world and try his hand at a multitude
of crafts; he’s also an accomplished artist and musician, as well
as a budding furniture maker. A native New Yorker who lived in Los
Angeles for twenty years, he now makes his home in Denver with his
wife, daughter and dog. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">You can connect with Rob via these platforms -</span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">BookBub:
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<p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour. </span></span></span></span></span>
</p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/09/blog-tour-prisoner-of-paradise-paradise.html">https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/09/blog-tour-prisoner-of-paradise-paradise.html</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxc710jh-eyruwCaYr6kXzePfQSrn18iKphyx5ZUwm8Xqu4ts1yLvWztRUZSR_WuQera04kbMUr6905V2dRM0_ZWGtcyVYZrzjFB6fbsX_3t-7cxZzbe8DLZvITqpH7kSE2VxA5Nme15NT8OEV4rcc5h4Ql4Lqb9DAFE18pSAe6Gh0HMvrb9xTKKWs=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxc710jh-eyruwCaYr6kXzePfQSrn18iKphyx5ZUwm8Xqu4ts1yLvWztRUZSR_WuQera04kbMUr6905V2dRM0_ZWGtcyVYZrzjFB6fbsX_3t-7cxZzbe8DLZvITqpH7kSE2VxA5Nme15NT8OEV4rcc5h4Ql4Lqb9DAFE18pSAe6Gh0HMvrb9xTKKWs=w626-h352" width="626" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"></span></span></span></span><p></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">That's it for now.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">Till the next time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">Take care Zoe </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b> </span></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 1.27cm;">
<br />
</p>
<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span>
</p>
<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="it-IT"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></span></span></span> <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-11882808194398192342021-11-15T08:00:00.006+00:002021-11-15T08:00:00.163+00:00Welcoming Kinley Bryan and her book - Sisters of the Sweetwater Fury - to my blog<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Kinley Bryan and her book - Sisters of the Sweetwater Fury </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYe8jwLg9jTu2dxlLI71puQi2t43iO5WN8Y0LD6m_CKY98e72nUknkjcJzN04e9dpRCS8cX6t77ueGR2mRLRoGronjMlVjzB321kUkTylHfK8yvRBhr7zEm-gcsl8f6bxcq4UupUSX4Y/s1600/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYe8jwLg9jTu2dxlLI71puQi2t43iO5WN8Y0LD6m_CKY98e72nUknkjcJzN04e9dpRCS8cX6t77ueGR2mRLRoGronjMlVjzB321kUkTylHfK8yvRBhr7zEm-gcsl8f6bxcq4UupUSX4Y/w610-h343/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Tour+Banner.png" width="610" /></a></div>Delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sisters of the Sweetwater Fury</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-m7B2hqKDj5kkUE1bkew0cX2dYfKwiJf2dn1usTkhwSAPUuOizAZdPJ9ADqgeSAzGm2n3hisYQJYM92hr7I4TSw51PkMdOc-AwKx-Fkz2Qkc6yuGnEUiPMXOOsQA5o4Sus3qljdUADs/s2048/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-m7B2hqKDj5kkUE1bkew0cX2dYfKwiJf2dn1usTkhwSAPUuOizAZdPJ9ADqgeSAzGm2n3hisYQJYM92hr7I4TSw51PkMdOc-AwKx-Fkz2Qkc6yuGnEUiPMXOOsQA5o4Sus3qljdUADs/w237-h366/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Cover.jpeg" width="237" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Three sisters. Two Great Lakes. One furious storm. </b><br /><br /> Based on actual events... <br /><br /> It's 1913 and Great Lakes galley cook Sunny Colvin has her hands full feeding a freighter crew seven days a week, nine months a year. She also has a dream—to open a restaurant back home—but knows she'd never convince her husband, the steward, to leave the seafaring life he loves. <br /> <br />In Sunny’s Lake Huron hometown, her sister Agnes Inby mourns her husband, a U.S. Life-Saving Serviceman who died in an accident she believes she could have prevented. Burdened with regret and longing for more than her job at the dry goods store, she looks for comfort in a secret infatuation.<br /><br />Two hundred miles away in Cleveland, youngest sister Cordelia Blythe has pinned her hopes for adventure on her marriage to a lake freighter captain. Finding herself alone and restless in her new town, she joins him on the season’s last trip up the lakes. <br /> <br />On November 8, 1913, a deadly storm descends on the Great Lakes, bringing hurricane-force winds, whiteout blizzard conditions, and mountainous thirty-five-foot waves that last for days. Amidst the chaos, the women are offered a glimpse of the clarity they seek, if only they dare to perceive it. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Publication
Date: </span><span lang="en-US">12th October 2021</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Publisher:
Blue Mug Press</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Page
Length: 324 Pages</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Genre:
Historical Fiction</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">You can purchase a copy of the book via this link -</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Universal
Link: </span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="nl-NL"><u><a href="https://books2read.com/sweetwaterfury"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="nl-NL">https://books2read.com/sweetwaterfury</span></span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cordelia and the crew of the Marguerite had been waiting almost twenty-four hours since dropping anchor Saturday night. They were far from alone. The twenty-five-mile-wide Whitefish Bay was dotted with anchored ships, an argosy sandwiched between gray flannel sky and dark choppy water. The snow fell and the wind gusted near forty miles an hour, and because whatever lay beyond the Whitefish Point Lighthouse was surely worse, they had waited. Most storms blew themselves out in three days, and so by Sunday afternoon Edmund expected the weather to improve at any moment. He was intent on leaving the bay for the open water of Lake Superior before nightfall. <br /><br /> So that the officers would be ready as soon as there was a break in the weather he had requested an early supper. The steward served beef hash and creamed carrots in the officers’ dining room. Edmund ate quickly, his mood soured. This trip had taken on an element of desperation; clearly he was anxious to avoid yet another late arrival. Cordelia had given up any pretense that this was a honeymoon, a chance to get to know her husband better. This was her husband’s job. His work was difficult to begin with, and the storm made it immeasurably harder. Edmund, never effusive, had no time for long conversations with his new wife. <br /><br /> It was her fault. Despite never having set foot on a straight decker, she’d assumed Great Lakes sailing, even on a bulk freighter in early November, would be a romantic endeavor. The daughter of a life-saving station keeper ought to know better! And now she found herself in a dark, vast bay at the eastern tip of the continent’s largest body of freshwater, waiting for a storm to end. <br /><br /> As they left the dining room at the ship’s stern, Edmund looked to the sky. Somewhere beyond the heavy cloud cover the sun was setting. The snowfall had ceased at last, the winds lessened. The storm’s worst had passed, he said, and it was time to leave Whitefish Bay. The snow had already put him a day behind schedule, and the owners wouldn’t be happy about that. <br /><br /> Cordelia was eager to cross Lake Superior, too, if only to hasten the trip’s end. She couldn’t rid her mind of those iced-over ships locking down at the Soo in a ghostly procession. She shivered despite her overcoat and gloves, despite Edmund’s arm around her as she held the lifeline. The gray sky darkened to charcoal, and the other waiting ships’ lights grew more distinct, points of yellow-white scattered across the bay. <br /><br /> In watching that expanse of dark water stippled with whitecaps, it wasn’t hard to imagine a fantastical sea creature like Mishipeshu rising up and thrashing ships with its gigantic tail. She’d read too many novels, as her mother would say, and they’d poisoned her mind. Be that as it may, Cordelia found a penny in her coat pocket and tossed it furtively into the water, an offering to the copper-loving Great Lynx.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Kinley Bryan</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4mKIJHeqCmD2dGc5oh1DxhMH8VIOzlaZdgkk-7MFBKbt1SaYNM9ud3DIEaNvfqn6P5dHpncwjJg4j5AIS2G4YE7kNNSfn7VukH9X-AFs3oLmoPcKDCDJXo0vjqv_yUYZQ8GFfRLedQY/s2048/Kinley+Bryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4mKIJHeqCmD2dGc5oh1DxhMH8VIOzlaZdgkk-7MFBKbt1SaYNM9ud3DIEaNvfqn6P5dHpncwjJg4j5AIS2G4YE7kNNSfn7VukH9X-AFs3oLmoPcKDCDJXo0vjqv_yUYZQ8GFfRLedQY/w385-h256/Kinley+Bryan.jpg" width="385" /></a></b></span></span></div><p></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Kinley Bryan is an Ohio native who counts numerous Great Lakes captains among her ancestors. Her great-grandfather Walter Stalker was captain of the four-masted schooner Golden Age, the largest sailing vessel in the world when it launched in 1883. Kinley’s love for the inland seas swelled during the years she spent in an old cottage on Lake Erie. She now lives with her husband and children on the Atlantic Coast, where she prefers not to lose sight of the shore. Sisters of the Sweetwater Fury is her first novel.</span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can connect with Kinley Bryan via these platforms -</span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Website:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="nl-NL"><u><a href="http://kinleybryan.com"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="nl-NL">kinleybryan.com</span></span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Twitter:
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/kinleybauthor"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US">https://twitter.com/kinleybauthor</span></span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="da-DK">Instagram:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kinleybryanauthor/"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US">https://www.instagram.com/kinleybryanauthor/</span></span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Amazon
Author Page: </span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kinley-Bryan/e/B09J5GWDLX"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US">https://www.amazon.com/Kinley-Bryan/e/B09J5GWDLX</span></span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Goodreads:
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59240907"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59240907</span></span></a></u></span></span></span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="nl-NL" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-sisters-of-the-sweetwater-fury-by-kinley-bryan">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-sisters-of-the-sweetwater-fury-by-kinley-bryan</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUBn5fzNyzgSPyu7hn_ykn1IhYSMGvNfigi_BSm8jY49FH18M40NhyphenhyphenBjzdkrK_ldaAzCM4tU_01CohwVGzbnV6wWNBlGgpBReYQsVJln3ok_P0HX-2OkhSx4SutQ75W3Mmm7W0vKzcuw/s1600/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUBn5fzNyzgSPyu7hn_ykn1IhYSMGvNfigi_BSm8jY49FH18M40NhyphenhyphenBjzdkrK_ldaAzCM4tU_01CohwVGzbnV6wWNBlGgpBReYQsVJln3ok_P0HX-2OkhSx4SutQ75W3Mmm7W0vKzcuw/w603-h339/Sisters+of+the+Sweetwater+Fury+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" width="603" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">That's it for now.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Till the next time.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take care Zoe<br /></span></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-10742578589891701642021-10-11T13:01:00.000+01:002021-10-11T13:01:19.439+01:00Welcoming Liz Harris and her book - Darjeeling Inheritance - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Liz Harris and her book - Darjeeling Inheritance </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPmJwg7CpXw9dYf3I-hKWYLuhI1b7CFqnT3-7EI6kq1o5g7FFMdDfVWG0DyWUIqXWkygtOvLbWhb25SAYr9M8F1IZV_XrKOImFIWBe2lpqR1F9s70o61chDoKuTOBHml3JezeiXmpnFs/s1600/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Tour+Banner+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPmJwg7CpXw9dYf3I-hKWYLuhI1b7CFqnT3-7EI6kq1o5g7FFMdDfVWG0DyWUIqXWkygtOvLbWhb25SAYr9M8F1IZV_XrKOImFIWBe2lpqR1F9s70o61chDoKuTOBHml3JezeiXmpnFs/w611-h344/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Tour+Banner+%25281%2529.png" width="611" /></a></div>I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Darjeeling Inheritance</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKbEYxlZZQm5UL2iqMoAkNP75j3vF3VRD1xyuuUp1Aen49p377JacNim22KX9mZ66LJjNoAFoylXkT26nvVcYPwNxi5nRw-hepjD5g7tQgy8MUjcmbIsmYO_qZiG9l1W_leRCSR2GkkQ/s648/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Cover+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKbEYxlZZQm5UL2iqMoAkNP75j3vF3VRD1xyuuUp1Aen49p377JacNim22KX9mZ66LJjNoAFoylXkT26nvVcYPwNxi5nRw-hepjD5g7tQgy8MUjcmbIsmYO_qZiG9l1W_leRCSR2GkkQ/w256-h385/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Cover+.jpg" width="256" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">D</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">arjeeling,
1930</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">After
eleven years in school in England, Charlotte Lawrence</span></span></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">returns
to Sundar, the tea plantation owned by her family, and finds an empty
house. S</span></span></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
learns that her beloved father died a couple of days earlier and that
he left her his estate. She learns also that it was his wish that she
marry Andrew McAllister, the good-looking younger son from a
neighbouring plantation. </span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Unwilling
to commit to a wedding for which she doesn’t feel ready, Charlotte
pleads with Dan Fitzgerald, the assistant manager of Sundar, to teach
her how to run the plantation while she gets to know Andrew. Although
reluctant as he knew that a woman would never be accepted as manager
by the local merchants and workers, Dan agrees.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Charlotte’s
chaperone on the journey from England, Ada Eastman, who during the
long voyage, has become a friend, has journeyed to Darjeeling to
marry Harry Banning, the owner of a neighbouring tea garden.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">When
Ada marries Harry, she’s determined to be a loyal and faithful
wife. And to be a good friend to Charlotte. And nothing, but
nothing, was going to stand in the way of that.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #26282a;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span></span>
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Publication
Date: 1</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">st</span></span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
October 2021</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Publisher:
Heywood Press</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Page
Length: 365 pages</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Genre:
Historical Romance </span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amazon
UK:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amazon
US:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS">https://www.amazon.com/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amazon
CA:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS">https://www.amazon.ca/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amazon
AU:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS">https://www.amazon.com.au/Darjeeling-Inheritance-Colonials-Liz-Harris-ebook/dp/B0938Y6XVS</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></span><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></p><p align="CENTER" class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">CHAPTER EIGHT</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Ada
lay still in her bed beneath the mosquito net and listened to the
muffled sound of the conversation below.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Charlotte
and Mrs Lawrence had been talking downstairs for some time, their
voices raised occasionally in sharpness. She hadn’t been able to
discern any words, but it wasn’t difficult to guess the subject of
the conversation—Mrs Lawrence wanted to go back to England as soon
as possible, and Charlotte, in a state of insanity borne out of
grief, was determined to learn about estate management before she got
married.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">But
whatever either said, the reality was that Winifred would have to
remain at Sundar until Charlotte came to her senses.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Finally,
she heard footsteps coming up the stairs, first Winifred’s slower
steps, and then Charlotte’s lighter tread, and then she heard their
doors close.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Silence
fell upon the house.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">She
turned restlessly on to her side. If only she could lose herself in
sleep!</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">She’d
been longing to do so since the moment she’d come to bed, but sleep
had eluded her—frustratingly so, as she’d wanted to dazzle them
all at her wedding.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Winifred
Lawrence and Charlotte weren’t the only people on the brink of
change—she, too, was. In the morning, she’d be casting aside the
last vestige of her past life and taking on the role that she’d had
the greatest good fortune to be given, and she wanted to look her
very best on the first day of that new life. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Although,
perhaps in a way, her new life had begun the moment she’d been
introduced to Charlotte on the platform and they’d boarded the
train for Southampton together, the arrangements for her to chaperone
Charlotte back to India having been made in advance by Harry and
Charles.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">As
she’d sat in the train across from Charlotte, she’d inwardly
resolved that despite their slight difference in years, and the
obvious naïvety of Charlotte, she’d make sure that they became
good friends. And she’d promptly buried the old Ada Eastman and
become the woman who was travelling to India to marry Harry Banning.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">A
woman without a past.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">From
the moment she’d accepted Harry’s written proposal, she’d sworn
to herself that she’d never again let herself think back to the
sheer exhilaration of being with George Kendall, and to the passion
she’d felt for him, a passion she’d had no right to feel, being
in a position of trust as governess to his daughter, Julia, and
sitting down daily with George and his whey-faced wife.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">She
turned on to her back and stared up at the mosquito net. Who’d have
thought that the governess job she’d been so unwilling to do would
have opened the door to so much unexpected pleasure? </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Becoming
a governess had been the only suitable position she could undertake,
given her circumstances. Although her father had been a High Sheriff,
her family had little money, and with a dearth of prospective
husbands in the small town in which they lived, she’d been obliged
to seek paid employment.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Being
respectable and educated, she’d been hired as a governess by a
local family who lived in a nearby hamlet, but she’d found it so
stifling to be in so small a community, with virtually no hope of
meeting any eligible men, that when the opportunity to move to London
and take up the post of governess to George’s daughter had
presented itself, she’d jumped at it.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">She’d
never forget the day she first saw George.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Upon
arriving at the house, she’d been ushered into the front hall by
the housekeeper just as George had been coming down the stairs. While
the housekeeper had been telling him her name and that she’d been
appointed by his wife, she’d stood beside her travel bag, her eyes
cast down with a modesty appropriate for a governess. When the
housekeeper had finished talking, a rush of air told her that he’d
turned towards her, and she’d sensed his gaze run down the length
of her body.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Unable
to resist seeing what he looked like, she’d glanced quickly up at
his face, and had almost gasped out loud—he was quite the most
handsome man she’d ever seen. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Tall
and lean, he had glossy black hair that was longer at the sides than
was commonly worn. A lock of hair had fallen across his high
forehead, giving him a somewhat rakish look. And his eyes! From
beneath dark brows, his ice-blue eyes burned into her face, the
initial curiosity in them giving way to open desire.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">She’d
felt a strong sensation deep in her stomach. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">The
sound of a woman’s footsteps hurrying down the stairs had broken
the mood of the moment, and she’d quickly returned her gaze to the
pine floorboards, her heart still beating fast. George had said a
hasty goodbye to his wife and left the house, his musky scent
clinging to the air in his wake.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">From
that day on, she seemed to be forever meeting him in the corridors,
in the hall, on the stairs, at dinner, and with each passing day, her
hunger grew for what his every glance promised. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">By
the time the longed-for day arrived that she and George were
completely alone in the house, they’d stood facing each other
across the bedroom. An expectant silence weighted the air between
them. And then, at the same instant, they’d fallen into each
other’s arms and given in to a passion that overwhelmed them and
left them gasping for breath.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">In
the weeks that had followed, she’d willingly yielded to that
passion again and again—she, who’d read countless novels in which
a young woman had fallen into destitution after her married lover,
despite his many declarations of undying love, had rejected her upon
the discovery of their illicit affair.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Within
her head, she’d known the risk she was taking. But in her heart,
she’d been firmly convinced that the intensity of their love was so
great that neither would ever be able to part from the other, and
she’d eagerly welcomed his attentions at every possible
opportunity, longing for the day when they could be together forever.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Those
weeks with George had been the most thrilling, most exciting weeks of
her life. For every single minute of every single intoxicating day
she’d felt nerve-tinglingly alive.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Until
that terrible morning.</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Liz Harris</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_kWEc3vRaG5thky-Q-zyuyusZMy1l14GK9275XvQgVOwHJ-mcwe4YQNRdBxdMUxyVnMTpoOT6pAgTAvWvqPE6nMYnwJtzM31njou-b8bDvI7QErfQPeVj32__NFuUh3QtZeAgjmx-k/s650/Liz+Harris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="433" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_kWEc3vRaG5thky-Q-zyuyusZMy1l14GK9275XvQgVOwHJ-mcwe4YQNRdBxdMUxyVnMTpoOT6pAgTAvWvqPE6nMYnwJtzM31njou-b8bDvI7QErfQPeVj32__NFuUh3QtZeAgjmx-k/w246-h370/Liz+Harris.JPG" width="246" /></a></b></span></span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Born
in London, Liz Harris graduated from university with a Law degree,
and then moved to California, where she led a varied life, from
waitressing on Sunset Strip to working as secretary to the CEO of a
large Japanese trading company.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Six
years later, she returned to London and completed a degree in
English, after which she taught secondary school pupils, first in
Berkshire, and then in Cheshire.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">In
addition to the ten novels she’s had published, she’s had several
short stories in anthologies and magazines. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="en-US">Liz
now lives in Oxfordshire. An active member of the Romantic Novelists’
Association and the Historical Novel Society, her interests are
travel, the theatre, reading and cryptic crosswords</span><span lang="en-US">.
To find out more about Liz, visit her website at:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.lizharrisauthor.com"><span lang="en-US">www.lizharrisauthor.com</span></a><span lang="en-US"> </span></u></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span lang="en-US"><span style="color: black;">You can connect with Liz Harris via these platforms -</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span lang="en-US"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Website:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.lizharrisauthor.com">www.lizharrisauthor.com</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Twitter:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/lizharrisauthor">https://twitter.com/lizharrisauthor</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Facebook:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lizharrisauthor">https://www.facebook.com/lizharrisauthor</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">LinkedIn:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-harris-b866341a/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-harris-b866341a/</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Instagram:
</span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/liz.harris.52206/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/liz.harris.52206/?hl=en</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amazon
Author Page: </span></span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Liz-Harris/e/B009V1G8UA">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Liz-Harris/e/B009V1G8UA</a></u></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">You can also learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on the blog tour.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-darjeeling-inheritance-the-colonials-by-liz-harris-lizharrisauthor">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-darjeeling-inheritance-the-colonials-by-liz-harris-lizharrisauthor</a></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW8dnESjbzV1G-FxVi1fwg7RynEIuRpBZnTaE_kwtwTLZg8sxwQhLFUjHhPwKypAPxDpEDS1wVcniVuKNOOzIr8noKLrWCfC3w_d24x5YqsomVJIQxuU3UiqszKmNNIQj8yYf14tZxk8/s1600/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Tour+Schedule+Banner+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW8dnESjbzV1G-FxVi1fwg7RynEIuRpBZnTaE_kwtwTLZg8sxwQhLFUjHhPwKypAPxDpEDS1wVcniVuKNOOzIr8noKLrWCfC3w_d24x5YqsomVJIQxuU3UiqszKmNNIQj8yYf14tZxk8/w605-h340/Darjeeling+Inheritance+Tour+Schedule+Banner+%25281%2529.png" width="605" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="color: black;">That's it for now.</span></span></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">Till the next time.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: black;">Take care Zoe<br /></span><u> </u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><span lang="en-US"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><u><span lang="en-US"> </span></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></span></span></span> <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-75937896333984122092021-09-29T08:00:00.001+01:002021-09-29T08:00:00.182+01:00Welcoming Paulette Mahurin and her book - Over The Hedge - to my blog<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Paulette Mahurin and her book - Over The Hedge </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUhw85gvAw_jTLSquG6YrY3AdCK-aN1W9jttJmldSWcQ8zFI1puZDHb_PqP395jd22fao6Mik_yCEL-HXWsCDpOJEwK0ijucpSyYq4ZScV-IzS0z8Gt-WdlVHmSMMFWcDpQPzcSE-hIo/s1600/Over+The+Hedge+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUhw85gvAw_jTLSquG6YrY3AdCK-aN1W9jttJmldSWcQ8zFI1puZDHb_PqP395jd22fao6Mik_yCEL-HXWsCDpOJEwK0ijucpSyYq4ZScV-IzS0z8Gt-WdlVHmSMMFWcDpQPzcSE-hIo/w627-h352/Over+The+Hedge+Tour+Banner.png" width="627" /></a></div>Delighted to introduce and spotlight this book for you all.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Over The Hedge</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgxHjSpMDIEfNeHridbz_Jm9Ey4j7CYwQbnT_0hNNBhO4uRBJOptfXH2-S8wu5kKuSx8UQkNUUjdjtsiVwr1Nal_Ayl9EN3op3GIiYdHodJMD0s-72gTYw06I95etip4jpnj5JwC2uc0/s2048/ebookovertheheadge+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgxHjSpMDIEfNeHridbz_Jm9Ey4j7CYwQbnT_0hNNBhO4uRBJOptfXH2-S8wu5kKuSx8UQkNUUjdjtsiVwr1Nal_Ayl9EN3op3GIiYdHodJMD0s-72gTYw06I95etip4jpnj5JwC2uc0/w284-h427/ebookovertheheadge+cover.jpg" width="284" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US">During
one of the darkest times in history, at the height of the German
occupation of the Netherlands in 1943, members of the Dutch
resistance began a mission to rescue Jewish children from the
deportation center in Amsterdam. Heading the mission were Walter
Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte
Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of a
Christian college. As Nazis rounded up Jewish families at gunpoint,
the three discreetly moved children from the deportation center to
the daycare across the street and over the backyard hedge to the
college next door. From the college, the children were transported to
live with Dutch families. Working against irate orders from Hitler to
rid the Netherlands of all Jews and increasing Nazi hostilities on
the Resistance, the trio worked tirelessly to overcome barriers.
Ingenious plans were implemented to remove children’s names from
the registry of captured Jews. To sneak them out of the college
undetected past guards patrolling the deportation center. To meld
them in with their new families to avoid detection. Based on actual
events, </span><span lang="en-US"><i>Over the Hedge</i></span><span lang="en-US">
is the story of how against escalating Nazi brutality when millions
of Jews were disposed of in camps, Walter Süskind, Henriëtte
Pimentel, and Johan van Hulst worked heroically with the Dutch
resistance to save Jewish children. But it is not just a story of
their courageous endeavors. It is a story of the resilience of the
human spirit. Of friendship and selfless love. The love that
continues on in the hearts of over six hundred Dutch Jewish children.</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Publication
Date: July 31, 2021</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Publisher:
Independently Published</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">Page
Length: 176 Pages</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">Genre:
Historical Fiction</span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">You can purchase the book via these platforms -</span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">
</span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Universal
Link: </span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/me9eZr">https://books2read.com/u/me9eZr</a></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Paulette Mahurin</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqWUxEJM4jNTcZ9uv11jigBafxFZHbKj5bNIKFy3J7qvEJuMe8XDnSK8SYLNQiRnwXSu4wOsFtX_MOjH5Q9SwpdTRrb8_kQ7Dv78GBnq3Zr8iq2nGo2YBAhFIyLEEyVZWCtvRhEDNcsE/s1736/Paulette+Mahurin+head+shot+copy+4%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="1336" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqWUxEJM4jNTcZ9uv11jigBafxFZHbKj5bNIKFy3J7qvEJuMe8XDnSK8SYLNQiRnwXSu4wOsFtX_MOjH5Q9SwpdTRrb8_kQ7Dv78GBnq3Zr8iq2nGo2YBAhFIyLEEyVZWCtvRhEDNcsE/w284-h369/Paulette+Mahurin+head+shot+copy+4%25281%2529.jpg" width="284" /></a></b></span></span></span></div><p></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span>Paulette
Mahurin is an international bestselling literary fiction and
historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two
dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in
West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s
Degree in Science.
</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Her
first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon
bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction
2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was
Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was
in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists
its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won
international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as
favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress,
made it to the bestseller lists for literary fiction and historical
fiction on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth
book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave
reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in
the summer of 2018 also to rave reviews. Her last four books: Irma’s
Endgame, The Old Gilt Clock, Where Irises Never Grow, and Over the
Hedge all made it to bestselling lists on Amazon. Her new release,
Over the Hedge, was #1 in Hot New Release Amazon U.K. it’s second
day out. </span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can connect with Paulette Mahrin via these platforms -</span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Website:
thepersecutionofmildreddunlap.wordpress.com</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Twitter:
</span><span lang="en-US">https://twitter.com/mahurinpaulette</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Paulette-Mahurins-Books-695108163960200</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/paulettemahurin</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/paulette-mahurin</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Amazon
Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Mahurin/e/B008MMDUGO</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5895757.Paulette_Mahurin</span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.18cm; margin-top: 0.18cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-over-the-hedge-by-paulette-mahurin-mahurinpaulette"><span style="color: black;">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-over-the-hedge-by-paulette-mahurin-mahurinpaulette</span></a></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVjCSx8H1R-EhZfzpgryj-Ydx2l6K21yrPK35Xwc5TUTT5B4rGslLbVRQEclEujjWxkptCTniFPrHfjJ9IFiRJ0sJAjwaTAeYupcYJQQ5q3aByDt1a7SbeqRXFuFnYJCJvnkCddiICqY/s1600/Over+The+Hedge+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVjCSx8H1R-EhZfzpgryj-Ydx2l6K21yrPK35Xwc5TUTT5B4rGslLbVRQEclEujjWxkptCTniFPrHfjJ9IFiRJ0sJAjwaTAeYupcYJQQ5q3aByDt1a7SbeqRXFuFnYJCJvnkCddiICqY/w619-h348/Over+The+Hedge+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" width="619" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br />That's it for now.</span></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Till the next time.</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Take care Zoe.<br /></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span style="color: #111111;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-3190765481031032922021-09-23T12:51:00.000+01:002021-09-23T12:51:28.686+01:00Welcoming Marian L Thorpe and her book - Empire's Heir - to my blog.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Marian L Thorpe and her book - Empire's Heir (Empire's Legacy book VI) </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0BY5a6o6Vgq4GhZFuugn1GUXV6qxRJCPJIdaREJTmr2VZ7M67jPBoKzaA1Hp0NmpRG31NmR6K9cKHEU1PvSzcbCtZQrJ9jjcgidBxlPNnbd6jK99ItGPPjT_OvIpwDtgYNcBVTWofLc/s1600/Empire%2527s+Heir+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0BY5a6o6Vgq4GhZFuugn1GUXV6qxRJCPJIdaREJTmr2VZ7M67jPBoKzaA1Hp0NmpRG31NmR6K9cKHEU1PvSzcbCtZQrJ9jjcgidBxlPNnbd6jK99ItGPPjT_OvIpwDtgYNcBVTWofLc/w637-h358/Empire%2527s+Heir+Tour+Banner.png" width="637" /></a></div>I am delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Empire's Heir</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nvjFYUAcXtdSDaF8i44UzYyg-sWrfSFOMENZk9Q6ZlngE73vCQMQ8ZlhhSBBJuYPzhQmrxkFEBXWU79yh6AGNvlfELX3g9b9LHH57l5hktW6phTmUbMhcf075sE3ZgQ0kxXNzKNAoHs/s2048/EMPIRES+HEIR+Cover%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1388" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nvjFYUAcXtdSDaF8i44UzYyg-sWrfSFOMENZk9Q6ZlngE73vCQMQ8ZlhhSBBJuYPzhQmrxkFEBXWU79yh6AGNvlfELX3g9b9LHH57l5hktW6phTmUbMhcf075sE3ZgQ0kxXNzKNAoHs/w247-h365/EMPIRES+HEIR+Cover%25281%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Some
games are played for mortal stakes.</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Gwenna,
heir to Ésparias, is summoned by the Empress of Casil to compete for
the hand of her son. Offered power and influence far beyond what her
own small land can give her, Gwenna’s strategy seems clear –
except she loves someone else.</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nineteen
years earlier, the Empress outplayed Cillian in diplomacy and
intrigue. Alone, his only living daughter has little chance to
counter the Empress's experience and skill. Aging and torn by grief
and worry, Cillian insists on accompanying Gwenna to Casil.</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Risking
a charge of treason, faced with a choice he does not want to make,
Cillian must convince Gwenna her future is more important than his –
while Gwenna plans her moves to keep her father safe. Both are
playing a dangerous game. Which one will concede – </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span lang="it-IT"><span style="text-decoration: none;">or
sacrifice?</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Trigger
Warnings:</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Death,
rape.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Publication
Date: </span><span lang="en-US">30th
August 2021</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Publisher:
</span>Arboretum Press</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Page
Length: </span>438<span lang="en-US">
Pages</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Genre:</span><span lang="en-US">
Historical Fantasy</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Universal
Link</span><span lang="en-US">:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="de-DE"><u><a href="https://relinks.me/B096MY4LRC"><span lang="de-DE">https://relinks.me/B096MY4LRC</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">The book is available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
</p><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">The
opening 800 words of Empire’s Heir. The novel has two alternating
points of view: those of eighteen-year-old Gwenna, and her
53-year-old father, Cillian. Gwenna’ POV opens the story.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="de-DE">Gwenna.</span><span lang="en-US">”
Ruar sat back in his chair. “I can’t accept that.”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">He
is your ally, not your adversary, I told myself, facing the
</span><span lang="de-DE"><i>Teannasach</i></span><span lang="en-US">
of Linrathe across the table. “The tariff on fleeces must be
increased,” I said firmly. “Ésparias has no shortage of sheep.
We’ve dropped the fees on timber, after all.”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Timber
benefits only some landholders. Fleeces bring money to almost
everyone,” Ruar countered. Beside him, his young son shifted a
little. Bored, perhaps; we’d been renegotiating the border tariffs
for two days.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">I
glanced down at the figures before me. I still had room to bargain.
“A reduction in the tariff on salt fish would serve the coastal
</span><span lang="fr-FR"><i>torps</i></span>.<span lang="en-US">”
I suggested a number. We needed timber, with all the new buildings
being constructed, and salt fish for the ships going back and forth
to Casil. The coarse wool of the hardy northern sheep was of limited
value in the Eastern Empire. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Is
this fair, Daragh?” Ruar asked his son. In the tradition of
Linrathe, the boy was there to listen and learn. This wasn’t the
first question the </span><span lang="de-DE"><i>Teannasach</i></span><span lang="en-US">
had asked him over the last two days. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">I
think it is,” Daragh said. “If Ésparias does not want our
fleeces, Varsland will. We will not lose revenue, </span><span lang="en-US"><i>Athà</i></span><i>ir</i>.<span lang="en-US">”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Nor
will we,” his father agreed. “I accept the new tariffs. Fairly
done, Gwenna.” </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Thank
you.” Tension seeped from me. My first independent negotiation was
over, and I’d got the agreement I’d been directed to produce.
Granted, this was a routine process, slight adjustments made every
three years, but still—</span>I<span lang="en-US">’d
done it. “The agreement will be ready to sign soon, will it not,
Sorley?”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“I<span lang="en-US">’ll
have two copies done in the morning,” Sorley said from down the
table, where, in his role as </span><span lang="de-DE"><i>sc</i></span><span lang="en-US"><i>á</i></span><i>eli</i><span lang="nl-NL">,
he</span><span lang="en-US">’d
been recording the session. “Will that be soon enough for you,
Ruar?”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">It
will,” the </span><i>Teannasach
</i><span lang="en-US">said.
“</span><span lang="de-DE">We</span><span lang="en-US">’ll
leave tomorrow. I’ve still things to discuss with Cillian, but I
shouldn’t be away from home too long. Nor should we intrude here
more than we must.”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Sorley<span lang="en-US">’s
lips tightened. “The needs of government go on. Government and
Empires.”</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">And
lives.” Ruar put a hand on his son’s shoulder as he spoke. “Loss
comes to us all, and sometimes far too soon.” His too would be a
house of mourning before long; his wife, Helvi, was dying. She’d
been ill for over a year, a wasting illness slowly killing her. An
expected death now, unlike the sudden fever that, just over a week
ago, had taken the little sister I had barely known.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">We</span><span lang="en-US">—Sorley
and Druise and I—had returned home four summers past from our
northern travels to my mother’s announcement that she was pregnant.
The baby, she told us, was due a few weeks after mid-winter. I’d
been—what? Embarrassed, I suppose, although less so than I might
have been before that summer and Druise’s blunt words to me. He, I
remembered, had been delighted. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">But
I had gone back to cadet school, and the next summer I’d only had
two weeks of leave, and how well could one get to know a
five-month-old baby? Lianë was sweet enough, her hair not the almost
black of mine and Colm’s but a reddish-gold, and she gurgled and
smiled contentedly in Mhairi’</span><span lang="pt-PT">s
arms. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Except
for the requisite three months in the company of my classmates,
taking advanced lessons in diplomacy from my father, I’d been home
fewer than eight full weeks in the last four years. Not much time to
become more than fondly interested in Lianë. In the months of
intense study, I hadn’t been treated as a member of the family, but
as another senior diplomatic cadet from Ésparias. Only in my private
seminars with my father was the formality dropped, and we’d had
things other than my baby sister to talk about. She hadn’t been
mentioned more than once or twice, and even then, still in the
context of our discussions.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Ruar
stood. “</span>I<span lang="en-US">’ll
see you both at dinner,” he said. “Come, Daragh; let us find the
</span><span lang="pt-PT"><i>Comi</i></span><span lang="en-US"><i>á</i></span><i>dh</i><span lang="en-US">,
and discover what you are to read and study.” Daragh was twelve,
and in the usual course of things he would have become a student of
my father’s this year. But there would be no students at the </span><i>Ti</i><span lang="en-US"><i>’</i></span><i>ach
na Cillian</i><span lang="en-US">
until at least midwinter, because in a very few weeks, mourning a
dead child or not, we were travelling to Casil to witness the
investiture of Alekos, son of the abdicating Empress Eudekia, as the
Emperor of the East. Alekos was twenty-one, and unmarried, and the
invitation had been specific. I, heir to the leadership of Ésparias,
must be present. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">I
hadn’t needed six years of diplomatic training to decipher that
message. Alekos needed a bride, and the Empress thought that bride
might well be me.</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
*</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-after: auto; break-inside: auto; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Marian L Thorpe</span></span></b></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-after: auto; break-inside: auto; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSAwyUpqrYcwSZdWiFvCumcB1zZagIv62v-kIHCy7QxnbpqBQY-9MslegiEfI3V1YsZIqJe9eBBnrV50U3Pxy_OySlbmsh9dwbxP87oeLWDOmZ9LjrQ4l_Cc04Er4WBeaxEKiga0l8LQ/s2048/marian+new+author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSAwyUpqrYcwSZdWiFvCumcB1zZagIv62v-kIHCy7QxnbpqBQY-9MslegiEfI3V1YsZIqJe9eBBnrV50U3Pxy_OySlbmsh9dwbxP87oeLWDOmZ9LjrQ4l_Cc04Er4WBeaxEKiga0l8LQ/w269-h359/marian+new+author+photo.jpg" width="269" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></b><p></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Essays,
poetry, short stories, peer-reviewed scientific papers, curriculum
documents, technical guides, grant applications, press releases </span>–
<span lang="en-US">if it has
words, it</span>’<span lang="en-US">s
likely Marian L Thorpe has written it, somewhere along the line. But
nothing has given her more satisfaction than her novels. Combining
her love of landscape and history, set in a world reminiscent of
Europe after the decline of Rome, her books arise from a lifetime of
reading and walking and wondering </span>‘<span lang="en-US">what
if?</span>’
<span lang="en-US">Pre-pandemic,
Marian divided her time between Canada and the UK, and hopes she may
again, but until then, she resides in a small, very bookish, city in
Canada, with her husband Brian and Pye-Cat.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">You can connect with Marian L Thorpe via these platforms -</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Website:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.marianlthorpe.com"><span lang="en-US">https://www.marianlthorpe.com</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Twitter:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/marianlthorpe"><span lang="en-US">https://twitter.com/marianlthorpe</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="nl-NL">Facebook:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marianlthorpe"><span lang="en-US">https://www.facebook.com/marianlthorpe</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">US:
<span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B015YQYKKK"><span lang="en-US">https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B015YQYKKK</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">UK:
<span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B015YQYKKK"><span lang="en-US">https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B015YQYKKK</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Goodreads:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13526863.Marian_L_Thorpe"><span lang="en-US">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13526863.Marian_L_Thorpe</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"> You can also learn more about the book and the author by visiting the other blogs on the tour.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="en-US"><u><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-empire-s-heir-empire-s-legacy-book-vi-by-marian-l-thorpe-marianlthorpe"><span lang="en-US">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-empire-s-heir-empire-s-legacy-book-vi-by-marian-l-thorpe-marianlthorpe</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-after: auto; break-inside: auto; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh40YdsUoif1ey5ZhktEGRSKSQMy780yxqEapfseUprY-VvJmyDTN8HeABis3ntjTJHcpHWUofNjmdZESZ9FnfNhk9oNXBTG7xmx7SfDS65DmNpvAQN2kCztA5eavJkzEIh8NMRPLJpw/s1600/Empire%2527s+Heir+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh40YdsUoif1ey5ZhktEGRSKSQMy780yxqEapfseUprY-VvJmyDTN8HeABis3ntjTJHcpHWUofNjmdZESZ9FnfNhk9oNXBTG7xmx7SfDS65DmNpvAQN2kCztA5eavJkzEIh8NMRPLJpw/w620-h349/Empire%2527s+Heir+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" width="620" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></b><span style="font-family: arial;">That's it for now.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Till the next time. </span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care Zoe</span><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></span></span></span> <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-69728283888892476032021-09-14T12:27:00.002+01:002021-09-14T12:27:40.135+01:00Welcoming Malve von Hassell and her book - The Amber Crane - to my blog<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">T<span>oday I'm welcoming Malve von Hassell and her book - The Amber Crane </span><span></span><span>- </span><span><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fp2XKhXAhgl9_fgAfUziQj3ctmjA1Oksmr4C2NEtuACYqSI8mwEUCN4H43L5H80rGeGiWE-kIQcEbyE34w4at1hHLfKLIqxTFMZofhdhVUAhjm9LDkC6d-khESWxrF_muhX6SJy8ZnA/s1600/The+Amber+Crane+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fp2XKhXAhgl9_fgAfUziQj3ctmjA1Oksmr4C2NEtuACYqSI8mwEUCN4H43L5H80rGeGiWE-kIQcEbyE34w4at1hHLfKLIqxTFMZofhdhVUAhjm9LDkC6d-khESWxrF_muhX6SJy8ZnA/w673-h378/The+Amber+Crane+Tour+Banner.png" width="673" /></a></div>I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all, but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Amber Crane</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVZFZR3SrAKoXwPauo5pDjquUcptd8haEdGzgpBpqvCU783nBW42G6pusS0382eQ_wjvLG_vQJUGgmSaMlcnx-5rukkTw_H2QgQuwdAQtoPJGz5NLtnKxEsKmglum8dKTRzSpv3RA3Hw/s2048/Amber+Crane_von+Hassell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVZFZR3SrAKoXwPauo5pDjquUcptd8haEdGzgpBpqvCU783nBW42G6pusS0382eQ_wjvLG_vQJUGgmSaMlcnx-5rukkTw_H2QgQuwdAQtoPJGz5NLtnKxEsKmglum8dKTRzSpv3RA3Hw/w242-h374/Amber+Crane_von+Hassell.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Chafing
at the rules of the amber guild, Peter, an apprentice during the
waning years of the Thirty Years’ War, finds and keeps a forbidden
piece of amber, despite the risk of severe penalties should his
secret be discovered.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Little
does he know that this amber has hidden powers, transporting him into
a future far beyond anything he could imagine. In dreamlike
encounters, Peter witnesses the ravages of the final months of World
War II in and around his home. He becomes embroiled in the troubles
faced by Lioba, a girl he meets who seeks to escape from the oncoming
Russian army.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Peter
struggles with the consequences of his actions, endangering his
family, his amber master’s reputation, and his own future. How much
is Peter prepared to sacrifice to right his wrongs?</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Trigger
Warnings:</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">References
to rape, Holocaust, World War II, violence</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">You can purchase a copy of the book via -</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Universal
Link: </span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bzeXqE">https://books2read.com/u/bzeXqE</a></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Excerpt
from Chapter 6 </span>– <span lang="en-US">GIRL WITHOUT A NAME</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Peter
shivers. His bed is gone, and he is standing in a strange room.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Light
comes through a small opening. The air feels cold and clammy. He rubs
his eyes as he takes in his surroundings. A bed stands at a slant in
the middle of the room, bare, with its mattress slashed open like a
gaping wound. As his eyes adjust, he can see a chest of drawers, two
of the drawers pulled out, the top one hanging crookedly in its
tracks, its contents spilled onto the floor. A cast-iron stove is
covered in dust, and a chipped white enamel pitcher and bowl have
been upended and tossed onto the floor. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">On
a big chair in the corner, someone is curled up underneath a green
and red-checkered woolen covering. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">On
the floor close to the chair sits the same beast Peter remembers from
the previous dream, its head raised and growling softly. The fluffy
hair around its ears, combined with its impossibly long slightly
curved snout, gives it a curiously bird-like appearance, a grey
raptor ready to pounce on its prey. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">The
sleeper is awake, staring at him and clutching the blanket with one
hand, the other hidden in its folds. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">You
are a girl,</span>” <span lang="en-US">Peter exclaims as he takes
in the sleeper</span>’<span lang="en-US">s face and the long thick
braid resting on top of the blanket. His voice sounds muffled as if
he is talking through thick cloudbanks. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">The
girl moves her arm and pulls out an odd-looking pistol from beneath
her leg. She points it directly at him, scowling furiously. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Peter
gulps and takes a step backward. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">I
am not going to hurt you.</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“Don’<span lang="en-US">t
come any closer.</span>” <span lang="en-US">Her voice is scratchy
as if she has not spoken in a while. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span>I’<span lang="en-US">ll
shoot, I promise you that.</span>” <span lang="en-US">Then she adds
with a note of puzzlement, </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">Who
are you? You don</span>’<span lang="en-US">t sound Russian.</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Russian?
Are the Russians fighting against the Swedes?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Are
you daft?</span>” <span lang="en-US">She still holds on to the
pistol. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">Where
are you from? Are you a refugee?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">I
live in Stolpm</span>ünde.”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“Stolpmü<span lang="en-US">nde?
Why are you here? Shouldn</span>’<span lang="en-US">t you be going
west?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">What
is </span>‘<span lang="en-US">here</span>’<span lang="en-US">?
And what do you mean going west?</span>” </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">Elbing,
or at least somewhere nearby. I lost track.</span>” </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">We
have not seen any refugees for a while,</span>” <span lang="en-US">Peter
says slowly, shaking his head. None of this makes any sense.
Elbing—that is almost halfway to K</span><span lang="sv-SE">ö</span>nigsberg.
<span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">With Denmark out of
the war, it has been quieter.</span>” <span lang="en-US">This
strange girl must be confused. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">Will
you stop pointing that pistol at me?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="da-DK">Denmark?</span>”
<span lang="en-US">She frowns at him. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">What
are you talking about? Denmark is occupied, and they aren</span>’<span lang="en-US">t
fighting at all. And Swedes? Pistol? Are you serious? And why are you
wearing such strange clothes?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">What
do you mean? And what about Russians?</span>”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">“<span lang="en-US">I
saw you the other day. You were in a ditch, watching me,</span>”
<span lang="en-US">the girl says accusingly. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">And
last night, I dreamed of you. Wait.</span>” <span lang="en-US">Her
voice grows faint. </span><span lang="ar-SA">“</span><span lang="en-US">Come
back.</span>”</span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-after: auto; break-inside: auto; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Malve von Hassell </span></b></span></span></span></p><p lang="en-US" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-after: auto; break-inside: auto; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.49cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGet1_Z6UpWa-JXrernLB6hT7U3NfJjzkQrrnrYQUnt6VJOemv5RzpMVOIKtO1xROMGA_nEClU4HcMvJ7WCqjq7UVR7cHXCZg4auy43pVBfWxG9d6_6WxxTSFtrjnTFbXsZOx-rtQIxxY/s800/Malve+von+Hassell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGet1_Z6UpWa-JXrernLB6hT7U3NfJjzkQrrnrYQUnt6VJOemv5RzpMVOIKtO1xROMGA_nEClU4HcMvJ7WCqjq7UVR7cHXCZg4auy43pVBfWxG9d6_6WxxTSFtrjnTFbXsZOx-rtQIxxY/s320/Malve+von+Hassell.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Malve von Hassell is a
freelance writer, researcher, and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in
anthropology from the New School for Social Research. Working as an
independent scholar, she published <i>The Struggle for Eden:
Community Gardens in New York City</i> (Bergin & Garvey 2002) and
<i>Homesteading in New York City 1978-1993: The Divided Heart of
Loisaida</i> (Bergin & Garvey 1996). She has also edited her
grandfather Ulrich von Hassell's memoirs written in prison in 1944,
<i>Der Kreis schließt sich - Aufzeichnungen aus der Haft 1944</i>
(Propylaen Verlag 1994). She has taught at Queens College, Baruch
College, Pace University, and Suffolk County Community College, while
continuing her work as a translator and writer. She has
self-published two children’s picture books, <i>Letters from the
Tooth Fairy</i> (2012/2020) and <i>Turtle Crossing</i> (2021), and
her translation and annotation of a German children’s classic by
Tamara Ramsay, <i>Rennefarre: Dott’s Wonderful Travels and
Adventures</i> (Two Harbors Press, 2012). <i>The Falconer’s
Apprentice</i> (namelos, 2015) was her first historical fiction novel
for young adults. She has published <i>Alina: A Song for the Telling</i>
(BHC Press, 2020), set in Jerusalem in the time of the crusades, and
<i>The Amber Crane</i> (Odyssey Books, 2021), set in Germany in 1645
and 1945. She has completed a biographical work about a woman coming
of age in Nazi Germany and is working on a historical fiction trilogy
featuring Adela of Normandy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can connect with the author via these platforms -</span></span></p><p class="western" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Website:</span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span><a href="https://www.malvevonhassell.com"><span lang="en-US">https://www.malvevonhassell.com</span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Twitter:
</span><a href="https://twitter.com/MvonHassell">https://twitter.com/MvonHassell</a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Facebook:
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/malvevonhassellauthor/">https://www.facebook.com/malvevonhassellauthor/</a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">LinkedIn:
</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/malve-von-hassell-02b61517/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/malve-von-hassell-02b61517/</a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Book
Bub:</span> <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/malve-von-hassell">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/malve-von-hassell</a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Amazon
Author Page:</span> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Malve-von-Hassell/">https://www.amazon.com/Malve-von-Hassell/</a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">Goodreads:
</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/471746.Malve_von_Hassell">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/471746.Malve_von_Hassell</a></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can learn more about the author and the book by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqjGlMIWvbaNmJ-A6rF-4_7_kZp0rcerwAq5n1W9PJF9LIe907yVzq9_EAjFqIdQZpkvz4Gq5sDLivaCEpVga6KsFFbsGY2MbkErBiNVb6XnqTc9HtRG5dEX6NlpkrJ-SVG_L36mukiU/s1600/The+Amber+Crane+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqjGlMIWvbaNmJ-A6rF-4_7_kZp0rcerwAq5n1W9PJF9LIe907yVzq9_EAjFqIdQZpkvz4Gq5sDLivaCEpVga6KsFFbsGY2MbkErBiNVb6XnqTc9HtRG5dEX6NlpkrJ-SVG_L36mukiU/w644-h363/The+Amber+Crane+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" width="644" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-the-amber-crane-by-malve-von-hassell-august-31st-november-2nd-2021-mvonhassell">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-the-amber-crane-by-malve-von-hassell-august-31st-november-2nd-2021-mvonhassell</a></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> That's it for now.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Till the next time.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care Zoe.<br /></span></span></p>
<p>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052125183217323901.post-54319146494670763242021-08-24T12:15:00.003+01:002021-08-24T12:15:35.616+01:00Welcoming A B Michaels and her book - The Art of Love _ to my blog<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">T</span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">oday I'm welcoming A B Michaels and her book - The Art of Love (The Golden City Book 1) </span></span><span></span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">- </span></span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;">to my blog as part of the blog tour hosted by <a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/">The Coffee Pot Book Club </a>(founded by <a href="https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde">Mary Anne Yarde</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4yPaWxLXEtTPIS50ZdNJrXiJ0Y_HgCYktnY8eylyB6qKJq_SaFoX-hdEuSX_9lHL7KBYlu95Zxi7ZKl-WLgx1M7Ig3Gx9Z_YLNxGR0NXD1i0hsh7pcUL4fkpjAs4fLkwacPKf7i2i98/s1600/The+Art+of+Love+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4yPaWxLXEtTPIS50ZdNJrXiJ0Y_HgCYktnY8eylyB6qKJq_SaFoX-hdEuSX_9lHL7KBYlu95Zxi7ZKl-WLgx1M7Ig3Gx9Z_YLNxGR0NXD1i0hsh7pcUL4fkpjAs4fLkwacPKf7i2i98/w609-h342/The+Art+of+Love+Tour+Banner.png" width="609" /></a></div><br />I'm delighted to share an excerpt with you all but first I will introduce the book.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Art of Love</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO9CsjxtH5bu83CAafnS9-0eXBE-2ULilCdqUHPHLie2tR5SKooZBW1HPv1x_YOMroFQGN1dW57SPpzwgE5jlpoPpK3uzyM3D5JmR92YVz3FCctAy74t-fXJR5qA5Z5B1ojOGyjo4AOI/s2048/The+Art+of+Love+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO9CsjxtH5bu83CAafnS9-0eXBE-2ULilCdqUHPHLie2tR5SKooZBW1HPv1x_YOMroFQGN1dW57SPpzwgE5jlpoPpK3uzyM3D5JmR92YVz3FCctAy74t-fXJR5qA5Z5B1ojOGyjo4AOI/w267-h428/The+Art+of+Love+cover.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.28cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Your
Journey to The Golden City begins
here...</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="de-DE"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>FORTUNE</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>…</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="de-DE"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>SACRIFICE</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>…PASSION...and </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="de-DE"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>SECRETS</b></span></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">A
tale of mystery, social morality and second chances during America’s
Gilded Age, </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Art of Love</span></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> will
take you on an unforgettable journey from the last frontier of the
Yukon Territory to the new Sodom and Gomorrah of its time - the
boomtown of San Francisco.</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">After
digging a fortune from the frozen fields of the Klondike, August
Wolff heads south to the “Golden City,” hoping to put the
unsolved disappearance of his wife and daughter behind him. The turn
of the twentieth century brings him even more success, but the
distractions of a hedonistic mecca can’t fill the gaping hole in
his life.</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Amelia
Starling is a wildly talented artist caught in the straightjacket of
Old New York society. Making a heart-breaking decision, she moves to
San Francisco to further her career, all the while living with the
pain of a sacrifice no woman should ever have to make. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Brought
together by the city’s flourishing art scene, Gus and Lia forge a
rare connection. But the past, shrouded in mystery, prevents the two
of them from moving forward as one. Unwilling to face society’s
scorn, Lia leaves the city and vows to begin again in Europe.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.28cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Golden City offers everything a man could wish for except the answers
Gus is desperate to find. But find them he must, or he and Lia have
no chance at all.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.28cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Publication
Date: </span><span lang="en-US">4th May 2014</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Publisher: Red
Trumpet Press</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Page Length:
360 Pages</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="de-DE">Genre:
</span><span lang="en-US">Historical F</span><span lang="fr-FR">iction</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">You can purchase a copy of the book and the others in the series via -</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR">
</span></span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Art of Love: </span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mvqRDV"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/mvqRDV</span></span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Depth of Beauty: </span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bORv89"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/bORv89</span></span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Promise: </span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/md7vkO"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/md7vkO</span></span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Price of Compassion: </span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/4jARnX"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/4jARnX</span></span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Josephine’s
Daughter: </span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bzeRXz"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/bzeRXz</span></span></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Madness of Mrs Whittaker: </span></span></span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bORvAW"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">https://books2read.com/u/bORvAW</span></span></a></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDlwG_wOpaMCuJ7DIU0TbXPov_NuhzM1ofDBhdk9gB5en18Pvdj81irsDV-8EwmSglopox0s2cONub-cyEsogUEJrrQrP0oHl_kwjkLdbAAac1wFaLCKW_FdKnlIXqFDhtAjmSQTW6VA/s1600/The+Golden+City+Tour+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDlwG_wOpaMCuJ7DIU0TbXPov_NuhzM1ofDBhdk9gB5en18Pvdj81irsDV-8EwmSglopox0s2cONub-cyEsogUEJrrQrP0oHl_kwjkLdbAAac1wFaLCKW_FdKnlIXqFDhtAjmSQTW6VA/w623-h351/The+Golden+City+Tour+Banner.png" width="623" /></a></span></span></div><p>
</p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-the-art-of-love-the-golden-city-book-one-by-a-b-michaels"><span lang="en-US">https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-the-art-of-love-the-golden-city-book-one-by-a-b-michaels</span></a></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Now for the excerpt -</span></span></p><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">
</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God, it feels good to hit something. Gus set up a rhythm with the punching ball, hitting the suspended rubber bag dead on in a series of short, quick jabs that drove it back and forth into the back corner walls of the gym. He kept up the pace until sweat started dripping down his face and onto his chest, and then he punched some more. Some men liked working out with the newer, heavier bags, but Gus liked the challenge of punching the fast-swinging ball bare knuckled before it punched him back. His chest heaving, he began to angle his jabs in order to catch the return swing from different angles. <br /><br /> “Ah, Mr. Hansen was right. He said you’d probably be here, beating the crap out of that thing. You picturing somebody’s face on that?” Will Firestone’s drawl was unmistakable. <br /><br /> Gus caught the ball just before it swung back and hit him between the eyes. “Yeah, do the initials W.F. ring a bell?” He grabbed a nearby towel and wiped his face and arms. <br /><br /> “Funny,” Will said. He gestured to Gus’s reddened hands. “Maybe you should have gone a few rounds with Jack Root instead of Kid McCoy. You could have been the first ever light heavyweight champ.” <br /><br /> “Right.” Gus drank from a jug of water sitting near his towel. “I assume you’re here for some other reason than giving me grief?” <br /><br /> “Yes, actually. Have you got time for a beer?” <br /><br /> Gus nodded. “Be out directly.” He headed for the locker room for a quick shower and a change of clothes. In fact, he was glad to see his partner; anything to take his mind off the mess he’d gotten himself into with Lia. <br /><br /> Ten minutes later Gus and Will were drinking a couple of Anchor Steams over at Fidelio’s Crab Shack, across the street from the Y where Gus habitually worked out. <br /><br /> “What do you need?” Gus asked. <br /><br /> “Not me, friend. I’m here for you. You’ve been out of sorts lately. Mr. Hansen’s noticed, I’ve certainly noticed. You think you’re good at hiding whatever’s going on, but you aren’t.” <br /><br /> Gus snorted. “So, now you’re not only my business partner, you’re my very own Sigmund Freud? When did I get so lucky?” <br /><br /> Will wouldn’t let up. “Look, I told you months ago that Lia was somebody special and that I didn’t want you hurting her. You remember?” <br /><br /> Gus nodded reluctantly. <br /><br /> “And you remember I told you that you were like clockwork when it came to winding down your relationships?” <br /><br /> “You don’t have to remind me.” <br /><br /> “Yeah, well I do. Something’s going on because you’re acting much the same way you’ve acted every time you were ready to cut bait, and I swear, Gus, if you—” <br /><br /> “Okay. All right,” Gus admitted. “Something’s not going right, but it’s not what you think.” <br /><br /> The look Will gave Gus could have cut glass. Shit, on top of everything else, his own partner was ready to smack him. Well, he’d probably do the same if he were in Will’s shoes. <br /><br /> “So, spill it.” <br /><br /> Gus paused and took a long pull on his beer. This was harder to get out than he thought. But he needed to vent or he really was going to hit somebody. “All right. Not that it’s any of your damn business, but I’ve gone and done it. Plain and simple, I’ve fallen head over ass in love with Lia. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to a lout like me, and that includes the Klondike.” <br /><br /> “Whoa,” Will said, leaning back in his chair. “That’s just about the last thing I thought you were going to say.” <br /><br /> “Well, I said it and I meant it.” <br /><br /> “So what’s the problem? She doesn’t feel likewise?” <br /><br /> “No, I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.” <br /><br /> Will tipped his glass to Gus’s. “So, what’s the problem? You pick a date, you rent a hall …” <br /><br /> Gus rolled his shoulders. “Ah, not so fast. There’s a slight problem.” <br /><br /> “Yeah, what? Don’t tell me she doesn’t want to get married. I mean, I wouldn’t blame her after a messy divorce and all, but …” <br /><br /> “I don’t know, I haven’t asked her. But knowing Lia, I think she’d want to.” <br /><br /> “Well, what are you waiting for? If you want her, you’d better claim her before somebody else does. Marriage is the logical next step. That’s what they tell me, anyhow.” <br /><br /> “Except for one hitch …” <br /><br /> “What’s that?” <br /><br /> “I’m already married.” <br /><br /> Will glared at Gus and grabbed him across the table. “What?! Why, you miserable prick—” <br /><br /> Gus stopped Will’s arm and broke his grip. “Hear me out,” he growled. <br /><br /> “Damn you, this better be good.” Will was breathing hard. Gus had never seen him so ornery. <br /><br /> “Look, nine years ago I thought with my cock instead of my head, and I got married. We went up north and had a baby girl right away. Mattie, my wife, couldn’t hack it, so she took our daughter back down to Seattle. We both knew our marriage wasn’t workin’ out, but she said she’d wait for me … only she didn’t.” He counted off on his fingers. “I checked the boarding house where she’d lived. They said she’d gone down south with a new friend she’d met named Bethany Jones. I met the woman down at her family’s ranch. She said Mattie never made it down that far.” <br /><br /> “What happened?” <br /><br /> “Supposedly she thought I was dead and took off with an old childhood friend she ran into—some bloke I’d never heard of—while they were taking a break from their journey here in San Francisco. I’ve had Pinkerton’s men on it for years. Every time they find a missing person, every time they find a woman’s body …” his voice hitched. “You don’t know what it’s like, not knowing where your little girl is, whether she’s safe or has enough to eat, or …” He stopped, took another swig of beer. Pulled himself together. Finally, he looked up at Will. “So, you know that saying ‘between a rock and a hard place’? Well, that’s precisely where I am.” <br /><br /> “So, I take it Lia doesn’t know any of this.” <br /><br /> Gus shook his head. “No. And I can’t bear to tell her.” <br /><br /> “Why not?” <br /><br /> “Why not? Because there’s no way in hell a woman like her is going to stick with a man who can’t give her everything, including a ring on her finger. And I can’t give her that ring because I can’t find my goddamn wife to get a divorce from her—that’s why not.” <br /><br /> Will straightened in his chair and pulled out a small notebook and pencil from the inner pocket of his jacket. “What the name of that rooming house?” <br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “The Empire. Run by an old biddy named Partridge, I think. Yeah, Eugenia Partridge. Why?” <br /><br /> “I’m headed up to Seattle to seal that deal with Rochester. If I have time, maybe I’ll poke around. See what I can find out.” He shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt.” <br /><br /> Gus shook his head. “No point in it. If the Pinkertons couldn’t find any leads, I doubt you will.” He rose from the table and reached for his wallet. “But thanks all the same. I appreciate it.” <br /><br /> Will stayed Gus’s hand. “I’ll get this,” he said, pulling out his own billfold. “But, Gus?” <br /><br /> “Yeah?” <br /><br /> “You know you’ve got to tell her.” <br /><br /> Gus nodded and heaved a sigh. “And that, Dr. Firestone, is why I’ve wanted to punch the hell out of something all week.”</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A B Michaels</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">A native of
California, A.B. Michaels holds masters</span>’ <span lang="en-US">degrees
in history (UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University).
After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she
turned to writing fiction, which is the hardest thing she's ever done
besides raise two boys. She lives with her husband and two spoiled
dogs in Boise, Idaho, where she is often distracted by playing darts
and bocce and trying to hit a golf ball more than fifty yards.
Reading, quilt-making and travel figure into the mix as well, leading
her to hope that sometime soon, someone invents a 25+ hour day.</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">You can connect with the author via these platforms -</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">
</span></span></span></span></p><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Website:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.abmichaels.com">www.abmichaels.com</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Twitter:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/ABMichaelsBooks"><span lang="de-DE">https://twitter.com/ABMichaelsBooks</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Facebook:
<span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/A.B.MichaelsWriter/"><span lang="en-US">https://www.facebook.com/A.B.MichaelsWriter/</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Pinterest:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://pinterest.com/abmichaelsbooks"><span lang="en-US">pinterest.com/abmichaelsbooks</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">BookBub:
<span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://bookbub.com/profile/a-b-michaels"><span lang="en-US">bookbub.com/profile/a-b-michaels</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Amazon Author
Page: </span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/A.-B.-Michaels/e/B00KFLJ2QW"><span lang="en-US">https://www.amazon.com/A.-B.-Michaels/e/B00KFLJ2QW</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-US">Goodreads:
</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://goodreads.com/abmichaels"><span lang="en-US">goodreads.com/abmichaels</span></a></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="background: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can learn more about the book and the series by visiting the other blogs on this tour.</span></span><br />
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSMdUFJb5D7DpGm4X8gMdRyWCyLi1DMp3YEHXSvyaOOjzO0Ql2rO-8QcBBhX897zijU2WLOT1WgrhgVoJNPhyphenhyphenzAwLYj3yHjP_COkbimC0-aC006fg3zwKokL_qe2U4skGbTWZJX8Okk/s1600/The+Art+of+Love+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSMdUFJb5D7DpGm4X8gMdRyWCyLi1DMp3YEHXSvyaOOjzO0Ql2rO-8QcBBhX897zijU2WLOT1WgrhgVoJNPhyphenhyphenzAwLYj3yHjP_COkbimC0-aC006fg3zwKokL_qe2U4skGbTWZJX8Okk/w621-h348/The+Art+of+Love+Tour+Schedule+Banner.png" width="621" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it for now.</span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Till the next time.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take care Zoe </span></span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> <br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="fr-FR"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p lang="nl-NL" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.28cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #111111;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Take Care Zo x</div>CraftygasheadZohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709382253870565416noreply@blogger.com2