Jaffareadstoo....: Anna Belfrage

Saturday, 6 November 2021

📖 Hist Fic Saturday ~ The Castilian Pomegranate by Anna Belfrage

On Hist Fic Saturday

Let's go back to ...1285

Timelight
21 October 2021
The Castilian Saga #2

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

An enraged and grieving queen commands them to retrieve her exquisite jewel and abandon their foundling brat overseas—or never return

Robert FitzStephan and his wife, Noor, have been temporarily exiled. Officially, they are to travel to the courts of Aragon and Castile as emissaries of Queen Eleanor of England. Unofficially, the queen demands two things: that they abandon Lionel, their foster son, in foreign lands and that they bring back a precious jewel – the Castilian Pomegranate.

Noor would rather chop off a foot than leave Lionel in a foreign land—especially as he’s been entrusted to her by his dead father, the last true prince of Wales. And as to the jewel, stealing it would mean immediate execution. . .

Spain in 1285 is a complicated place. France has launched a crusade against Aragon and soon enough Robert is embroiled in the conflict, standing side by side with their Aragonese hosts.

Once in Castile, it is the fearsome Moors that must be fought, with Robert facing weeks separated from his young wife, a wife who is enthralled by the Castilian court—and a particular Castilian gallant.

Jealousy, betrayal and a thirst for revenge plunge Noor and Robert into life-threatening danger.

Will they emerge unscathed or will savage but beautiful Castile leave them permanently scarred and damaged?

📖 My Thoughts..

In The Castilian Pomegranate, Robert FitzStephan and his beautiful wife, Noor, find themselves temporarily exiled abroad as they travel the war ravaged lands of Aragon and Castile on a mission for the English Queen Eleanor, who has given them the task of retrieving a precious jewel which is hers by right of birth. Those who have read the first book in this series will already be familiar with the complicated reasons why FitzStephan and his wife are exiled and the author does a great job of reminding us of those reasons whilst explaining the background for readers who are perhaps reading this book as a standalone story.

The action gets under way quickly and Robert and Noor soon find themselves caught up in the political maelstrom which is facing a very divided Spain, as not only is it at time of great danger for all who travel through the country, but equally for Robert and Noor, guarding their own secrets, it is a country where they need to be very careful not to get on the wrong side of their enemies. From the start of the story I felt I travelled the dusty roads alongside Robert and Noor, experiencing their fights and challenges and becoming embroiled in the danger which is never far away and which seems to wait for them around every corner.

Whilst it is perfectly possible to read The Castilian Pomegranate as a standalone story, I do feel that you should start with the first book, The Castilian Hawk, not just to become familiar with the complicated politics of medieval Europe, but also to fall under the spell of beautifully imaged characters which the author brings to life in such glorious detail.

The Castilian Pomegranate is an adventurous historical novel, richly detailed and beautifully authentic. It's been really interesting to observe medieval history from the perspective of a divided Europe and this talented author certainly knows how to bring history alive in a very special way

About the Author

The Castilian Pomegranate is the second book in The Castilian Saga.

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Book Review ~ The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage

June 2021

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

He hoped for a wife. He found a companion through time and beyond.

It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…

Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.

The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion.

Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?

My thoughts...

Having read most of the novels in the Graham Saga I wondered how this new spin-off novel would work but I needn't have worried as right from the start I was whisked back in time to the eighteenth century to meet with Duncan Melville, who, after a recent bereavement, seems a rather lost, and lonely, character. However, on the night of a great storm Duncan's life suddenly changes when he finds himself waking up in 2016 in the company of a beautiful woman called Erin who seems, from the outset, to make his heart sing.

What then follows is a lively time slip adventure which moves effortlessly between what happens between Erin and Duncan in 2016, only for them both to be then whisked back in time to 1715 Scotland during the time of the first Jacobite rebellion. Combining authentic history with a sexy time slip romance is a huge task but this talented author always gets the balance just right, never compromising on the integrity of the historical content, whilst at the same time allowing a smouldering romance to burn between the two lead characters. Both Duncan and Erin carry the story well and there's a real sense of adventure throughout, although Duncan seems to make the transition into 21st century life rather better that Erin adjusts to 18th century life but then that's where the real enjoyment of the story lies.

The Whirlpools of Time is every bit as good as I wanted it to be from one of my favourite time slip writers. It had everything I needed, history, adventure, romance and passion, and the promise of more to come from this lovely new series.

About the Author

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Monday, 19 October 2020

Book Review ~ His Castilian Hawk by Anna Belfrage

Published 2020

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

For bastard-born Robert FitzStephan, being given Eleanor d’Outremer in marriage is an honour. For Eleanor, this forced wedding is anything but a fairy tale.

Robert FitzStephan has served Edward Longshanks loyally since the age of twelve. Now he is riding with his king to once and for all bring Wales under English control.

Eleanor d’Outremer—Noor to family—lost her Castilian mother as a child and is left entirely alone when her father and brother are killed. When ordered to wed the unknown Robert FitzStephan, she has no choice but to comply.

Two strangers in a marriage bed is not easy. Things are further complicated by Noor’s blood-ties to the Welsh princes and by covetous Edith who has warmed Robert’s bed for years.

Robert’s new wife may be young and innocent, but he is soon to discover that not only is she spirited and proud, she is also brave. Because when Wales lies gasping and Edward I exacts terrible justice on the last prince and his children, Noor is determined to save at least one member of the House of Aberffraw from the English king.

Will years of ingrained service have Robert standing with his king or will he follow his heart and protect his wife, his beautiful and fierce Castilian hawk?

What did I think about it...

Robert Fitzstephan is rewarded for his loyalty to his King when he is given the plentiful lands that surround Orton Manor, but it's not just the manor he receives, Robert also gets to marry the manor's custodian, the beautiful, Eleanor d'Outremer. However, the relationship is difficult from the beginning, as not only does Robert have to come to terms with an arranged marriage to a teenager he didn't need, or plan for, but he must also try to keep his temperament mistress under control.

What then follows is a lively medieval adventure which takes us from the border lands of Wales, to the sumptuous, and often brutal, court of King Edward I. The thirteenth century world comes gloriously alive as all the difficulties of a King at odds with his people comes sharply into focus. The ferocity of Edward I's campaign against the Welsh is well documented as is the King's quest to eradicate all evidence of Welsh ancestry.

In this authentically portrayed story, the plight of the Welsh is described in a forceful and realistic way which doesn't shy away from describing the brutality of a medieval war. However, His Castilian Hawk is not all about war, politics and power, there's also a sparkling love story at its heart, which has its fair share of delicious passion, insane jealousy and deep seated resentment.

The story has everything I have come to expect - thwarted romance, passionate response, and more than enough medieval politics to keep me enthralled and totally involved in a medieval world of danger and intrigue, a world which this clever storyteller recreates so beautifully.

Beautifully written and impeccably researched, His Castilian Hawk is the start of a passionate medieval adventure which has all the trademarks of this talented author's love for the medieval world. The story is set to continue with The Castilian Pomegranate in 2021 - I can't wait to find out more about Robert and Eleanor's passionate adventures.😊

About the Author

More recently, Anna has published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. While she loved stepping out of her comfort zone (and will likely do so again ) she is delighted to be back in medieval times in her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love.

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Sunday, 11 October 2020

🍴 Sunday Brunch with Jaffareadstoo ~ Anna Belfrage

On this quiet Sunday morning why don't you put the kettle on, make your favourite breakfast and settle down for Sunday Brunch with Jaffareadstoo

🍴I'm delighted to welcome, author, Anna Belfrage to our Sunday Brunch today🍴

🍴Good morning, Anna. What favourite food are you bringing to Sunday brunch?

Oh dear: I am a big fan of pancakes but should probably steer clear of those (and the syrup that goes with them) which is why I’ll go with a nice creamy omelette.

🍴Would you like a pot of English breakfast tea, a strong Americano, or a glass of Bucks Fizz?

Tea please. No sugar, no milk.

🍴Where shall we eat brunch – around the kitchen table, in the formal dining room, or outside on the patio?

I am something of a kitchen person, so if I get to choose, we’ll settle down around your kitchen table. Besides, it is my experience kitchens not only draw people but also their pets, so I am assuming we will have cat company as well.

🍴Shall we have music playing in the background? And if so will you share with us a favourite song or piece of music that makes you happy?

My children would tell you that nothing gets me moving quite as fast as “It’s raining men”, but when enjoying a good meal, I prefer something less energetic. My grandfather played the cello, which has left me with a permanent fondness for Liszt’s Liebestraum.

🍴Which of your literary heroes (dead or alive) are joining us for Sunday Brunch today?

Ah. Literary as “in books”? If I am to choose among my own protagonists, I’d have to include Alex Graham. Seeing as the poor woman fell three centuries back in time to land in the late 17th century, she’d be delighted to sit in a modern home, eating modern food (especially if you have something chocolaty) Other peeps I’d like to join are John Marshal (William Marshal’s father) as depicted by Elizabeth Chadwick, Llywellyn Fawr as depicted by Sharon Penman, Kristin Lavransdotter (Sigrid Undset’s medieval power lady), my very own Adam de Guirande, Helen Hollick’s Jeasamiah Acorne and, last but not least, Scheherazade from Thousand and One Nights.

🍴Which favourite book will you bring to Sunday Brunch?

Here be Dragons by Sharon Penman. The copy I have is so worn the spine has been taped repeatedly, the pages dog-eared and blotched. This is the book that inspired our entire honey moon and I can’t quite count the number of times I’ve read it.

Pan 2012

🍴When you are writing do you still find time to read for pleasure? And is there a book you would like to read but haven’t had time for …yet!

I read a lot for pleasure, but I tend to avoid the genre/period I am presently writing in. So when writing about medieval Wales, I’d steer clear of others (like Sharon Penman or Ellis Pargeter) while submersed in my own WIP. A book that has been on my TBR for quite some while is Educated by Tara Westover.

Windmill Books 2018

🍴What’s the oldest book on your book shelf?

Probably my copy of The Lord of the Rings (yet another carefully taped and repaired book)

🍴Where do you find the inspiration for your novels?

Historically, usually when I am doing research for one of my blog posts. It is strange, really: I set off researching the Aragonese Crusade, am distracted by the sad story of the unnamed bastard of Roussillon, end up deep into an article about Alfonso X and his wife, and then suddenly I am back with Eleanor of Castile and her marriage to Edward I. At least I have a lot of fun! I am also very inspired by visuals: a sheet flapping in the wind, the sunlight on dewy grass, a horse moving effortlessly through its meadow. Then, of course, I have those stories I’ve always wanted to write. His Castilian Hawk, my latest release, is set during Edward I’s invasion of Wales, and I’ve known for years I wanted to write something set in that period.

🍴Have you a favourite place to settle down to write and do you find it easier to write in winter or summer?

I like my kitchen table, which hubby says is a big no-no as I have a good desk with a much better chair than our wooden kitchen chairs. But I like having the tea kettle close by!

🍴When writing to a deadline are you easily distracted and if so how do you bring back focus on your writing?

No. I am very much like a machine when working towards a date. I think it’s my professional background that has me very organised and time conscious. I do thorough back-planning to deliver as promised.

🍴Give us four essential items that a writer absolutely needs?

Tea. Chocolate. A supportive and very patient partner. A vivid imagination

🍴What can you tell us about your latest novel or your current work in progress?

Ah. My latest novel is His Castilian Hawk and is the story of Robert FitzStephan and his new wife, Eleanor d’Outremer: It is 1282 and Edward I amasses his forces, determined to crush Wales underfoot and wipe every Welsh princeling out of existence. Not everyone agrees with his harsh intentions. Eleanor (Noor to friends and family) will do what she can to keep one innocent child safe despite the risk to herself and her husband, the king’s loyal captain Robert FitzStephan. Will Robert stand by his king or will he do whatever has to be done to protect his young wife, his very own Castilian hawk?

Timelight Press
September 2020
Amazon

As I seem incapable of writing stand-alone novels, my work in progress, The Castilian Pomegranate, features Robert and Noor and their adventures in medieval Spain.

🍴Anna, where can we follow you on social media? 🍴

Twitter: @abelfrageauthor

Facebook page

Instagram: annabelfrageauthor

Thanks so much, Anna, for joining us for Sunday Brunch

It's been great fun!

My pleasure!

#SundayBrunchwithJaffareadstoo

Saturday, 31 August 2019

Review ~ Smoke In Her Eyes by Anna Belfrage

Troubadour Publishing
March 2019

My thanks to the author for my e-copy of this book

Six months ago, Helle Madsen would have described herself as normal. Now she no longer knows if that terms applies, not after her entire life has been turned upside down by the reappearance of not one, but two, men from her very, very distant past.

Helle Madsen never believed in mumbo-jumbo stuff like reincarnation—until she came face to face with Jason Morris, a man who purportedly had spent fifty lives looking for her. Coping with being reunited with the lover from her ancient past was one thing. Having Sam Woolf, her vindictive nemesis from that same ancient past join the party was a bit too much. Suddenly, Helle finds herself the reluctant heroine of a far-flung, time-transcending epic story, one in which pain and loss seem to play a very big part.

This time round, Jason and Helle are determined to make it to the happily ever after. Unfortunately, Sam Woolf will stop at nothing to crush them. That ride into the golden sunset seems awfully far away at times…

What did I think about it..

Those who have read A Torch in his Heart, which is the first book in the darkly romantic Wanderer series, will be entirely familiar with the dangerous love triangle which exists around Sam Woolf, Helle Masden and Jason Morris, so I'm not going to repeat what has gone before, however, for those who are new to the series, it would be much better if you started at the beginning and followed this daring story of thwarted love and heated passion.

Smoke in her Eyes continues in the same dramatic way as the first book, with so much unease that my heart was in my mouth and that was from just what was happening over the first chapter! The story continues with further developments in the twisted world which exists between these three complex characters whose shared history spans well over three thousand years.

The author keeps us well entertained with this dark story of love and revenge and, as always, the drama explodes in some truly fascinating encounters. However, it is in the relationship between Jason and Helle where much of the passionate heat of the story lies and in Smoke in her Eyes, they both have to overcome some pretty powerful emotions in order to understand just where their relationship is headed. There's jealousy, misunderstanding and suspicion between them, which makes their volatile partnership all the more exciting, and yet it is their erotic and passionate relationship in the bedroom which fairly sizzles on the pages.

The dangerous relationship which Jason and Helle have with their nemesis, Sam Woolf is where the story really gets into some dangerous territory, and as old jealousies explode so the battle for dominance continues with deadly vengeance. Contemplating the destiny of her characters is what this author does really well and she plots their fate with a deft hand and a fine eye for detail. I especially like the way she plays with the readers emotions so that you both love, and loathe, the characters in equal measure. The suspenseful mystery at the centre of the novel is as taut and tight as ever and there's never a moment when the action relaxes into complacency.

Smoke in Her Eyes is a worthy continuation of the Wanderer series and, after reading the tantalising excerpt at the back of this e-copy, I'm already looking forward to Fire in the Skies which is book number 3.

About the Author

Smoke In Her Eyes is the second book in her new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context with fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. She has loved writing the series – she hopes her readers will like reading it just as much.

Website

Facebook

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

🎄 Fabulously Festive with Anna Belfrage 🎄

In the run up to Christmas, I have wonderful author interviews to help get you into the festive spirit

Here's the fabulous, Anna Belfrage

Anna, thank you so much for being our guest on the blog today

🎅What’s your earliest Christmas Memory?

We were living in Peru. It was hot. I was about four or so and my mother asked me to fetch the garden hose in the garage so that she could fill up my new inflatable pool, my favourite Christmas gift that year. I rushed into the garage and grabbed the hose. When I turned, I noticed that the heavy drain lid was hovering a metre or so above the floor. Below the drain lid was a huge snake. I screamed. And screamed. Screamed some more. My mother burst through the door and ran over to where I was standing.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, hands flying over my body. I pointed. My mother turned. She screamed. I screamed. We screamed some more. Totally futile behaviour, but I was very young and my mother suffered from serious snake phobia. We’d have been standing there still had not my father come running to save us both.

🎅Do you have any special Christmas Traditions?

We celebrate Christmas the Swedish way, which means we do our main celebration on Christmas Eve. In our family, the day starts well before eight. I get up and tip-toe out into the kitchen. Hubby appears a minute or so later. In silence, we prepare hot chocolate, heap plates with warm saffron buns, with home-made ginger biscuits.

Hubby lights the fire in the tiled stove. We flit about lighting candles all over. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream are set down on the table. And then, when everything is ready we crank up the Christmas music on max volume. Some moments later, they appear: with sleep-encrusted eyes, imprints of their pillows on their faces and hair standing more or less on end, our four children come down the stairs. (Said children are now adults, albeit young adults) We hug them and wish them a Happy Christmas. They hug us back and rush over to check what’s in their stocking. For a little moment, time hangs suspended and I see them as they used to be, small and cuddly and dressed in matching pyjamas. Now they have long, hairy legs (bar the daughter, obviously. She waxes) would rather die than wear a pyjamas, but they are still very cuddly. At least on Christmas Eve.

🎅What’s your favourite festive carol or song?

Oh, Come all Ye Faithful.

🎅Do you have a favourite festive film?

Not really. But I always watch Sound of Music at least once during the holidays.

🎅What’s your favourite festive read?

A Swedish poem called “Tomten”. And Luke 2:1 and onwards. “And it came to pass…”

🎅Are you organised or do you leave everything until the last minute?

Very, very organised.

🎅Christmas tree – real or artificial?

Real.

🎅Tinsel or Glitter?

Glitter

🎅Christmas cracker or party popper?

Christmas cracker

🎅Mince Pie or Yule Log?

Neither. For me, it is Swedish saffron buns.

🎅Christmas Dinner – Traditional Turkey, Nut Roast Veggie or something a bit different?

We eat filet of beef with mushroom & cognac sauce, roasted potatoes and a huge salad. The alternative would be a Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, but the family has nixed that. Personally, I am relieved: preparing a smorgasbord takes days and days, what with various types of herring, salmon, lutefish, ham, pig trotters, meatballs, ribs, pates, cheeses, sausages, smoked meats, rice porridge (very important), dried fruits and like fifteen other things I’ve forgotten.

🎅Christmas Tipple – Bucks Fizz/Mulled Wine or something stronger?

Err…water and tea, please.

🎅A fun game of after dinner charades or more chocolates and the television?

Chocolates and telly. By the time we get that far, I’m exhausted!

About the Author

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history, romance and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. She has recently released the first in a new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context and A Torch in His Heart is with a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. She has loved writing it – she hopes her readers will like reading it just as much.

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Amazon UK

🎄Happy Christmas 😊

Wednesday, 31 October 2018

Review ~ A Torch in his Heart by Anna Belfrage

😻 A Perfect Halloween Read 😻

Wanderer #1
Timelight Press
August 2018
My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

In the long lost ancient past, two men fought over the girl with eyes like the Bosporus under a summer sky. It ended badly. She died. They died.

Since then, they have all tumbled through time, reborn over and over again. Now they are all here, in the same place, the same time and what began so long ago must finally come to an end.

Ask Helle Madsen what she thinks about reincarnation and she’ll laugh in your face. Besides, Helle has other stuff to handle, what with her new, exciting job in London and her drop-dead but seriously sinister boss, Sam Woolf. And then one day Jason Morris walks into her life and despite never having clapped eyes on him before, she recognises him immediately. Very weird. Even more weird is the fact that Sam and Jason clearly hate each other’s guts. Helle’s life is about to become extremely complicated and far too exciting.

My thoughts about it..

This is such a real change of direction for one of my favourite historical fiction authors, that I have been quite taken by surprise, not by her writing skill, as that's always on top form, but by her ability to place me very firmly in the present with a compelling, contemporary story, which also has a dark and deeply troubled past.

Helle Madsen is dominated by Sam Woolf, her manipulative, and it must be said, quite evil boss who, it seems, will stop at nothing to get what he wants. That he wants Helle, with a passion bordering on obsession, is obvious from the start of the novel. However, there is also someone else who wants Helle with an equal passion. Business man, Jason Morris has loved Helle forever, and as their past lives start to explode and combine, so a story of desire, longing and the settling of old hostilities starts to come to life. Ensnared in a never-ending cycle of love, lust and hatred, the three main characters, who dominate the story, have had more than their fair share of anguish to contend with as they hurtle through time.

Written with this skilful author's trademark fine attention to detail, A Torch in his Heart fairly sizzles with passion. Never one to shy away from intimacy in her novels, this dark and moody paranormal story goes to a whole new level of scorching sexuality. The author’s ability to create passionate romance is unequalled and she certainly doesn’t shy away from eroticism bringing together two of her characters with a sexual explicitness which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Cleverly combining a modern day story of high octane business wheeling and dealing, alongside that of a darkly oppressive ancient world is, for me, a winning formula, and if the ending is anything to go by, I’m sure Book two in the Wanderer series will be every bit as compelling. Can’t wait..😉

About the Author

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history, romance and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. She has recently released the first in a new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context and A Torch in His Heart is with a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. She has loved writing it – she hopes her readers will like reading it just as much.

Read a guest post by Anna by clicking here

Website

Facebook

Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Guest Author ~ Anna Belfrage

✨ I am delighted to welcome back to the blog author ✨

Anna Belfrage

Welcome back to the blog, Anna

Your latest novel, A Torch in his Heart is a new direction for you.

What can you tell us about it?

...Like Bambi on ice...

They say it broadens your mind to venture into the unknown. I am sure it does—no, wait, I know it does—but it does come with a lot of side-effects. Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to sweaty hands and zillions of butterflies in your stomach. Not an entirely pleasant experience, no matter how much broader it leaves my mind…

All of us step out of our comfort zone. Some do it but rarely, others eagerly embrace every opportunity to try something different. And whenever we do take that step into the unknown, we change—a bit.

“Hmm,” you may say, giving me a look over your reading glasses. “Really?”.

Absolutely—if nothing else because we boost our self-confidence every time we try something new. Yes, sometimes things back-fire and we must retire for a while to lick our wounds. In those cases we also change. Hopefully, we learn a lesson rather than become bitter.

I have recently done a lot of venturing into unfamiliar areas. One of those excursions has resulted in a new book, A Torch in his Heart. Seeing as this is my fourteenth book, one would think this is no big deal. But it is. You see, in this book I have stepped out of the historic context I usually prefer and set the story in the present day. In itself a challenge as I enjoy using the historical events as a framework on which I build my story. I then upped the ante by adding a suspense element. Gulp, gulp.

I think the end result is a readable and somewhat heady cocktail of timeslip, passion, fast-paced action and epic love. As yet, I don’t know if my readers agree—always a nervous position to be in. Some have suggested I should use a different author name for this excursion into a new genre, but just the thought of maintaining two author profiles left me so exhausted I had to crawl into bed and binge on Jayne Ann Krentz books for a couple of days. (Not a good choice, as Ms Krentz actually does use different pen names depending on whether her books are set in the past or present *groans*…)

So how has this experience changed me? Well, for a start, it has led me to read much more contemporary romance than I usually do, and that has been a rather pleasant experience. I also find it interesting to note just how different the taste in romance is depending on which side of the pond you’re on. It seems to me British romances are more tongue-in-cheek and cozy, strong emotions understated rather than overblown. US writers have faster pace, are more into titillating sex scenes and don’t really do understated. I enjoy them both, but I do like some drama with my love 😊

Those that do not read romance may walk around under the misconception that romance features insipid ladies who depend on feminine wiles to hook the oh, so masculine hero. In fact, what all romance has in common is that the female leads are surprisingly strong. Not secret agent strong, more determined and stubborn and very courageous when it comes to the crunch. A bit like you have to be if you venture outside your comfort zone…

Very often, romance heroines do just that: they take a deep breath and plunge into the unknown, usually because their heart, rather than their head, is guiding them. Along the way, they are obliged to overcome all sorts of obstacles—as one must, if one aims to achieve one’s goal. Thankfully, our brave heroines (and heroes) usually make it across the finishing line and I, the very gripped reader, can relax.

Helle Madsen in A Torch in His Heart is one of those women forced to embrace change. One moment, she’s just your ordinary financial accountant, the next she’s the protagonist in an epic love story spanning 3 000 years and including such things as an abnormally gifted lover, a vindictive and very dangerous reincarnated adversary and a world turned upside down by passionate love and seething hate. As Helle herself puts it: She didn’t want to be the heroine of a far-flung, time-spanning adventure best fit for a Hollywood fantasy, or have her fate tied down without any choice in the matter. She wanted to be normal Helle, with no strange baggage in the form of previous lives and vindictive jilted suitors.

Unfortunately, once Helle meets Jason, it’s too late. She can no more tear herself free from the sticky strands of time and fate that bind them than she can amputate her foot. Besides, she doesn’t want to. It’s not Jason that’s the trouble—it’s that damned nemesis of theirs, Sam Woolf, that has Helle waking up at night shivering with fear.

This my foray into contemporary romance may not leave me shivering with fear, but I do suffer the odd frisson of nervous anticipation: will the readers like it? I comfort myself with the thought that no matter what, I have followed my heart and seen this project to completion—a bit like the heroine of a romance does every time she decides to trust her feelings. A story that has been burning little holes in my heart since well over a decade is now told. I can but open my hands and set it free, hoping it will fly and soar.

Meanwhile, I return to some of my other WIPs. So if you excuse me, dear Jo and Jaffa, I must run: I have a situation to sort in the late 13th century before things turn really, really nasty. Edward I is a dangerous king to rile.

About Anna

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history, romance and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. She has recently released the first in a new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context and A Torch in His Heart is with a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. She has loved writing it – she hopes her readers will like reading it just as much.

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