COMING FEBRUARY 15, 2012 - "THE KING'S DAUGHTER"

With a fantastic new trailer: 

REVIEW OF THE SNOW BRIDE - BY LINDSAY TOWNSEND

"The Snow Bride" by Lindsay Townsend is the latest ebook release by a very talented British author whose settings range from ancient Egypt to Roman Britain, medieval Europe to Mediterranean locales, but nowhere has her writing disappointed me.

This book set in England during the Crusades is not specifically Celtic, but its depiction of black and white magic, witches and sorcerers, demons and familiars won it a place in my heart and on this blog.  Her name is more suggestive of a lingering Anglo-Saxon heritage, but Elfrida's "magicks" appeal to the Celt in me.  Sir Magnus is the lusty knight of yore and I could not resist him.  Battle-scarred and battle-wise, he is summoned by villagers whose brides--including Elfrida's sister--are being stolen by an evil phantasm--a Forest Grendel.  Although Magnus has long since accepted that his maimed limbs and scarred face make him unacceptable in any woman's bed unless he pays for the privilege, he is nonetheless captivated by the strong-willed white witch who offers herself as bait to the monster in an attempt to free her sister.  Saving Elfrida from her ill-thought-out plan, he falls in with it and in love with her, lending his redoubtable courage and shrewd battle skills to the cause.  I will not give you spoilers about the identity and motivation of the Forest Grendel, but Ms. Townsend's tale of these two lonely people joining forces to track him to his lair is non-stop, rich and lyrical.  Her voice is distinctive, her writing style a delight, and the ending is both satisfying and promising in that a sequel would be possible.

I would classify this novel as sensual but not erotic, with tenderly arousing sexual content which is essential to the story.  I give it four out of five Celtic Roses.  It is discounted until midnight, January 3 at Siren-Bookstrand.

NOTE:  This is an unsolicited review and a copy of the book was purchased by the reviewer.

PROMOTION:

She is Beauty, but is he the Beast?
Elfrida, spirited, caring and beautiful, is also alone. She is the witch of the woods and no man dares to ask for her hand in marriage until a beast comes stalking brides and steals away her sister. Desperate, the lovely Elfrida offers herself as a sacrifice, as bridal bait, and she is seized by a man with fearful scars. Is he the beast?

In the depths of a frozen midwinter, in the heart of the woodland, Sir Magnus, battle-hardened knight of the Crusades, searches ceaselessly for three missing brides, pitting his wits and weapons against a nameless stalker of the snowy forest. Disfigured and hideously scarred, Magnus has finished with love, he thinks, until he rescues a fourth 'bride', the beautiful, red-haired Elfrida, whose innocent touch ignites in him a fierce passion that satisfies his deepest yearnings and darkest desires. 

http://www.bookstrand.com/the-snow-bride

JANUARY 1, 2012 - A (RARE) WORD FROM THE OWNER

I don't make New Year's Resolutions, but in terms of my blog I did try to come up with some new ideas for the New Year and here's one I hope you'll approve.  Just as I am no artist but simply told my husband (who was), "I only know what I like,"--well, so too with books.  I don't read many, don't have time, and I am not a book reviewer.  Still, I know what I like and have often tried to share space here with promotions for authors whose books I enjoy.  To carry that one step further, I'd like to give the occasional review--just my opinion, for what it's worth, unsolicited.  A review from the heart, in other words.  Understand that if I read a book and it isn't my cup of tea, my lips are sealed.  Our books are our children and I will not disparage your writing any more than I would your child.  Some people enjoy that.  I don't.

So know that I may pop in with the occasional review, in this case of books set somewhere in the Celtic world.  If it gives someone an idea for their next read, so be it.  There are no rules on this blog beyond those of good taste and friendship!  So to all my blog friends, may 2012 be for you a year of peace and prosperity.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!!!

A SEASON OF LOVE

                               www.thedarkcastlelords.com/season-of-love.htm

Wishing all our readers and contributors here at The Celtic Rose a season of peace, love and joy.

Merry Christmas

I want to wish everyone here at The Celtic Rose a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I hope 2012 brings you HEALTH, LOVE, and PEACE!!!!

God Bless!
Sarah Hoss

LOVING THE NORSEMAN BY KRIS TUALLA

Perhaps you have already viewed the trailer shown below this one.  "Loving the Knight"  is the prequel to Kris's  historical romance, "Loving the Norseman," shown here.  I have thoroughly enjoyed both books set in the ancient Scottish/Norse world.  I hope you'll get the same pleasure from watching her beautiful videos.