Thank you, Regina, for the opportunity to introduce your readers to the Bluestocking Belles’ first box set, Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem. I’ll be giving away an ePub or mobi copy of our novellas to one random commenter. The giveaway will end on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at midnight EST.

My contribution to the Belles’ box set is entitled, Under the Mistletoe.

When Margaret Templeton is requested to act as hostess at Captain Sander Morledge’s Christmas party and possibly agree to marry him, she did not think she would see the man who once held her heart. Frederick Maddock, Viscount Beacham, never forgot the young woman he fell in love with, and his feelings are evident when he sees her at a holiday gathering. In a swirl of Christmas miracles and joyous celebration, will the two finally put down their differences and once again fall in love?

Did you know?

Mistletoe is relevant to several cultures and its use goes back to Norse Mythology and the Middle Ages. By the 18th century, Mistletoe began to be used in Christmas celebrations and tradition dictated that a man was allowed to kiss any woman standing beneath it. Bad luck would befall any woman who refused the kiss. Another variation of this tradition stated that with each kiss a berry was picked from the mistletoe and once all the berries were removed, the kissing must stop. Did you know that mistletoe is actually a parasite?

Here are my hero and heroine from Under the Mistletoe:

Excerpt:
With Digby gone, Margaret took a seat by the fire, and Frederick sat opposite her. An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling and popping of the wood within the hearth. Conversation had never been stilted between them, but Margaret was clearly nervous because she kept peeking over her shoulder as if she were being watched. Frederick was unsure what he should say to calm her nerves.

“You have no need to fear me, Margaret,” Frederick whispered softly now that they were alone.

“I do not fear you, Freddy.”

He was pleased to hear his name as it passed her lips.

“Then what is troubling you so?”

The eyes raised to his were filled with worry.

“Why are you here?”

He watched her fidget with the fabric of her gown.

“You know why. I was invited,” Frederick answered.

A sound escaped her, but it was hardly ladylike.

“You could easily have made your excuses and refused.”

“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he replied.

“How could I not be safe? Captain Morledge is practically my betrothed.”

Frederick ran his hand across his eyes.

“I do not trust him. There are rumors—”

The laugh she gave was meant to be merry, but sounded forced.

“Frederick, please tell me you have not taken to believing in town gossip. I would have thought you, above all people, were above such nonsense.”

He frowned. “Nonsense or not, I needed to see for myself that you are not in danger, even if I must watch over you myself.”

“It is hardly necessary.”

Margaret’s attention once more flew to the entryway.

He reached over to take her hand.
 
She wrenched back with a silent and pleading look, and the briefest shake of her head. Leaning slightly forward, she confided, “Please do not, for it will not be wise. The servants watch my every move, and even now, it is reckless of me to be here alone with you.”

“You see! There is cause for concern. Why will you not let me help you?”

“Please, Freddy. This is my one chance to find some happiness. Do not ruin it for me.”

“We have discussed this before, Margaret. You know my offer still stands. I would wed you on the morrow if you would have me.”

“Shush, you fool. You know I cannot.”

“Yet you would enter into a marriage with a man you do not love.”

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I can learn to love him.”

“Now who is the fool?” he grumbled irritably.
Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem: A Bluestocking Belles Collection


In this collection of novellas, the Bluestocking Belles bring you seven runaway Regency brides resisting and romancing their holiday heroes under the mistletoe. Whether scampering away or dashing toward their destinies, avoiding a rogue or chasing after a scoundrel, these ladies and their gentlemen leave miles of mayhem behind them on the slippery road to a happy-ever-after.

***All proceeds benefit the Malala Fund***

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Meet the Author: Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical & time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. Sherry is currently working on her next novel and when not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her published work at http://www.SherryEwing.com
The Bluestocking Belles Online:
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– The Bluestocking Bookshop online storytelling game
Support the Bluestocking Belles’ fundraising campaign for the Malala Fund:
www.classy.org/BluestockingBelles