Showing posts with label Anabelle Bryant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anabelle Bryant. Show all posts

Friday, June 16, 2023

Review - Magic In His Kiss

Magic In His Kiss
by Anabelle Bryant
Vauxhall Voices - Book 2
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Release Date: June 13, 2023
Reviewed by PJ


Vauxhall Gardens may be London’s ideal attraction with its diverse population, unusual entertainment and illicit pleasure walks, but for Sofia Gallo, it’s also a safe haven.


Leaving Italy with her brothers, she escaped the threat of scandal and the longer she performs as a tumbler, the more Vauxhall feels like home. Especially when she meets Noah Wright, a handsome bachelor seeking work as a magician. Yet predicting the future is far from a magician’s illusion and when Sofia’s past collides with her present, she discovers forbidden love is more dangerous than she ever dared to imagine.



PJ's Thoughts:

I'm really enjoying the "backstage" look at the lives and loves of Vauxhall performers presented in this series, as well as the pleasures and perils to be found there. Bryant has assembled an intriguing cast of characters that keep things lively along an often rocky road to romance. 

Sofia Gallo is an Italian acrobat who was hustled off to London by her overprotective brothers in the wake of a scandal after being duped by a man she loved, and she thought loved her. It's been five years and she's ready to take another chance on romance but only with an honest man. She's had it with men who lie to her. She's also ready to leave the siblings' act and pursue her real passion: fashion. But that's something only she knows. Sofia is so easy to cheer for. I loved her enthusiasm for fashion and her determination to fulfill her dream but also her love for and loyalty to her brothers. It created relatable emotional conflict within her character that was fun to watch play out. I also enjoyed watching her take charge of the romantic side of her life. This was a woman who had been deceived by her innocence and was now at an age where she knew what she wanted and had the self-confidence to go after it. And what she wanted was Noah. 

Noah is a man with secrets. Pretending to be a somewhat adequate magician looking for work at Vauxhall, he's actually the heir to an earldom bent on revenge for his sister's death. He's handsome, charming, noble, and hiding his real identity from the woman he's slowly falling for. I enjoyed watching Noah's evolution over the course of this story. I'm not big on secrets but I did understand his reasons and appreciated the fact that he came clean with Sofia when he did. And I loved him for the choices he made when it became clear he would have to either step out of her life or fight for their love. 

Magic In His Kiss is an enjoyable cross-class romance with steamy chemistry, surprise twists, and a bit of suspense. The characters are intriguing, their situations relatable, and their happily ever after satisfyingly hard won. While this is the second book of a series, and some characters appear in both books, this one stands well on its own. Readers could definitely begin with Magic In His Kiss and not miss a beat. However, I also recommend book one, Love on the Line (read my review here).



Friday, February 3, 2023

Review - - Love on the Line

Love on the Line
by Anabelle Bryant
Vauxhall Voices - Book 1
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Release Date: January 17, 2023
Reviewed by PJ



In the hedonistic world of Vauxhall Gardens, a place where London’s aristocracy pursues daring entertainment and sensual pleasures, desire overrules status, prejudice, and societal censure.

When Lola York meets Theodore Coventry, Earl of Essex, their chemistry is undeniable, but she knows better than to yearn for forbidden love. That is, until their involvement becomes unavoidable and Lola realizes the most dangerous risk of all is the one that threatens her heart.





PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoy a good cross-class romance and Anabelle Bryant's newest novel, Love on the Line, brings readers this particular trope in a fresh new setting. At least, fresh and new to me. I can't recall having read a pairing of a peer and a Vauxhall performer before. Both characters are intriguing, relatable, and multi-layered. Their story pulled me in and had me pulling for them the entire way. It is written in such a way that I had no trouble at all believing in their love and happily ever after, even with all the obstacles in their path.

There are two mystery/suspense threads that run through the book: the murder of Theodore's friend and the secret from Lola's past that hangs over her head. The murder brings Lola and Theodore together, with the hunt for the murderer progressing in parallel to their relationship, but it was Lola's secret that I found the more compelling storyline. I had no idea how Bryant would tie up those loose ends, allowing Lola to be reunited with her family and our couple to live happily together. As it turned out, justice was served in a most appropriate way. I do enjoy seeing a villain get what they justly deserve. 

I'm already invested in Lola's fellow performers in Vauxhall and looking forward to their journeys. It's fun to step outside the norm and explore new horizons, as Bryant is doing in this series. 


Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Review - - The Lady Loves Danger

The Lady Loves Danger
by Anabelle Bryant
Maidens of Mayhem - Book 2
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: May 31, 2022
Reviewed by PJ


The society of daring women known as the Maidens of Mayhem dedicate their lives to protecting London’s most vulnerable citizens from injustice. Daring and discreet, their missions lead them to people and places they least expect, often putting their lives—and their hearts—in peril . . .


Lady Delilah Ashbrook is tirelessly searching the streets of London for a boy who vanished while under her care. Suspecting the child was abducted to be sold, Delilah hopes the Maidens can help find him before it’s too late. But Delilah’s mission brings her into the crosshairs of a mysterious man who is also looking for the boy. Sebastian St. Allen certainly cuts a dashing figure. But is he hoping to save the child—or harm him?

Sebastian has his own reasons for protecting the less fortunate. He has a gift for seamlessly navigating both London’s darkest corners and its most elite circles. But nothing prepared him for Delilah, whose delicate beauty belies an independence and sensuality he finds irresistible. Sebastian knows they can help each other if only she’ll let her guard down.  And as they become entrenched in danger, they realize how strong their ties have grown—and how much they need one another . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoyed this second book in Anabelle Bryant's Maidens of Mayhem series. It's another fast-paced story with plenty of suspense, adventure, and romance. 

Delilah tugged my heartstrings from the get-go. I loved her determination, her bravery, her willingness to do whatever it took to find a little boy snatched in broad daylight. Sebastian won my heart right along with Delilah's. He was so supportive of her in her quest; determined to keep her safe by teaching her how to keep herself safe. They were likeable, well-developed characters who engaged both my interest and my emotions. I loved them individually and as a couple. I appreciated the respect that developed between them as they worked together and the slow-burn romance that deepened as they came to know one another better. I loved their chemistry, passion, and sparkling banter. 

I wish the Maidens of Mayhem had been more present in this story. I very much enjoyed them in the first book and would have liked to have seen more of them in this one. But that's a small quibble.

The secondary characters were also well developed and added to the progression of the story, as well as the conflict. Young Oliver was a special delight. 

I figured out the mystery about halfway through the book but there were still surprises that kept things interesting. And a romance to keep me flipping pages. 

Though the Maidens of Mayhem appear in both the first and second books, each can be read as a standalone and in any order. I'll be back for more of Anabelle Bryant's Maidens of Mayhem. 





Monday, March 29, 2021

Review - - Duchess if you Dare

Duchess If You Dare
by Anabelle Bryant
Maidens of Mayhem - Book 1
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Reviewed by PJ
 

From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city's grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting--and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them--even into the arms of unexpected love.

Scarlett Wynn's tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues--and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other--if she can resist the attraction that draws them together...

As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett's fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. When the pair learn both mysteries they're trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger--and lead them to search their hearts like never before...

PJ's Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Scarlett. She's fearless, good-hearted, and determined to help those less fortunate who are conveniently forgotten or ignored by London society and law enforcement. She's risen above her beginnings to become a force to be reckoned with,  clever, committed, and capable of protecting not only herself but those around her, a savvy chameleon who can cross classes with ease but is always aware of her place - or lack of one - in society. I loved how she went toe-to-toe with the hero who, quite honestly, was way too used to having his own way in everything. 

It took me a while to warm up to Ambrose, a stuffy duke who's pulled unwillingly into a dangerous investigation with a woman he desires, doesn't fully understand, and tells himself he can't have. He has a lengthy growth arc which I do believe was necessary for his character. He's not used to following another's lead, especially when that person is a both a commoner and a woman, and learns the hard way to listen to the person who, in this case, knows more about the workings of the grittier parts of London than he. As for his unexpected emotions, he may want to follow the direction his heart is leading him but he's held back by a lifetime of indoctrination into the rules of society as well as the duty and responsibility of his position. Capitulation that came too quickly or easily would not have been believable. In the end, I was confident in their feelings for one another and the decisions they each made regarding their future. 

The mystery/action/danger portion of the book was also enjoyable. I clued in to the main villain pretty early on though it took me a while to figure out exactly what the full scope of the mystery was. There was also a twist near the end involving a secondary character that I didn't expect (love that) but we never find out what happens to that character which was disappointing. I wanted a more detailed explanation as well as closure for Scarlett. 

If you enjoy cross-class, historical romance with a dash of action, mystery, and danger, give Duchess If You Dare a try. I think it's a promising start to this new series and am looking forward to the other maiden's stories in future books. 

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway: Anabelle Bryant's Duchess If You Dare

 
Duchess If You Dare
by Anabelle Bryant
Maidens of Mayhem - Book 1
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Available to Pre-Order


Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues—and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other—if she can resist the attraction that draws them together . . .


As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. But when the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger—and lead them to search their hearts like never before . . .


DUCHESS IF YOU DARE - The Story Behind the Story  

by Anabelle Bryant

 

What do you get when you cross Little Women with The Justice League?

The Maidens of Mayhem, of course.

This elite group of women is a force to be reckoned with although they don’t have magical powers or fly around London. They possess fierce human skills and extraordinary talents so you wouldn’t want to ignite their temper or get caught while breaking the law.

Publishers Weekly recently called the Maidens of Mayhem, “crime-fighting and wrong-righting heroines who are part Robin Hood and part Batman”. Even more than that, they are strongminded women who believe everyone deserves to be respected and protected no matter what level of society they come from.

The idea for this new historical romance series came together as I watched Captain Marvel with my husband and son. Captain Marvel is strong, beautiful, and capable of saving the world. Only a fool would glance at her pretty face and underestimate her power.

Yet even now in 2021, women are still fighting to be respected and have their voices heard. Imagine how frustrating it was as a woman in 1817. While society pressured females to accept their roles in a more passive way back then, I believe there were many women of the time who wanted freedom to make decisions, start a business, manage their own money – to be independent and responsible, and in control.

Naturally, not everyone in the Regency era belonged to the upper class or aristocracy. So, who helped women in need? Who took their ideas seriously? What was their daily life like with no support from society?

These questions contributed to my concept for the Maidens of Mayhem. I wanted to shine a light on the female spirit and how women are resilient, emotionally strong, creative thinkers – back then and present day. I also wanted to write about life outside the ballroom, to show parts of London usually not depicted positively, and the challenges that existed for women. I touched on this condition in my BASTARDS OF LONDON stories, but that series was more focused on consequences for men.

Writing DUCHESS IF YOU DARE was freeing and exciting. Scarlett is a woman in control of her own life until she meets the Duke of Aylesford and matters become complicated. Perhaps she’s not in as much control as she once believed. Perhaps her heart is the one thing she can’t command to listen. She struggles with the choice between freedom and love until she realizes one doesn’t exclude the other. I hope you’ll read her story and discover all the emotion and excitement in her journey.

~~~~~~~~~~

Duchess If You Dare excerpt

In this scene, Scarlett and Aylesford are in a dark alley together keeping watch on a private gaming hell. Their conversation eventually turns personal and the duke is both surprised and impressed after hearing Scarlett reveal her tragic past.

 

“And still, you seek to make London a better place at the cost of your time and safety.”

She didn’t reply to this comment. She’d never shared so much of her personal history with anyone before, never mind a nob. Still, there was so much to tell, she’d only offered a thimble’s worth. Nevertheless, she wasn’t inclined to offer more.

“I haven’t any connections to the underworld, this culture alive and thriving in London away from Mayfair where I suspect the man with the ruby ring conducts business.” Aylesford filled the silence. He moved closer and didn’t stop until he stood directly before her. With her shoulders against the bricks, she had nowhere to escape though she was profoundly aware of his attention. “And you need access to some of society’s more exclusive events so you might discover this nobleman who entices women away from the brothel never to be heard from again.”

“But isn’t the man you mention one and the same?” She shook her head and raised her eyes to match his. “Aren’t we both seeking the same person?”

“Of course. Perhaps. Maybe,” he murmured, the air between them fraught with a strange combination of disguised emotion and unspoken words. “Maybe not.”

They stood that way a minute longer and the mood changed. Precarious questions hung in the quiet. Their breathing paired in tandem. She relaxed by degree. The gaming hell was forgotten. When he placed his gloved palm on the wall at her back, she knew what he meant to do and despite her brain screaming an objection, her heart began to flutter a faster beat. A rush of anticipation swept through her. This was foolish. As foolish as throwing a knife blindfolded and having it bounce back and slice into one’s brow. As foolish as she’d ever behaved. And yet still she didn’t object.

He was going to kiss her and bloody hell, she wanted that kiss.

 ~~~~~~


Duchess If You Dare is about being brave and facing fears. When is a time when you had to be your most brave?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 5 will receive Anabelle Bryant's generous prize package below.

*Must be 18

*U.S. only




 




Thursday, September 19, 2019

Review and Q&A - - London's Late Night Scandal


London's Late Night Scandal
by Anabelle Bryant
Midnight Secrets - Book 3
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: September 24, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    



In Anabelle Bryant’s novel of unexpected romance, a lord and lady learn that not all emotions can be expressed in the light of day . . .
 
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was . . .
 
Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot’s article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia’s botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he’s clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness . . .



My thoughts:

Add another author to my auto-buy list. I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Anabelle Bryant and can't wait to dive into more of her books. Matthew and Theodosia are wonderfully complex characters, obviously made for one another. Bryant gives them intriguing layers, challenging obstacles, and heartrending baggage to overcome before skillfully guiding them to their happily ever after and I was with them every step of the way. I adored their banter, their intellect, and their slowly evolving passion. I appreciated the care and sensitivity the author used in depicting Theodosia's grandfather's debilitating disease while also showcasing the reality of the marked difference in how people react to those suffering from dementia and other similar conditions. There's one scene in particular where Matthew's behavior had me in tears - the good kind - and convinced me he was worthy of both Theodosia's love and mine. 

Bryant's prose is beautiful and evocative, stealing my breath with its mental images and eliciting emotions with ease. Take this passage, during the time when Theodosia is fighting her deepening feelings for Matthew:

First her parents, and now Grandfather. She couldn't bear to fall in love and be broken again. Loneliness didn't hurt nearly as much if nothing was at risk. 

Or this one, during a visit to the British museum:

Winter's distant sunlight poured through the high windows positioned near the crown molding. The noises surrounding them - discreet conversations and nearby footfalls - faded away. The moment became timeless, as if divinity entered the room, fragile and precious for its rarity. 

Is it any wonder I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author? 

London's Late Night Scandal is the third book in Bryant's Midnight Secrets series but stands on its own. Feel free to begin with Matthew and Theodosia's story. In the meantime, I'll be over in the corner, losing myself in the first two books of the series: London's Wicked Affair and London's Best Kept Secret. I can't wait! 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Q&A with Anabelle Bryant


Hi Anabelle! It was such a delight to meet you at RWA this summer. Thanks for visiting with us today at The Romance Dish.

Your newest novel, London’s Late Night Scandal, will release next week and I’m so excited for everyone to have the opportunity to read it. Please tell our readers what they can expect from this third book in your Midnight Secrets series.

London’s Late Night Scandal is the story of a scholarly woman and a wounded earl who discover life together is the answer to all their heartache. Naturally, the course to this discovery is difficult, but while Theodosia and Matthew immediately realize their affinity for the sciences makes them uniquely similar, they fight their physical attraction until the heart wins out. This novel was my first with holiday elements and I believe the subtle touches of Christmas added another layer of romantic warmth. It can be read as a standalone novel.

I adored Theodosia and Matthew. Which of their scenes together did you have the most fun writing? Which was most difficult?

I enjoyed the snappy conversations between Theodosia and Matthew. Their growing relationship is revealed through the novel as their conversations become more meaningful and intimate. Creating the push and pull of their relationship and highlighting it through, not just their interactions with each other, but also their decisions and reflections was always important to me. I had a lot of fun writing the initial scenes when Matthew is pursuing Theodosia and she’d rather he left the estate and never returned. She chose her brain over her heart…but her heart never stood a chance.

It was difficult at times to write the scenes involving Theodosia’s grandfather’s condition. While I wanted to keep it factual, I strove for tenderness and I’m pleased with the result.

I enjoyed the scientific (medical, botanical, etc.) tidbits scattered throughout this book. What did you discover during your research for London’s Late Night Scandal that most fascinated you?

We have so many remedies and conveniences that we all take for granted. Something as simple as healing chapped lips was a great undertaking during the Regency era. While I researched botanical cures and herbology, I was surprised to read how many minor ailments people suffer with today, were prevalent in the early 1800s and just as much of a nuisance.

Your bio indicates that you’re an avid traveler. What place have you visited that most “speaks to” your soul? What location is at the top of your travel wish list?

I want to answer England, since I’ve visited twice and write about that time period but my heart’s connection is to Paris if I’m speaking from a traveler’s perspective. Something about Paris enchants me and I can’t wait to the next opportunity I have to visit.

I’ve never traveled to Greece and it’s at the top of my travel wish. Any location with a rich culture and history is an immediately temptation for me.

What’s next from Anabelle Bryant?

If you’ve read London’s Best Kept Secret, you’re acquainted with the Earl of Lindsey, a nobleman who is more rogue than titled gentleman. He’s a character who insisted on his own story so look for the fourth Midnight Secrets book in 2020.

Let’s do a fun five to help readers get to know you.

Title at the top of your books waiting to be read: The Secret History of Georgian London by Dan Cruickshank

Favorite fall dessert: Pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream

Favorite subject to photograph: Interesting places, doors, windows

Favorite stress reliever: Quiet. I like to sit in a room with absolute quiet and just breathe.

Favorite French fries: LOL! It's true. I love French Fries. My favorite fries are from Little Mac's on the NJ boardwalk.

Thank you for visiting with us, Anabelle!  Do you have anything else to add? Would you like to ask our readers a question?

Thanks so much for reading. I do have a question. I strive to write historical romance based in history and reality, but I often wonder if that matters to readers. Would you rather read a historical romance with a conceivable plot and smart characterization or an outlandish one that is pure escapism?

Oooh...that's an intriguing question. What say you, readers? 



Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Excerpt & Giveaway - - London's Late Night Scandal


London's Late Night Scandal
by Anabelle Bryant
Midnight Secrets - Book 3
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: September 24, 2019


In Anabelle Bryant’s novel of unexpected romance, a lord and lady learn that not all emotions can be expressed in the light of day . . .
 
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was . . .
 
Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot’s article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia’s botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he’s clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness . . .




EXCERPT


Theodosia approached the sleigh with caution. She may have rationalized her decision upstairs and confidently deflected her maid’s interrogation, but beneath several layers of flannel and wool, her heart beat a furious rhythm.
“What’s all this? You’ve taken on quite a challenge for one afternoon’s distraction.”
Matthew had come around the other side of the sleigh and she noticed he seemed surefooted on the snow-packed drive despite the lack of a walking stick.
“What good is a sleigh if it never sees snow?” He chuckled and his deep tenor rippled through her. “Besides, the world is brand new after a snowfall. I thought we might enjoy the scenery. At least until we decide it’s too cold to bear.”
She watched him, her mind working now as hard as her pulse. He took her gloved hand in his and helped her into the sleigh. When she was settled on the seat, he climbed in beside her and arranged two fur blankets across their legs. All the while the heated coals in the brazier warmed the soles of her boots.
“Are you ready?”
He cast her a sideways glance, leather reins in hand, and she was struck by his handsome profile and the way fractured sunlight glinted in his eyes. He wore no hat and as he turned, the not-so-subtle wind lifted a fallen lock of hair across his brow. He must be quite popular within society’s chosen circle, a man as striking, intelligent, and generous as he.
So why would he take time to arrange such a complicated diversion this afternoon?
“Wait.” Her objection came out in a puff of breath as translucent and fleeting as a ghost from the past. She refused to allow him to feel sorry for her. “I’m not lonely.”
“Nor am I, but I thought, today, we might be not-lonely together.”
He smiled and something sparked inside her, a tremor of excitement that began at her heart and reverberated to her fingertips and toes. She returned his grin and before she could consider it further, he snapped the ribbons and the sleigh lurched forward. Wind stung her cheeks and snuck beneath her hood to nip at her earlobes, the sense of fast flight refreshing and invigorating. She tried to portray a more composed mien, not that Matthew’s opinion mattered or she considered herself lacking the city polish he was accustomed, but once the sleigh took the drive and raced over a series of gentle slopes, her stomach dropped with delight and she couldn’t suppress her laughter.
Heavens, it was wonderful to laugh. It seemed too many weeks, months…too long she’d gone without the unconditional freedom of pure joy.
She turned and he did as well, their eyes matched in the moment before he averted his attention to the landscape ahead. They coasted along for a good stretch, wordlessly happy in the uncomplicated thrill of the ride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Anabelle Bryant's books yet?

Have you ever gone on a sleigh ride? 

Have you discovered any homemade concoctions that you would recommend? 

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, September 5, will receive Anabelle Bryant's giveaway package shown below. (U.S. only)