Merry Christmas and a Free Story on Patreon!

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you a blessed festive season. The photo is of my table runner and flower bouquet at home, but now we're on holiday at my in-laws' beach house. Depending on your climate, may you stay warm or cool this December. I'm offering one free chapter a month of my latest standalone Wayfinders Story on Patreon. If you enjoy medieval fantasy with a touch of magic and romance, then you'll love The Merchant's Daughter!

Here's a peek at Chapter 1:

Livi only listened at the private sitting room door when her parents discussed important matters that might affect her. Tonight was just such an occasion. Mama had been very angry, giving her scalding looks all evening, awaiting Papa’s return from the merchants’ guild meeting.

Whenever Livi did something wrong, Mama would scold her and then tell Papa everything in excruciating detail. As a man who enjoyed peace in his home, he would usually sigh and then agree with Mama’s recommendation of an appropriate punishment – at least to some degree. Because Livi occupied a soft spot in his heart, she knew that whatever the verdict, it would be manageable. And if she was honest, probably less than she really deserved. Knowing that Papa was inclined to indulge her wasn’t stopping her from feeling a cold sense of dread tonight as a chill ran up her spine.

Continue reading Chapter 1 on Patreon.

Here's a peek at Chapter 2:

The following morning, Livi arrived in a rush and a little late to breakfast. She knew she was looking disheveled. Having overslept after an unsettling night, she was unable to go through her morning routine properly, and her wavy blonde hair – so much like Mama’s, but much less obedient – simply would not behave.

Before she could slip into her seat, Mama stopped her and said in a reproving tone, “Olivia, dear. What is wrong with you this morning? You look as though you slept in that dress.”

Did Mama not know when to stop criticizing? Feeling out of sorts, Livi wanted to stomp her foot very badly but managed not to. “Nothing… everything!” Well, completely controlling her frustration and anger was obviously too difficult. Later, she’d make herself feel better by blaming it on her lack of sleep.

Mama didn’t respond to Livi’s outburst but tightened her lips and shifted her gaze to Papa.

Papa stopped spreading preserves on his flaky bread roll. “Now, Livi, that’s not how you speak to your mother.” It was his favorite preserve, the mouse ear berry one, but it was too tart for Livi’s tastes.

Thinking about food at a time like this made her belly sour. “I’m sorry, Papa, but Mama is being so difficult!”

“What?” Mama was outraged. “I’m not the one who is being difficult!”

Papa sighed, putting his uneaten roll and knife down on the plate.

Continue reading Chapter 2 on Patreon.

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