Mirella Sichirollo Patzer

HerStory Book Launch with Prizes and Giveaways

2013-03-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'm so very proud to be part of this fabulous anthology of stories about incredible women of history. My story features Queen and Saint Matilda, who lived and reigned during the 10th century. I am working on her life story in a novel entitled The Prophetic Queen which should be completed sometime during 2013. To celebrate the launch of HerStory, there are some fabulous prizes being offered.

In ancient times, women were regarded as sacred. They were thought to hold the mystical power of creation—responsible for the continuation of our species. With the rise of Science and Religion, these myths were dispelled and their plight began.

HerStory: Fiction Honoring Women’s History Month is a collection of Flash Fiction and Short Stories from today's top authors featuring female characters that exemplify strong strength of mind, body, and character. Some of these tales are based on real people while others are purely fictional. However, all are standing up for themselves and what they believe in.

Grab yourself a glass of wine or favorite hot beverage and get comfortable as you read about the lives of women who will light the fire in your soul.

It's finally here. HerStory. Available to the masses. And to honor release day, we're having a party. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win some terrific prizes. *U.S. residents only*

Here's what's up for grabs.

GRAND PRIZE

First Grand Prize

Because they have the same agenda: empowering girls/women, Keira's Kollection owner Mr. Wagstaff has graciously agreed to donate a Strong is Beautiful T-shirt. One very lucky woman is not only going to walk away with a paperback copy of HerStory and be empowered through words, but she will also be showing her empowerment right there on her shirt.

And that's not all, the grand prize winner also gets a pair of earrings from Cathy from Etsy, who runs Yesware. The earrings sparkle one side and have a message on the other side: the greatest story never told.

Only, we're telling it, the authors of HerStory. We are telling it.

SECOND GRAND PRIZE

Author Laura DeLuca has donated an incense diffuser to go along with some handmade soap from Greenchild Creations.

And we're throwing an e-book into this mix. Why soap and diffusers? What does that have to do with women's history?

In HerStory, Mathilda of Ringelheim runs a bath house. It seems appropriate to honor herstory this way.

AND as Mathilda seems to know, every woman needs soap and every woman needs time to relax. So one lucky winner will take a nice long shower with her fantastic handmade soap, set her diffuser on a table, and curl up with HerStory on her kindle. Who says you can't be relaxed and empowered at the same time? (and smell good)

THIRD GRAND PRIZE

Another donation from Laura DeLuca: an ebook, a Japanese tea set, and an Oriental incense diffuser. How does this tie into HerStory?

In Please Stay, Asuka, a Japanese wife of the 1600s, is preparing the evening meal while awkwardly trying to discuss a matter--somewhat delicate--but of great importance with her husband.

As you get lost in your ebook, in Asuka's story (penned by Becca Diane), you can pretend you are there. Perhaps you feel your husband's penetrating stare. But you serve him his tea, straighten your spine, and say what needs to be said...then wait, breath held, for his reply, incense lightening the tension in the air...

FOURTH GRAND PRIZE

One lucky winner will have a chance to make their voice heard on the radio...with a $25 Amazon gift card burning a hole in their pocket!

HerStory goes behind the scenes to locate the stories of women who lived, laughed, and touched the lives of generations...

Now, here is your chance to have your story told to the world....or your mother's...it's your chance to talk about the most inspiring woman or women in YOUR life. Shout it out! Tell listeners everywhere about this amazing person. Honor her!

This prize is being donated by Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes.

PRIZE 5, FOUR WINNERS, FOUR TINS OF EMPOWERMINTS

Four of these tins of mints are being donated by the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. That means four lucky winners are going to win a tin of mints to carry around in their pockets and every time they look at the tin, they'll be empowered!

The tin is also the perfect size to serve as a pillbox once the mints are gone. This is something you can keep for a LONG time.

PRIZE 6, TWO WINNERS, CROSS STITCH WALL HANGINGS

Author and editor Tara Chevrestt has a secret addiction and hobby. It makes her feel like an old lady, so she keeps it under wraps, but now the truth is out...

She likes to cross stitch!!!

And with the suffragette tales (Sister Suffragettes by Dahlia DeWinters and Chevrestt's own From You No and Silent Suffragette) in the back of her mind, she found a pattern on Etsy by Patternbird and set to stitching.

Two lucky winners will walk away with these. They are 3.25" by 6" and have a hard backing so they may be placed on a wall.

PRIZE 7, ONE WINNER, FLAPPER-STYLE HAT

Donated from Rakestraw Book Design.

Toni Rakestraw, one of the HerStory contributors, is stitching this hat so one lucky reader can--in her mind--march in a suffragette parade as she reads HerStory. Or perhaps this is something Margaret Sanger would have worn as she leaves the workhouse in The Woman Rebel.

PRIZE 8, ONE WINNER, ONE PAINTING

You've heard the term multi-published and many of HerStory's authors can place that before their name, but how about multi-talented?

Author Morgan Summerfield can not only write as she shoes us in Adella, but she can paint too! She is kindly donating a painting 27" wide by 11" high, titled Morning Poppies. The frame is handmade with real wood and she stretches all her own canvases. It is hand-painted-by her!-in multi media.

And last, but certainly not least, we have a lovely Coco Chanel quote pendant donated by the lovely Jewelry Designs by Lula. One winner will win this delightful pendant that says A girl should be things: WHO and WHAT she wants.

I could not have said it better.

Enter for all prizes using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is for three weeks. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their snail mail addresses. After 48 hours, new winners will be chosen.

Thank you and enjoy HerStory! Be empowered! Learn something. Believe in yourself and womankind.

Buy links:

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remembrance Day - The Highway of Heroes

2012-11-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Highway of Heroes - A tribute to all our military loved ones

Here in Canada, when one of our beloved soldiers pays the ultimate sacrifice, he or she is carried from the airport to the military base along a stretch of highway from Trenton, Ontario to Toronto, Ontario. No matter the weather, even in sub zero storms, men, women, and children will line this route to pay tribute and pray for their fallen heroes on their way to their final resting place. The road has now been officially renamed as The Highway Of Heroes. May God Bless our Soldiers and their families for their sacrifice.

There is a heart-wrenching song that is being aired on radio stations across Canada about The Highway of Heroes. A band named The Trews has donated all royalties from this song to our veterans. The song is entitled "The Highway of Heroes" and can be downloaded on iTunes. Here is the music video version.

And let us not forget our courageous women

And here is one last tribute to our Australian colleagues

I LOVE COMMENTS

Orphan of the Olive Tree Book Launch!

2012-11-01T16:31:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased and excited to announce the official launch of Orphan of the Olive Tree: A Novel of 13th Century Tuscany.

A deeply evocative story of lies, secrets, and betrayal, Orphan of the Olive Tree is a family saga of two unforgettable women, an oath sworn in blood, a curse uttered in envy, and the dark secret that destroys their lives.

From two neighbouring villas in the heart of the Tuscan countryside to the elegance of Siena; from a world steeped in ancient superstitions to a culture where family honor is paramount comes this multi-layered novel of the lives, loves, secrets and strivings of two women and their families in the 13^th century.

Felicia Ventura is an unpretentious woman, alone in the world, who is happily married to Enrico. She dreams of a simple future raising a family, but her hopes are shattered because of a curse and the casting of the evil eye by her envious neighbor, a Sicilian beauty named Prudenza.

Prudenza is worldly and materialistic and her envy of Felicia knows no bounds. She casts the evil eye on her adversary. When Felicia gives birth to twin sons, Prudenza revives an ancient superstition and spreads a rumor that Felicia’s twins were fathered by different men. Soon, Prudenza gives birth to her own twins - daughters. Desperate to save face, Prudenza rids herself of one infant, keeping the child’s existence secret. But as the years go by, the truth has a way of making itself known. Soon Prudenza’s deception will lead to the unraveling of everything she values in life.

Orphan of the Olive Tree is an unforgettable novel about wicked intentions, superstition, undisclosed secrets, unstoppable destinies; and two generations of women and the extraordinary event that will vindicate or destroy them.

Orphan of the Olive Tree is available in Trade paperback and ebook formats at all all booksellers and libraries.

Cochrane Times Newspaper Article

2012-10-10T17:17:00.003-06:00

A big thank you to Sarah Junkin, journalist for the Cochrane Times. I am blessed and grateful that she has taken such an interest in my career! She is one of the finest writers I know.

The Contessa's Vendetta Book Launch

2012-10-02T18:29:00.002-06:00

Book Launch of Contessa's Vendetta - A Renaissance thriller!

I'm pleased to announce that The Contessa's Vendetta will be available as an ebook on October 3, 2012. The trade paperback version will follow shortly and should be ready for release sometime this month. Look for it on Kindle and other major ebook retailers!

To be buried alive is everyone’s worse nightmare.

A deadly plague is killing thousands in 17th century Vicenza Italy. Contessa Mancini struggles to protect her family and servants, but despite her precautions, she is the one who falls prey to the deadly illness. Her body is tossed into a coffin and swiftly buried in the underground, dank confines of her family’s vault.

But Contessa Mancini is not dead. No, she is very much alive. She awakens terrorized, trapped in dense darkness surrounded by the flimsy wood of the coffin they buried her in. Desperate, she claws and kicks until she escapes its stifling restraint, only to find herself trapped in the mausoleum with the decaying bodies of her ancestors. As she seeks to escape, she discovers a vast treasure of gold, silver, and gems secretly hidden in the vault by brigands, and the secret tunnel they used to hide it there.

Free at last, she returns home to her beloved husband, her best friend, and her darling daughter. But before she reveals herself to her loved ones, she learns of an endless series of lies, deceits, and betrayal. As she unravels the labyrinth of shocking treachery, her wrath breathes life to an overwhelming need for vengeance. Slowly, meticulously, she launches her diabolocial vendetta.

The Contessa’s Vendetta is a retelling of the classic novel, Vendetta by Marie Corelli. Inspired by this epic story, the author weaves her own captivating tale in a new setting, a new century, and with new plot twists while remaining faithful to the key story elements.

The Joy of Critique Groups

2012-09-27T10:25:00.001-06:00

The Value of a Critique Group

Writing is a solitary craft, but it doesn't have to be. One thing I've noticed in today's indie publishing world, is I can immediately tell authors who have worked in critique group first and those who haven't.

Those in critique groups produce excellent work. This includes everything from keeping to one point of view per chapter, excellent sentence structure, very few gerunds, and even a thorough synopsis. There are few story holes, plots are usually well developed, and they've brought to life their characters. Their work is usually so well polished with so few errors that it makes it much more difficult to place them on the rejection/slush pile. Their work always makes me stop and look real hard at their product. I notice!

On the other hand, I have encountered authors who haven't worked with critique groups and their work may be full of errors, both typos and technical writing errors. Even their synopsis' aren't as strong or as well developed as those in critique groups.

I run a highly successful on-line critique group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Historical-Fiction-Writers-Critique-Group/

A critique group is also highly beneficial for aspiring authors because they require you to critique the work of others. There is no better way to learn to self-edit and the art of writing than by critiquing and working one-on-one with other authors. You have the opportunity of receiving feedback on every chapter. It allows you a glimpse into what your readers will see and think when they read your work.

Yes, being part of critique group is more work because you must also equally critique those who critique you. But in the long run, I'd rather spend the time up front learning and improving than sending out submission after submission and receiving tons of rejections. Wouldn't you?

And in this world of indie authors, the work produced is better edited, more succinct, and much more polished. So today, I'm grateful to my fellow critique group partners for making me a better writer. Thanks for teaching and sharing your knowledge and expertise with me.

My dirty little secret

2012-09-22T16:09:00.002-06:00

I'm a chocoholic and this is my dirtly little secret, my delicious indulgence:

One of the best chocolate treats available in the world today is a product called Nutella. If you’ve never tasted it, then I urge you to drop whatever you are doing this instant and rush out to your local supermarket to purchase a jar. It’s that good! Oh, and while you’re at it, better buy two because one jar is never enough.

Mr. Pietro Ferrero, an Italian pastry maker and founder of the Ferrero company, invented this decadent treat. Even more incredible is the fact that he invented it in 1940’s while World War II ravaged Italy. Somehow he managed to acquire a limited supply of chocolate during food rationing. To extend his short supply, he mixed the chocolate with hazelnuts which grew in overabundant supply in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Ferrero produced the chocolate-hazelnut spread and baked it in a loaf of bread. He then wrapped the loaf in tinfoil and marketed it. He called the chocolate loaf “Pasta Gianduja” after a carnival character famous to the region. So mothers began purchasing the loaf for their children and served it to them slice by slice. Children being children, however, they discarded the bread and went straight for the chocolate.

Always one to recognize a golden opportunity, Mr. Ferrero dispensed with the bread and began to sell the chocolate paste in a jar. He renamed the product “Supercrema Gianduja”. The produce became a huge hit almost instantly. Italians discovered it to be an inexpensive way to enjoy a decadent treat. During the 1940’s and 1950’s a kilo of chocolate was 6 times the cost of one kilo of Supercrema Gianduja. It grew in popularity so fast, that Italian food stores started a service called “The Smearing”. Children could go to their local food store with a slice of bread for a free “smear” of the super cream. In the 1960’s the product was renamed to Nutella.

Its popularity has now spread to encompass the entire world. Many years ago, one could only find the product at Italian specialty stores as imports. Today, it is available in the peanut butter aisle in grocery stores across North America, and, it outsells all brands of peanut butter combined!

There are many companies who have tried to copy this chocolate hazelnut treat and I’ve even tried a few. However, they all pale in comparison to Nutella. So don’t waste your money. A jar of Nutella will cost you almost $5.00 in the store. And if you think that’s expensive – think again. It takes Ferrero three hours to produce one batch of Nutella. It is a highly refined, amazing process, making the shelf price a fair value for the quality and care it takes to make the product.

If you are able to read and understand Italian, you can visit Nutella’s home page at www.nutella.it where 1000’s of Nutella recipes are readily available. It’s a favourite bookmark of mine.

I’ve translated the Nutella Recipe of the month below for you. Enjoy!

After Sport Nutella Shake

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

1 banana

150 grams of Nutella

300 grams whole milk

50 grams heavy cream

Place milk, whipping cream, half of the banana, and Nutella in a blender. Blend for 2 minutes. Serve in tall glasses and decorate with the remaining portion of the banana.

Orphan of the Olive Tree

2012-02-13T09:48:00.002-07:00

Coming October 2012

A tumultuous family saga about two families torn apart
by dark secrets, a blood oath, and superstition

Orphan of the Olive Tree which is nearing completion, has been the most delightful story to write. Set in medieval Tuscany, it's about two women and their families. Family, lies, jealousy, true love, and a desire to chase one's own destiny are the main themes running through the story.

Look for it in October 2012.

The Blighted Troth in the top ten!

2011-12-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Christmas is a time that is full of surprises, and today I certainly received a wonderful and unexpected gift.

One of my favourite blogs is Unabridged Chick, a site owned by a fabulously enthusiastic lady named Audra who reads and reviews books at a voracious pace. I have bought many a book on her recommendation and have never been disappointed based on her honest opinions.

I subscribe via email to her blog and today as I was going through my email, I read her latest post. She posted her top ten favourite books for 2011 and I read her list eagerly. To my utter surprise, The Blighted Troth was on that list, ranked among authors like Stephen Kinga and Thomas Hardy and the other bestsellers Audra enjoyed reading last year.

I am so very honoured and proud to be on such a prestigious list. And thrilled too!

You can read the entire list and check out each book at:

http://unabridged-expression.blogspot.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011.html

Thank you Audra for the best Christmas present an author can receive.

Mirella

My Home Town - Cochrane Alberta Canada

2011-11-20T17:25:00.005-07:00

I live in the heart of ranching country here in Western Canada. More specifically, in the town of Cochrane, a small, "old west" town, (used to film "Legends of the Fall" and "Lonesome Dove"). The cowboy bronze statue in the picture above stands watch over the hills of the town on the original site of the Cochrane Ranch. I spent yesterday morning walking through the trails and footpaths and climbing to the top of the hill to see the statue. The large trees now golden with autumn made a most beautiful backdrop.

Below is a partial view from the statute. You can see the Canadian Rockies in the distance - an hour's drive to Banff.

And here's a look from behind the large cowboy statue where you can see the Rockies much clearer.

Senator Matthew Cochrane

In 1881, Senator Matthew Cochrane of Montreal came out west and leased and purchased a total of 334,500 acres. He then purchased thousands of head of cattle in Montana and drove them to these lands west of Calgary. The drive marked the start of the great range cattle industry in western Canada. The following picture is of calves on the Cochrane Ranch in the late 1800's.

In those days, the Cochrane Ranch was approximately 45 Kilometres long and between 9 and 13 kilometers wide.

It was an elaborate ranch. Here is a picture of the winter shelter for the cattle during 1892.

The original ranch had a stone bungalow, which included a milk room, office, three bedrooms, library, dining room, a wine room, pantry, indoor bathroom, kitchen and living room, with three sides of the structure surrounded by a veranda. A windmill at back of the house pumped water through the gravity system into the kitchen and luxurious bathroom. The house was the first of its type in Western Canada.

Today, the ranch is a historic site and tourist attraction in the town of Cochrane. I love to walk its paths this time of year, with all the colorful autumn leaves and babbling brooks. With the Canadian Rockies always on the horizon, Cochrane truly is a wonderful place to live and explore the West.

The Isolation of Writing

2011-11-19T15:32:00.002-07:00

The art of writing, by its nature, is isolating. Writers must concentrate on the written word and need quiet as much as possible. So authors often find themselves closed off in a room somewhere in their house where as little noise as possible can reach them.

And although it is best to write in quiet, it is not helpful to be isolated and not in contact with other writers. Why? For many reasons.

First, unless an author receives good feedback from those who know the art well, they may miss out on actual hands on learning. But that's what editors are for, many say. Yes, that's true, but in order to get to an editor, their work must be good enough to make it past the gatekeepers - agents. So unless you learn best from a book or from seminars, you should be working with other authors or a good critique group.

Second, the publishing industry is extremely complex and difficult to break into. When we network with other authors through groups, forums, or simply by Skype, we share a ton of information and we learn ways we can get our work noticed.

Third, contacts and friendships within the writing industry are important. Sometimes, it may be only to run a concept by someone or ask for a solution to a plot stumbling block. Because even though we are isolated in our work, the problems we face are not unique and our colleagues have experienced similar. They can provide a helping hand or sound advice which may just turn into the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.

I have a close circle of author friends who I am not only extremely fond of, but who have been of great help to me and my writing. Don't be afraid to reach out to other authors - I have always found a helping hand among them.

The Passion of Writing

2011-11-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Who can ever forget Scarlett O'Hara's intense passion for Tara in Gone With the Wind? So how do I as a writer capture that passion in my own writing? Not so easy.

Because of my Italian blood, I am quite passionate and animated by nature. I am always drawn by books with passionate story lines. Writing about passion or writing with passion is not so easy however.

Passion can be defined as: A very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. Or a lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity or love.

Here is some of the body language of a person passionate about something.

Facial muscles tense
Facial agitation
Rapid eye movement
Tight neck muscles
Clenching jaw
Sudden furrowed brow
Increase in breathing
Shallow breathing
Stomach muscles tighten and torso becomes rigid prior to outburst
Tension in hands, arms, legs, shoulder, and face
Impatience
Tapping
Clenching hands
Tension in shoulder prior to punch

I am currently finishing off my latest novel, Orphan of the Olive Tree. Now that I have the novel written in first draft, it's time to rewrite it with passion, emotion, and more conflict. For the next few months, I'll be examining each character in depth and making sure each of them has a passion and shows passion in some way.

Passion is definitely a goal I am aspiring to in all my novels.

Book Obsessed

2011-11-06T15:07:00.004-07:00

My stack of books to read and review keeps growing every larger. Of course it's not as bad as the picture on the right - yet, but if I add my two book shelves loaded with books to read, the 200 or so books on my ereaders, and the 16 + counting novels I have to review, I'd say I'm pretty close.

What is driving my obsession? Why can't I seem to aquire enough books? I suppose the answer is because I'm obsessed with the written word. Everytime I open a book a small thrill runs down my spine, for I know Iwill soon discover some new world or a fascinating character. A book allows me to travel the world and meet new people every day.

What is truly feeding my obsession however is the ease with which I can now purchase an ebook. It literally takes me no more than one second to have a new novel added to my Kindle. To tempt me even more, many of today's top name authors are self-publishing their earlier releases at terrifically affordable prices. Most of the books on my Kindle have been purchased at no cost or for less than $3 or in rare cases, for less than $10. For Canadians like me, that beats current book prices that now average about $16 to $20 or more for hardcopy releases. Unaffordable for the kind of reading pace I keep.

Yeah, I've heard people say that they still prefer the feel of a real book in their hands. But I believe it's only they haven't made the jump to ebooks fully. Slowly, society is changing, and the newer generations are being raised with electronics and computers at their fingertips.

Ebooks are booming. So for now, I love my ereaders and I love feeding my obsession. Now if only I can learn to read a little faster.

I LOVE COMMENTS

Where To Buy

2008-09-20T18:55:00.003-06:00

This page is currently under construction and more detailed links will be forthcoming.

All novels can be found on Amazon.

About Me

2008-09-19T23:10:00.008-06:00

A true blue Taurean in every way, I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but grew up in Calgary, a city famous for the Calgary Stampede, oil companies, and the wild west.

Although an avid reader of historical fiction, I never aspired to be an author. But when I discovered the rich World War II history of my mother’s family (the Moro River Campaign was fought on my grandfather's vineyards - (still in our family's possession today) I decided to write about it one day. And that day is yet to come. Soon, I hope.

I am a first generation Italian Canadian who likes a clean house but hates housework, detests winter, and is a mild claustraphobic. I love books, cooking, writing, and a good helping of my tira-mi-su.

My first short story, The Holy Lance, won honourable mention in a writing contest and was included in the Canadian anthology, Tall Tales and Short Stories by Tall Tales Press.

My second short story, Down Three Steps, was featured in the Canadian best selling anthology, Mamma Mia: Good Italian Girls Talk Back.

I am currently working on a novel of the life of Mathilde of Ringleheim, The First Queen of Germany. Meticulously researched and filled with memorable characters, it is the fictionalized biography of one of the most fascinating and influential women of the 10th century.

I am near completion of a medieval tale of romance entitled Orphan of the Olive Tree.

My Books

2008-09-18T23:25:00.019-06:00

Click here to purchase Kindle version

In the year 1702 in New France, Emilie, a virtuous young woman is betrothed to Robert, the town's handsome miller. On the eve of her wedding, when Emilie spurns the attention of the town's wealthy seigneur, it sets off a catastrophic chain of events that turns her life, and that of her betrothed, into a desperate flight for their lives, sending them straight into the arms of peril.

Seigneur Richard Tonnacour, the town's black-hearted and corrupt overlord, will stop at nothing to claim Emilie for himself. When his abduction attempt of Emilie goes awry, she and Robert are forced to flee their homes. Forcefully separated, the lovers each encounter new troubles including famine, a Quebec bread riot, a death sentence, and the small pox epidemic of 1703. Embroiled in a fateful chase, Emilie learns that not even the devious madness of her adversaries can destroy her love for Robert. Amid heartache and tragedy, Emilie and Robert struggle to overcome adversity until a turn of events reveals Robert's true identity. As destiny draws them back together, they learn the lessons of love, forgiveness, and family.

The Blighted Troth is a compelling story of love and treachery, faith and loss, forgiveness and triumph, of a woman, who with extraordinary determination, labours to make her own way in life and love. With poignancy and meticulous research, the colour, detail, and excitement of the turbulent world of 18th century New France comes to life.

Available on Amazon

A lost ancient treasure. A 100 year family feud. A woman who must choose between two men: one bound by a dying wish, the other bound by desperation. And a passion richer than the bloodstone pendant she wears around her neck.

In medieval Italy, as spirited and stalwart as any man, the brazen Countess Morena is betrothed to the impoverished, black-hearted Count Ernesto; a man desperate to escape his mounting gambling debts by marrying her and laying claim to the ancient treasure secreted somewhere in the underbelly of her castle. Morena meets her match when Amoro, the handsome and brash heir to the Duchy of Genoa, swears an oath upon his father’s grave to claim her as his bride and end the feud between their families. Soon, Amoro’s virile charm awakens the passion in her steadfast heart. But a treacherous plot ensnares them; Ernesto abducts Morena and renders Amoro helpless. Embroiled in a life-and-death chase, Morena learns that not even the devious madness of her captor can destroy her love for Amoro as their hearts unite and their destinies become one.

Excerpts

2008-09-17T23:27:00.009-06:00

THE PENDANT

Morena stepped into the cell. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark, but then she saw him. Her heart lurched with alarm. Amoro lay on his back in blood and filth curled upon the straw with a ragged cloth around him, chained to the wall like a wild animal. He shivered like a rousing cat and babbled something indistinguishable as he held up his arm to shield his face.

His face, half-turned into the shallow light that filtered into the room from the tiny barred window, was a mask of filth and bruises. One eye was swollen shut above a bruised and swollen cheek. He cradled his arms to himself in an effort to keep warm. His good eye widened in surprise at the sight of her. He blinked as if in disbelief, as if she were too bright, like some sudden, sharp burst of sunlight.

THE BLIGHTED TROTH

CHAPTER ONEPointe-du-LacNew France May 3, 1702

Even before Emilie Basseaux heard the trot of horses behind her, she sensed their presence. She looked back and noticed two men approach on horseback. Mon Dieu, non, not again.

Her heart raced. She had allowed her thoughts to wander to her approaching nuptials to her beloved, Robert Lanzille, the miller of Pointe-du-Lac, whom she would marry in three days. Foolishly lost in her daydreams, enjoying the pleasant walk down the shady lane lined with towering maple trees, she had lagged behind her friends. She hastened her step, but before she could catch up to them, the two men slowed their horses to a walk beside her. She looked up from beneath the brim of her straw bonnet.

Seigneur Richard, the youthful seigneur of Pointe-du-Lac gazed down at her from the lofty perch of his well-muscled black gelding...

In Progress

2008-09-16T23:29:00.011-06:00

THE PROPHETIC QUEEN

Mathilde of Ringelheim

Blessed with the gift of prophecy through dreams, Mechthild of Ringelheim knows she is destined to rise to great heights. When she marries Heinrich Liudolfing she enters the dazzling, and sometimes treacherous world of the German court. The turbulent clashes and personal destinies of the people caught in this medieval tale are magnificently interwoven in this sweeping novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies.

ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY

A Biographical Historical about Empress Adelaide of the Holy Roman Empire

ORPHAN OF THE OLIVE TREE

In Medieval Italy, scandal and slander rip apart two families. Dark secrets, long buried, threaten to destroy life-long friendships. Twin daughters are separated at birth. One will live a life of privilege. The other is abandoned in an olive tree to live a life of humility in a monastery. Fate intervenes and the truth will be exposed. story of a destiny that demands to be discovered!

Press

2008-09-15T23:31:00.009-06:00

Night Owl Romance

Mirella spins a well-woven tale; there is enough action and conflict to keep this reader on her toes without sacrificing any of the tender courtship..."

Romance Reader at Heart

...full of daring deeds, dastardly behavior and drugging kisses. Patzer gives us brilliant descriptions of jewelry, clothing and feasts that will have your senses swimming. All her characters are bigger than life...

The Road to Romance

Mirella Patzer’s writing is fast passed and although some of the customs and practices she highlights are quite unfair to women, they are historically accurate. The myth of the bloodstone is exciting to read about as well. But what pushes this book into the rarified realm of a great story is its characters. Morena’s fiery strength, Amoro’s steadfast faithfulness, and the twists in the plot that highlight these aspects of their characters...

A Romance Review

Ms. Patzer has written a fast paced historical intrigue about matters of the heart and overcoming the outside forces to prove once and for all that love truly does conquer all...a good read for lovers of both historical romance and romantic suspense novels.

Romance Reviews Today

...an adrenaline pumping, often dark, gritty, skin-scraping story. Mirella Patzer takes a time in history and brings it alive with descriptions of pain, grief, and bleak hope...

Historical Romance Club

While the love story between Amore and Morena is chaste it is told with tenderness and love. The historical elements that are brought out make the reader feel as if they are standing next to this couple and absorbing the pieces of their lives. Both of these characters reflect the way they were raised and the times they are living through. Both peace and violence are given in equal doses. While some scenes may be gorier than readers are used to in a romance story, they are crucial to the storyline and the development of the characters both primary and secondary.

Anita Davison, Historical Fiction Author

No sweet love story this...an uncompromising tale of love, murder and betrayal, where the lives of the main characters are taken through a devastating chain of ordeals. If you like your heroes bloody but unbowed, Mirella Patzer's novel will be exactly the kind of historical story you will love. Its characters will provide you with a roller coaster read with its array of twists and turns which plunge to the depths of ruthlessness and a love which refuses to die.

Ron Adams, Author

If you like your heroes roguish and true, your heroines brazen and beautiful, and your villains heinous and evil, Mirella Patzer's novel is just what you’ve been waiting for. Whether you are a newcomer to the genre, as I am, or an established fan of historical fiction, I would whole-heartedly recommend this book. I would encourage anyone to take refuge in it...

Rosalie Skinner, Historical Fiction Author, Australia

Amid a tempestuous romance, betrayal, murder, rape and torture, Mirella Patzer weaves a tale filled with intrigue, passion and power. Her characters search their souls for an answer to the predicament they find themselves in. Despite devotion, love and ultimate sacrifice will Destiny bring them together or will Ernesto's original betrothal keep them apart? ...explores the depth of passions and how they dictate behaviour. Passion, love and lust all play a part as this tale unfolds.

Margaret Tanner, Historical Fiction Author, Australia

This story has everything the reader of an historical romance craves, love, beauty, hidden treasure, castles, evil and betrayal. If you don't read this powerful and emotive story, you will have missed something special

Lisa Yarde, Historical Fiction Author

In a haze of blood and death, Morena Monterossa, daughter of the Count of Portovenere, enters the world. As her mother Vittoria's lifeblood ebbs, she wills her daughter a precious keepsake; a bloodstone pendant passed from mother to daughter. The pendant is the key to an ancient Roman treasure, buried somewhere in the count's castle. So begins Mirella Patzer's recent release...

My Blogs

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Historical Novel Review

History and Women

Recipes Most Wanted

Favourite Links

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BLOGS OF AUTHORS OF HISTORICAL FICTION

Anita Davison

Anita Davison - The Disorganised Author

Anne Whitfield

Brandy Purdy

Christopher Gortner

Elizabeth Chadwick

Elizabeth Chadwick - Living The History Federico G. Martini
Gemini Sasson - My Dog Ate My Manuscript

Gemini Sasson Website

Jeanne Kalogridis - History is a Bitch

Kimberly Eve

Leslie Dicken

Saint Joan of Arc

Lisa Yarde

Lisa Yarde - The Brooklyn Scribbler

Margaret Tanner

Marina Fiorato

Michelle Moran - History Buff

Ronald W. Adams

Rosemary Morris

Sandra Gulland

Susan Higginbotham - Reading Raving and Ranting by a Historical Fiction Writer

Tristi Pinkston

Wendy Laharnar

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Book Mooch

CLEWS

Historical Novel Review

Historically Obsessed

Historical Novels

Historical Romance Club

Historical Saga Novels

Luckee Reviews

Muse-In-The-Fog

Reading The Past

Risky Regencies

17th Century Research

Unusual Historicals

Word Wenches

Yesterday Revisited

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BLOGS ABOUT HISTORY

Antiquarian's Attic

Castles For Sale

Curious Expeditions

Damn Interesting

Dr. Fong's House of Mystery

Dust Bowl Stories

Doubletake

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Echoes of History

Executed Today

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Historical Boys

Historical Tapestry

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2 Baci

Amore Senza Confini

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Recipes Most Wanted

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That's Arte

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Under An Olive Tree

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Blogamama

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History and Women

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BLOGS ABOUT WRITING

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Historical Fiction Writer's Critique Group

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Seventh Sanctum

You Write On

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Writing the Renaissance

Contact

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I am always happy to hear from my readers.

Please contact me at: mirellapatzeratyahoodotca

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2006-02-06T12:35:00.001-07:00