Mounting his stallion, Wulf Ironfist smiled at his wife, and Cailin smiled back at him. With his love to sustain her, she thought, she could face any obstacle and overcome it. “I love you,” she said softly, and was thrilled when he responded, “I love you, too, lambkin.” Together they rode away from the bleak past and into a shining tomorrow.
Author’s Note
The Celtic tribes of Britain faded into history as they intermingled their blood with that of the newcomers. Only in Cornwall and Wales could any strong evidence of them be found again in Britain.
The Saxons, the Jutes and the Angles poured into Britain in increasing numbers seeking land and a decent future for their peoples. For the next six centuries their combined cultures spawned kingdoms with names like Northumbria (which combined Bernicia and Deira), East Anglia, Mercia, Kent, Essex, Sussex, and Wessex. Kings with names like Albert, Ethelred, Edward, Aethelswith, and Edwin ruled. Britain became England, the land of the Angles.
Then in 1066 the Normans arrived to take England by conquest. Once more another culture combined, and mingled itself and the blood of its people with that of those who had come before them. This is the way of the world even today. Nothing remains the same … ever.
I hope you have enjoyed To Love Again. Next year Ballantine and I will bring you Love, Remember Me, the story of Nyssa Wyndham, the daughter of Blaze, and her many adventures in the court of Henry VIII; and two of his queens, the clever and witty Anne of Cleves, and the charming, but foolish, Catherine Howard. Until then I wish you much Good Reading!
Bertrice W. Small
Southold, NY, and, soon, Tryon, NC
THE DUCHESS
Allegra Morgan is the daughter of the richest man in England and attracts a number of fortune hunters willing to overlook her flawed pedigree to gain her family’s enormous wealth. The arrogant and impoverished duke of Sedgwick, Quinton Hunter, is her most ardent suitor who has little to offer a prospective wife except his grand title. Allegra agrees to marry the duke with one condition—her husband must never ask for her love. She has seen the misery love can cause and has vowed to give her heart to no man.
Quinton is dazzled by his new wife’s grace and fortitude, as well as the fierce desire that rages between them. Then the terrors of the French Revolution hit close to home and the two of them set off on a treacherous adventure that could cost them everything … including their final chance at happiness.
Published by Ballantine Books
Available in bookstores everywhere.
THE INNOCENT
Eleanore of Ashlin promises her life to God until her brother’s unexpected death. Eleanore inherits his estate that is vital to England’s defenses, and now she is ordered by royal command to wed one of the king’s knights rather than taking her final vows as a nun. Obedient to the king’s command, Eleanor marries Ranulf de Glandeville who is unaware of her resistant heart.
Yet Sir Glandeville’s patience, gentle hand and growing love for his spirited young wife soon awaken Eleanore’s passions—but their love will be threatened by a depraved woman who will put Eleanore’s life in jeopardy and the young bride’s love to its greatest test.
“Another jewel in Bertrice Small’s literary crown.”
—Rendezvous
Published by Ballantine Books.
Available at bookstores everywhere.
BETRAYED
The undisputed queen of sensual romance, Bertrice Small, brings history to life through indomitable women who live with wit, intelligence, and courage and who love with fierce delight. Now she sweeps us into a time and place of fiery power struggles, where one woman holds the key to a country’s future and to her own consuming passion.
“A lush tale … brimming with history,
sensuality, and fascinating characters.”
—Romantic Times
Published by Ballantine Books.
Available at bookstores everywhere.