Highlighting Historical Romance: Luanna Stewart
Thank you, Caroline, for inviting me to visit with your readers.
The Enchanted Keepsakes collection of novels revolves around a central legend – that of a witch doomed to roam through time and space, her one goal being to grant wishes. When I began working on the idea for my story, all I knew was that it would be a Victorian romance set in Cornwall, England. I could have used a wishing well as the means for my heroine to make her wish. Or I could have invented something similar to a Blarney Stone. But first I researched the folklore of the area to see if there was something ready made.
The cloutie tree is a special tree, often located in a mystical place, to which you tie a strip of fabric printed with your wish. Or you can say out loud your wish as you tie a length of ribbon, yarn, or string to the tree. There is such a tree in a place called Madron Well in Cornwall that is covered in ribbons and scraps. Madron Well has long been known for its healing powers. The sick and infirm would come to the well, enter the water three times, walk around the well three times, then tie a strip of their clothing to a nearby tree. It was believed that as the cloth deteriorated, so too would their illness fade.
As far as wishing for true love, a young lady would craft a doll of straw, place it on the surface of the water, and the number of bubbles that appeared would equal the years she had to wait for her husband.
I combined these two rituals into one for my story. On a day trip, my heroine and her maid picnic at Madron Well. My heroine writes her wish for her heart’s desire onto a handkerchief and ties it to the branch of a tree. Some months later, events suggest her wish is about to come true.
A Giveaway
Do you believe in wishes? Has one of your wishes come true?
One commenter will receive a hand-knitted (by me) washcloth and a bar of handcrafted soap. (USA and Canada only.)
About the Book: If Wishes Were Earls
When a mysterious note directs Miss Miranda Large to a tiny village in Cornwall to find her heart’s desire, she has no choice but to go. An enchanted keepsake heightens her curiosity. A snowstorm forces her to accept the hospitality of a sullen, albeit sexy and handsome, earl and Miranda’s wish doesn’t seem so out of reach.
Edward Penhallion, the 12th Earl of Claverlock, is not in the mood to start his search for a new wife. He wants to be left alone with his books and his dreams of revenge. But the arrival of a headstrong, sharp-tongued spinster forces him to play the charming host. Not a difficult task, given her intelligence and beauty. Suddenly, he’s not terribly eager for her to leave.
But as the snow falls and the winds blow, Edward discovers there’s more to Miranda than a lively wit and a lovely face. And Miranda wonders if the trappings of wealth are enough for true happiness.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0QJSHA/
Nook: http://bit.ly/2ifWvXO
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/if-wishes-were-earls-2
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/if-wishes-were-earls/id1184695145?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
All other retailers: https://www.draft2digital.com/book/209375
About the Author
Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother’s stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna now lives in Maine with her dear husband, two college boys, and two cats. When she’s not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious.
Writing under the pen name Grace Hood, she has two novellas published with The Wild Rose Press.
Website: http://www.luannastewart.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luanna.Stewart.nau
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luannastewart/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14104212.Luanna_Stewart
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/luanna_stewart
Good morning! Thanks again, Caroline, for letting me hang out on your blog today.
I wish they came true. I have a very important one right now, that I wish would come true and have been wishing for over a month and so far it hasn’t come true. It isn’t for me personally, but would affect me if it came true. So I keep hoping that wishes do come true.
Hi Vicki, thank you for stopping by. I certainly hope your wish comes true!