Yep, you read that right. We’re talking Christmas… In August. Why, you ask? Well, why not? After all, Daisy Banks has a brand new book out, and it’s called Christmas Carols! It’s also super sweet, with a blind hero, and who isn’t a sucker for a hot, not-quite-perfect hero?? Curious? Read on…
Thank you, Tami, for your kind offer to help me celebrate the release of my new book Christmas Carols, published by Liquid Silver Books on the 10th of August.
I know r
eaders might think it a little odd to be thinking about Christmas in August but in Victorian England, where my story is set, people were used to starting their Christmas preparations early. One of the things often made was decorations for candles. These were made from oddments of bright seasonal ribbons, twine, dried herbs and flowers and closer to the date fresh green holly and ivy. When wrapped at the base of large church candles the effect is always pretty. Obviously if you wish to dry herbs and flowers for the Christmas season you must begin earlier in the year by cutting your herbs and flowers and hanging them in an airy dry place to dry out. They should be stored once totally dry in a place where they won’t gather a lot of dust.
Dried gypsophil (also known as baby’s breath,) one or two dried red roses, or perhaps some dried lavender, all wrapped with twine into a bundle and attached with a bright red or green ribbon makes a fragrant addition to a candle. Obviously with such decorations never leave your candles alone when lit, but do enjoy the sight and smell of them.
Excerpt
Alice hurried across the nave and rushed up the steps to the organ where Stephen sat. “Your poor head! What happened? Did you fall?”
He rose and gave her a small nod of greeting. “Good morning. Alice. Yes, I fell, but I did it at home and knocked myself out. I gave David quite a fright.”
She had to stop herself reaching out to touch him, and in the moment she held her hand back from caressing his bandaged head, an understanding came of all that had swept her away in the brief time since she had met him. “Stephen, should you be here and not in your bed?” Her voice quivered in the chilly air.
“I am well enough. I came round from the blow as soon as David applied an iced compress he’d made using the snow. There is no serious damage done, just a small gash. I’ve had worse.”
“Are you going to rehearse today?”
“I have played a little but I don’t think I will do much more today. It is very cold in here this morning and my fingers are almost numb. In truth I’ve merely been passing the time until you arrived.”
A flash of warmth heated her cheeks. “It’s kind of you to say so.”
“I had begun to wonder if I should climb the hill with Blue, so perhaps we could meet you. I’m sure you had a perilous journey here.”
“I slipped once, and unlike your head, where I landed there was no harm done at all.”
He smiled. “So, Alice, shall we totter down the street to the tea shop and hope Mrs. Brown can warm us with a pot of her best brew?”
“I’d like that, Stephen.”
“Good, and I have something I wish to ask you, if I may.”
She stepped with him and Blue down the arc of stairs to the church floor. “Of course, Stephen. I can tell you about my thoughts on the designs for the holly and ivy decorations, too.”
“Excellent.”
“I’ll just get my muff and scarf.” She hurried across to get them and wrapped her scarf back in place. Once she’d returned to his side, she set her arm through his and together with Blue, who looked none the worse for his cold journey last night, they walked out and down the snowy path toward the gate.
Blurb
Stephen Grafton, the blind organist at Holy Trinity Church, is gaining a reputation for his fine playing and compositions. Alice Broadbrace’s initial venture back into society after years in deep mourning brings her to the notice of the talented organist, and he offers her the opportunity to sing a solo carol to his accompaniment. His courage convinces her to find her own, while her charm entices him into thoughts of romance. A difficult walk in a snow storm is only the beginning of Stephen and Alice’s journey to happiness. Enjoy this sweet Victorian tale of talent and love blossoming.
Thanks for reading,
Daisy Banks
Find Daisy Banks here:
Blog http://daisybanks.wordpress.com/
Website http://daisybanksnovels.yolasite.com/
Twitter @DaisyBanks16
Facebook http://on.fb.me/18iRC35
Pinterest http://bit.ly/16sF1XG
Tsu http://www.tsu.co/DaisyBanks
Amazon http://amazon.com/author/daisybanks
Buy Links
Amazon
http://amazon.com/author/daisybanks
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1NWh8gi
iTunes
Kobo
Daisy Banks is the author of:
Soon to be available with Liquid Silver Books Serving the Serpent
Christmas Carols
Marked for Magic
To Eternity
A Perfect Match
Timeless
Valentine Wishes
A Gentleman’s Folly
Your Heart My Soul
Fiona’s Wish
A Matter of Some Scandal
Daisy’s books are available here
Amazon http://amazon.com/author/daisybanks
Daisy Banks writes a regular monthly story in the Sexy to Go compilations.
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Did you enjoy learning a little about Daisy Banks and her books? You should join my Facebook group – Come Wine With Tami Lund. Once a month, I’ll feature a get-together with an author. You get to ask questions, have conversations, get to know him or her. That simple. Just don’t forget the wine!
