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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Christmas traditions......

This is the closest I can come to a bayberry candle, which is my family tradition at Christmas. I've written about this before, but am going to repeat myself since I never fail to burn one, although bayberry candles are hard for a gal in southern California to find. I ordered them this year from a candle maker in Cape Cod, since I've converted some of my friends and they want to be supplied with their own candle too.  My true bayberry candles are an unusual shade of green, with a little tint of yellow added to the green.
The traditional saying is: "A bayberry candle, burned to the socket, bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket"
Now who can resist a candle like that? Another saying is it lights the way of the Christ child to your home.
 
I'm hoping you can resist my Xmas release either. Unexpected Christmas is just released and tell the story of a Lord Sebastian, who must find a way to solve a most unusual problem
if he wants to claim his love. The problem could have been true in Regency
times. And no, you gotta read it yourself to find out what it is. It's erotic, and
just out from Ellora's Cave.
 
"Why did this one girl have such power over him? Surely it was only because there was no other distractions when they were so isolated.
He smiled a devilish grin.
“Did we set a forfeit for the loser? No, we did not. I therefore claim my winner’s prize.”
There in the snow he took her in his arms and kissed her with the passion that had been building for the last two days. Ever since she’s raised those glorious eyes. Great coats, capes, snow coating both their faces, nothing could dim his kiss and her passionate response.
When he could breathe again he did not release his hold on her.
“Caro, do you know where this is going? Do you even begin to know how much I want you?”
She was silent even as she snuggled as close to him as she could get.
“Yes, I think I do. It’s not nearly as much as I want you. But if I surrender we both know what that means. I’m not worthy of your notice in the ton where you shine. And I’m not really cut out to be a mistress. I need to think.”
“Ah, Caro. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted another woman.”
She moved away from him.
“I’m not sure that’s enough, Sebastian. Maybe for you. But maybe not for me.”
She struggled through the snowdrifts to the door of that disreputable inn, and then disappeared.
He stared after her. He’d told the truth when he said he wanted her more than he’d ever wanted another woman. That was clear even to his muddled head. But how to claim her without violating her considerable pride he did not know. And if he destroyed her shining integrity would he still desire her?
Even more important, would she still value herself?
Her frank response had amazed him.
He couldn’t see his desire fading, even though his history told him otherwise. He had a distinct impression his passion for Caro was of a different dimension.
But how did a simple man know?
He went back to bringing in the last of the logs and banking the fire in the kitchen stove to make it last as long as possible. With the eggs gone, they could go back to using the main fireplace. At least that provided a modicum of heat to the bedrooms above. At the thought of the coming night, he almost felt despair. He did not dare get in bed with her again. He’d be on top of her in a minute, parting those luscious legs and making her his.
He couldn’t do that to Caro.
He’d sleep on the floor and hope they were rescued before another night. They’d better be.
 
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to one and all !!!!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your family tradition of the bayberry candle, Jean. It's a lovely one, and I shall be on the lookout to experience the aromatherapy of it. Your story looks intriguing~I wish you lots of sales!

Nicole Morgan said...

Beautiful post, Jean. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your family and tradition with us all. :)

Sandy said...

Jean, I've heard of the bayberry candle before, and it's a lovely tradition.

Your story sounds lovely and the hero has integrity.

Tina Donahue said...

Beautiful cover, Jean - congrats on your newest release. :)

Molly Daniels said...

I don't think I've ever burned or even smelled a bayberry candle; maybe we need to try one this year? And awesome excerpt!

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Molly,, a true bayberry candle has no scent, except a little waxy scent. If it has a scent that's been added. Do try one though...

jean hart stewart said...

And thanks to everyone for the congratulations on my new release. I found a most unusual custom of that time and based some of the story on it. Amazing what you learn when you're a writer.

Paris said...

I've always loved the scent of bayberry candles! For some reason, the holiday season has always been a perfect setting for a Regency and this one sounds perfect. Wishing you many sales and a lovely holiday season:)

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks, Paris. My candle is already to be burned on Xmas eve. Have done this for more years than I'm about to admit to!!!!

Melissa Keir said...

Love the cover and excerpt. I haven't heard about bayberry candles as a holiday tradition. I bet it smells wonderful at your house.

Happy Holidays!

jean hart stewart said...

Thanks again to all who commented. Have a blessed holiday season.

Rose Anderson said...

Lovely post Jean. It just reminded me of the three large chunks of bayberry wax I've yet to do something with. I think I'll make a candle! Thanks for sharing.

Cara Marsi said...

Jean, I remember this from last year. I bought a bayberry candle then and followed your instructions. Haven't gotten the wealth, far from it, but my family's healthy so that's better than money.

Your new book sounds great. Congratulations.

jean hart stewart said...

Rose, let me know how the candle turns out. How do you make one from scratch. I'm intrigued. And
Cara, there nothing better than healthy, as you say. Burn another candle this year!!!

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