Glynnis Campbell—Author of Historical Romance & High Adventure
May 2, 2023 by Jann Ryan in category Jann says . . . tagged as Glynnis Campbell, historical romance, Laird of Steel, new release
Glynnis Campbell is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling “medieval action-adventure romances,” mostly set in Scotland, with over two dozen books published in six languages. She loves to play medieval matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!
Today we have the marvelous historical author Glynnis Campbell. We are going to chat about her latest medieval Scottish action-packed romance. Her stories will definitely keep you up all night!!
Jann: When you started your career, did you choose to write historical romance fiction or did the l genre choose you?
Glynnis: My interest in all things medieval started when I was a little girl, listening to my dad’s swashbuckling tales of King Arthur and Robin Hood. When I read my first historical romance, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss, I was drawn once again into the world of knights and castles and noble deeds. So I think it was a mutual attraction!
Jann: Tell us about your writing career? When it all began and why historical fiction.
Glynnis: I started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. My first works were poems, and I created a sort of medieval graphic novel when I was 12. At 16, after reading my first historical romance, I dabbled with writing my own, which eventually grew into a trilogy, The Knights of de Ware. I didn’t really think about publishing them until much later, and I sold them when I was 40.
Jann: Historical readers look for accuracy from the author. Do you have to research as much now as you did in the beginning of your career for each book?
Glynnis: I spent years doing research about medieval life, so by the time I started writing seriously, I had an easy job of world-building. I still do a lot of research on particular topics, because I like to change up characters’ professions and pastimes, and it keeps the writing fresh for me. But since I’m currently writing series books with spinoffs, the world is consistent and requires less time on research.
Jann: Your new trilogy, The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch, makes its debut on May 2nd with book one—The Laird of Steel. How exciting. What inspired you to write this new trilogy?
Glynnis: My most popular trilogy is The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch. Even though I’ve branched out into other time periods and settings, Rivenloch remains a favorite for both me and my readers. I’ve already written a trilogy of The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch, and in Book 3, Bride of Mist, we meet young Gellir and Merraid, who have become the hero and heroine of Laird of Steel, Book 1 of The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch trilogy.
Jann: Your books are filled with action and romance, bold heroes and daring heroines. What adventures and conflicts do your main characters, “Grim Gellir” Cameliard of Rivenloch and Merraid of Darragh have to face? Would you share with us what their journey is about?
Glynnis: As the son of a laird and possibly the greatest warrior in all Scotland, “Grim Gellir” Cameliard of Rivenloch lives for chivalry and assumes his wife will be chosen for him by the king. But when the king becomes friendly with the enemy, threatening to wed Gellir to a Sassenach, his loyalty is challenged. Can he find a Scottish bride before the king seals his fate?
Maidservant Merraid of Darragh has loved Gellir since she was a girl and has molded herself into the kind of warrior lass she thinks he wants in a wife. When she’s old enough to realize he could never wed a commoner, she gives up that dream. But she can’t bear to think of him in a loveless marriage, so she offers her services as his matchmaker. Of course, no one adores and respects Gellir as much as Merraid does, which leads them into a forbidden friends-to-lovers romance.
Their hidden passions eventually entangle them in a perilous royal conflict involving a runaway bride, a handcuffed bridegroom, a false confession, a clever disguise, a secret pregnancy, a road trip to Perth, and a sword fight in a real Highland uprising against the crown. When they have everything to lose, how will they choose between duty and desire?
Jann: Which character has the bigger arc? Why?
Glynnis: Merraid changes the most during the story. She begins as a humble maidservant with a crush on the heroic Gellir. Motivated by that affection, she trains to become like the other women in his clan—empowered, educated, and self-sufficient. After she realizes Gellir is out of her reach, she knows she must temper her love. In the end, it’s her growth as a fearless and loyal friend that turns her into a deserving heroine.
Jann: I see that Laird of Flint and Laird of Smoke are on the horizon. Can you give us a sneak peek? Is it possible that you might expand with additional books about The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch?
Glynnis: I’ve already made a pretty big family tree, so there are more trilogies to come! Laird of Flint continues the thread of a story begun in Laird of Steel and follows the adventures of Gellir’s cousin, Hew du Lac. The hero of Laird of Smoke, Adam la Nuit, is another Rivenloch cousin who makes an appearance in Laird of Steel.
Jann: What do you want readers to come away with after reading your books?
Glynnis: I’d love for readers to feel they’ve been swept away in a romantic adventure, happily exhausted, yet eager for the next one to begin. I hope they feel like part of the Rivenloch clan!
Jann: Do you find yourself returning to certain themes in your stories? What? Why?
Glynnis: I think my favorite theme is something along the lines of “don’t judge a book by its cover” + “all men are created equal.” I like characters who are stronger/funnier/smarter than they look, and it’s especially enjoyable when they’re female. I also like to shine a light on the idea that even in a time period of stratified social status, a maidservant was just as worthy, just as deserving of respect, and just as human as a king.
Jann: Are there any words of inspiration on your computer, in your office or in your mind when you write?
Glynnis: I choose a new word of inspiration each year, and oftentimes I invent them! This year’s word is “Rejoyvenation,” which I have on a Post-It note above my desk. After a few rough years of lockdown and trying to write while the world was on fire, it’s a reminder to me to let go of deadline pressure and roadblocks and rediscover the joy of writing.
Jann: What’s the funniest (or sweetest or best or nicest) thing a fan ever said to you?
Glynnis: I was doing a book signing years ago, and I saw a young woman hugging my book to her chest, but sort of hanging back, as if she were afraid to come up to the table. I invited her forward, and her voice shook as she said, “You’re my favorite author. It’s an honor to meet you. Your books mean so much to me. Thank you for writing them.” As I was signing her book, I smiled and said, “Of course. It’s my pleasure. And what do YOU do for a living?” She replied, “I’m an ER nurse.” I dropped my pen and said, “You mean, while I’m writing stories, you’re out there saving lives? No, it’s MY honor to meet YOU.” I will never forget how meaningful that moment was—reminding me of who the REAL celebrities are.
Glynnis, thank you for sharing with us today. I totally agree with the young woman’s comment above, “thank you for writing them.” Your books bring enjoyment to so many readers. I’ve already ordered my copy of The Laird of Steel. The book cover is fabulous!! Best of luck with this new trilogy.
Visit Glynnis
Order Laird of Steel Today
“Grim Gellir” Cameliard of Rivenloch lives for glory on the tournament field, and he may be the greatest warrior in all Scotland. As the son of a laird, he assumes his bride will be chosen for him as chivalry demands, and he doesn’t expect it to be a love match. But when the king threatens to wed him to the enemy, he is forced to question his loyalty and desperate to find a Scottish wife.
Merraid of Darragh, a spirited sword-wielding maidservant from Gellir’s past, can’t bear to see her childhood hero doomed to a loveless marriage, so she intervenes as his matchmaker. When none of the prospects seem worthy of him, she unwittingly finds herself swept up in a friends-to-lovers romance and a battle for his heart, and Gellir faces the one intrepid warrior he may not be able to conquer.
Titanic Trivia Quiz: How many can you get right? by Jina Bacarr
April 11, 2023 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, Writing tagged as Belfast, Cherbourg, historical romance, iceberg, romance, ship of dreams, Southhampton, Titanic, Titanic111, women's fiction
Meet Ava O’Reilly, the Irish heroine in ‘The Runaway Girl’ who boards the Titanic at Queenstown
THE RUNAWAY GIRL. was a special challenge to write because of the importance to ‘get it right’ re: every moment aboard the ship since the ship of dreams set sail on April 10, 1912.
It’s all in the details, they say…
But how many details do you know about the TITANIC?
Check your Titanic knowledge with:
A Titanic Trivia Quiz
We’ve seen the films, read the books, but what do you know about the Titanic, really?
Take the quiz and find out!
(answers at the bottom of the page)
================
Titanic Trivia Questions:
- You’ve just spent your honeymoon in Paris with your handsome husband and it’s time to return to America. He surprises you with first class tickets on the Titanic. From what French port do you sail?
- Marseilles
- Cherbourg
- Calais
- The Titanic has just arrived in Queenstown and you see several bumboats with vendors hawking their wares. They come aboard ship with their Irish souvenirs. When John Jacob Astor buys his new bride a souvenir, your husband buys you one, too. What did Colonel Astor buy his bride?
- a set of china
- a Celtic brooch
- a lace shawl
- You’re thrilled to find fresh flowers in your cabin when you and your new hubby come on board the ship of dreams. You’re also excited to find out you’re one of several honeymoon couples sailing to New York. According to reliable sources, how many honeymoon couples were there on the Titanic?
- 8
- 11
- 13
- You hear heated whispers in the first class dining saloon when American millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim arrives with his latest mistress. Everyone’s curious, who is she? And where is she from?
- Mlle. Aubart, a Parisian entertainer
- Madame de Villiers, a Belgian cabaret singer
- Miss Annabelle Pearl, a British fashion designer
- You’re late for dinner in the first class dining saloon and lost in the maze of dead end corridors when you run into that handsome gentleman you met last night. He shows you the way to the dining room, then sneaks a kiss in the elevator. How many first class elevators are there on Titanic?
- one
- two
- three
- While you were waiting to board the ship at Queenstown, Ireland, you couldn’t resist flirting with the handsome lad who helped you carry your traveling bag. He whispered in your ear he’ll sneak into the single women’s 3rd class quarters to see you later. Where are the women’s steerage cabins on the ship?
- fore
- aft
- amidships
- You want to look alluring when you meet that handsome gentleman for dinner later in the first class dining saloon on D deck, so you pamper yourself in the Turkish baths. The bath stewardess insists you try out the latest beauty treatment:
- an electric bath which tans your skin with ultraviolet lights
- a face peel
- an exercise machine where you walk in one place
- Tonight you’re dining in the exclusive À La Carte Restaurant some first class passengers call the Ritz when you hear the ship’s musicians playing a lovely waltz. Later you hear them playing that same musical piece when you’re getting into a lifeboat. Some say it may have been the last song the musicians played as the Titanic foundered. What was the name of that waltz?
- Autumn
- Emperor
- Vienna
- It’s 10 p.m. on Sunday night, April 14th, and you can’t resist a stroll up on deck with your husband. It’s misty and getting colder. Even with his strong arms wrapped around you, you can’t stop shivering. How cold is it?
- 45 degrees F
- 29 degrees F
- 32 degrees F
- It’s 11:40 p.m. and you’re in bed with your husband enjoying a night of wedded bliss when the ship hits an iceberg. You want to cuddle up next to him in your warm bed, but he insists you get dressed and get into a lifeboat. How long do you have before the ship sinks?
- 1 hour and 45 minutes
- 2 hours and 40 minutes
- 2 hours and 10 minutes
Answers:
- (Answer: B Cherbourg)
- (Answer: C a lace shawl)
- (Answer: C 13)
- (Answer: A Mlle Aubart)
- (Answer: C three)
- (Answer: B aft)
- (Answer: A an electric bath)
- (Answer: A Autumn)
- (Answer: C 32 degrees F)
- (Answer: B 2 hours and 40 minutes)
THE RUNAWAY GIRL:
———–
US:
Kobo.
0 0 Read moreAn Interview with Jude Knight
March 28, 2023 by Alina K. Field in category Quarter Days by Alina K. Field tagged as historical romance, Jude Knight, Writing GoalsStretch Goals for Authors
Happy spring! Alina K. Field here, back with another Quarter Days’ post.
In the midst of a dry spell in my writing life, I was welcomed into a group of Historical Romance authors called The Bluestocking Belles. From medieval times to World War I, these ladies know their history. They also know how to use the historical milieu to shape compelling characters who will appeal to modern readers.
One of those authors is Jude Knight. Jude is a prolific author who features short historical romances in her newsletters, just the right length for a worktime lunch break, She also gives away made-to-order stories as prizes for winning readers at her Facebook parties.
A few years ago, Slice of Orange blogger, Tracy Reed, blogged about her 12 books in a year publishing challenge. I found her posts very inspiring–not of course that I’ve ever been able to match her accomplishments.
So in the hopes of perhaps inspiring authors reading this blog (and myself!) I’m sharing an interview today with New Zealand author Jude Knight, a founding member of the Bluestocking Belles. Jude is in the thick of a super ambitious publishing schedule!
So without further ado:
1. Jude, tell us about your 2023 projects.
I worked in 2022 to have enough books written that I could publish at least one a month from November 2022 to February 2024—so sixteen months of promotion, with at least eighteen books for keen readers to explore.
Yes, I know. It sounds a bit mad.
It’s not quite as epic as you might think. Last November’s and this January’s books were both collections of prepublished stories: one a set of short stories originally written for my newsletter, and the other the first four novels in my Golden Redepenning series. Two of the others have been out before in another guise—this month’s The Husband Gamble was in a multi-author box set, and July’s Grasp the Thorn is a rewrite of a novel for which I’ve just got the rights back.
That leaves ten novels and four novellas. Five of the novels are written. Three are between a quarter and a third done. The last two have a vague plot line and characters who are beginning to come into focus.
Of the novellas, two are written and two are still twinkles in the eyes of my plot elves.
But I have done the sums, and I need to write 265K words before the end of November. That’s nine and a half months, so 289 days. All I have to do is write 1000 words a day, and I’ll have 30K words a month. 31K most months.
In the past 12 months, with bathroom renovations, a garden makeover, family sickness, and all sorts of other chaos, I’ve averaged 35K a month, and still managed all the other work of running my own publishing imprint (I’ve been almost entirely a self publisher, but this year I’ve moved to hybrid, placing five books with Dragonblade Publishing).
Publishing at this scale is a bit like eating an elephant. But I’m just going to take it one bite at a time.
Here’s my list of what I’m working on:
Some of the dates may slide a week or so here or there. More may be added–if I can consistently write more than 30,000 words a month, while keeping up with editing, marketing, and all the other stuff that goes with being an author. Those with links in the list are on pre-order.
29 March 2023 The Flavour of Our Deeds, book 5 in The Golden Redepennings
26th April 2023 The Talons of a Lyon in The Lyon’s Den Series
11th May 2023 One Perfect Dance, book 2 in A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
15th June 2023 Chaos Come Again, book 1 in Lion’s Zoo
16th July 2023 Grasp the Thorn (House of Thorns revised and republished), book 2 in Lion’s Zoo
8th August 2023 Snowy and the Seven Blossoms, book 3 in A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
24th August 2023 a short story in the multi-author book Night of Lyons
16th September 2023 One Hour of Freedom, book 3 in Lion’s Zoo
10th October 2023 Love in its Season a novella in the Bluestocking Belles 2023 Harvest box set
10th November 2023 Perchance to Dream, book 4 in A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
15th December 2023 The Darkness Within, book 4 in Lion’s Zoo
16th January 2024 Concealed in Mist, book 2 in A Game of Mist and Shadows
23 July 2024 The Blossoming of the Wallflower, a book in the multi-author series The Revenge of the Wallflower
Job done. These are published and available now
14 November 2022 Chasing the Tale Volume II, in the Lunch Time Tales collection
15 December 2022 Belles & Beaux, a Bluestocking Belles collection
24 January 2022 The Golden Redepennings: Books 1 to 4
16 February 2023 Lady Beast’s Bridegroom, book 1 in A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
22 March 2023 The Husband Gamble, book 13 in The Wedding Wager (which is a multi-author series)
2. What made you decide on such an ambitious project?
I started a publishing and writing consultancy company in the late 1980s. For years, when people asked me why I decided to run my own business, I used to say that I’d gone to music festivals for five of my six children in a single fortnight, and my brain was numb.
That isn’t the explanation this time, but I suspect the real truth, both times, is that I like stretch goals. I always have. You’ve more chance of landing on the mountain tops if you aim at the moon rather than the foothills.
The other reason is the desire to be noticed. I have dozens of stories out in the market that are receiving good reviews and not all that many sales. In an overstuffed marketplace, especially when you’re an author that writes books that can’t easily be pigeon-holed, getting noticed is hard. Publishing at the rate I’m planning will at least mean that the retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble will have a new release in front of them all the time, and I’m hoping that will translate into them putting my book in front of their customers.
3. What has worked, and what hasn’t?
Dragonblade has worked. I’ve found them brilliant in the prepublication stages. My first book with them—Lady Beast’s Bridegroom, Book 1 of A Twist Upon a Regency Tale—came out four weeks ago, and I tripled my backlist sales for the rest of the month.
Having someone else do seven of the eighteen covers has also worked, as has hiring personal assistants to get me newsletter and Facebook Group placements, and to manage the contest I held for the launch of the new series.
I think the main negative I’m having to manage so far is psychological. I keep looking at that elephant and thinking, there’s no way! I’ll be fine as long as I don’t let that scare me off.
Perhaps the whole plan won’t work, but I’m just four and a half months and four published books into it. I’ll report back.
4. What’s been most challenging for you?
Writing every day, no matter what, no matter how little. I wrote 1000 words this week in the waiting room of a hospital while my daughter was having an operation. I wrote 150 words the day my personal romantic hero and I drove for seven and a half hours to be with my sister whose property had been flooded in a super storm, and enough words in dribbles that very busy week of cleanup to put 2000 words towards the month’s total.
When I don’t write every day, I stop writing. I lose all impetus, the plot elves sulk and refuse to talk to me, and I don’t like myself very much. But it happens. The challenge is to stop it from happening.
5. Do you have any advice for authors taking on this sort of goal?
Yes. Break your plan down into monthly goals. Be adaptable. Major commitments this week to throw your plan off track? Recalculate and keep going. And be kind to yourself. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Take a walk. Have a glass of wine. Do some gardening.
6. Why do you choose to write historical romance?
I write historical romance because I love history and because love stories with happy endings are a joy to read. The world has enough authors writing serious books that challenge and depress. I want to bring joy.
I made a decision in 2021 to spend 2022 concentrating on books for 2023, including a series for Dragonblade Publishing. The series is A Twist Upon a Regency Tale, and it’s coming out one book every three months 2023. The four novels plus a book in the Lyon’s Den series are all written, and the first was released in February.
I’m also writing some other books, and I think I’m on track to have books out (either sole-author publications or novellas in multi-author publications) every month from November 2022 through to January 2024.
~~~
Alina here: Jude’s new Dragonblade release, Lady Beast’s Bridegroom is a great read. In fact all of Jude’s stories are fascinating, but I especially like her Return of the Mountain King series about the heir to a duke who returns to England to take up his title with the children of his late Persian wife.
I hope Jude has offered you some inspiration!
Thanks for reading along this far. I’ll be back in June with another Quarter Days’ post!
About Jude Knight:
Jude Knight always wanted to be a novelist, but life got in the way for decades and she nearly lost the dream. She wrote a thousand beginnings, but it took a huge life event to shove her into writing an ending. That was in 2014. Eight novels and counting later, plus short stories and novellas galore, she’s living her dream: writing historical fiction with a large helping of romance, more than a dash of suspense, and a sprinkling of humor.
Learn more about Jude at:
Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudeKnightAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Jude-Knight/e/B00RG3SG7I
Titanic and Me and the 1997 Movie and how my Irish grandmother helped me write my Ship of Dreams story by Jina Bacarr
February 11, 2023 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, Titanic, Writing tagged as historical fiction, historical romance, romance', ship of dreams, Titanic
Can you believe it’s 25 years since James Cameron’s TITANIC film hit the theaters?
And guess what, it’s back in theaters this weekend!!
I’ve seen all the Titanic films — even the one made in German — but the 1997 film is an event to be enjoyed over and over again.
So I have a question, will you go back to the in-person theater and see it again?
OR: enjoy it once more in your own home?
I’d love to know how you feel about seeing it again in the theater.
Jina (dressed as a Titanic First Class lady)
——————–
And if you can’t enough TITANIC, check out THE RUNAWAY GIRL — my Titanic love story starring Ava O’Reilly, my Irish heroine.
I had no problem writing an Irish heroine.
When I was a little girl, I lived with my Irish grandmother for a while and I remember sitting at the big, wooden table with her as she added flour, milk, and herbs to leftover mashed spuds for potato cakes, or wound her blue rosary beads around her gnarled fingers while she spun tales about life in Ireland. Grand times they were, and a lovely thread woven through the quilt of my childhood.
Meet Ava O’Reilly, in THE RUNAWAY GIRL, a girl who wants to better herself by reading books but it’s forbidden to the servants in the grand house in Ireland where she’s in service.
Then when she’s wrongly accused of stealing a diamond bracelet, she escapes.
To the Titanic.
And every tale I’d heard at my grandmother’s knee, every book I’d read, every film about the ship of dreams I’d watched over and over again became the fodder for telling my own story about the Titanic.
Based on my girlhood and love of books.
And the sea.
And yes, romance, too.
And how an Irish girl makes a daring choice on that fateful night when the Titanic hits an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. that changes her life forever…
Super Romance Sale now until February 15th on #Kobo #Audiobook THE RUNAWAY GIRL is $9.99 AUDIOBOOK
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/the-runaway-girl-2
Two women hold the keys to his heart. Only one will survive that fateful night…
When Ava O’Reilly is wrongly accused of stealing from her employer, she has no option but to flee Ireland. The law is after her, and she has only one chance at escape – the Titanic.
Aboard the ship of dreams, she runs straight into the arms of Captain ‘Buck’ Blackthorn, a dashing gentleman gambler who promises to be her protector. He is intrigued by her Irish beauty and manages to disguise her as the maid of his good friend, the lovely Countess of Marbury. Little does he realise, that the Countess is also in love with him.
As the fateful night approaches, tragedy strikes further when Ava is separated from Buck, and must make a daring choice that will change her life forever…
A sweeping historical romance set aboard the Titanic, from the author of Her Lost Love (Christmas Once Again).
Praise for Jina Bacarr:
‘A delightful holiday romance that has all the charm of a classic Christmas movie. Christmas Once Again is perfect for anyone who loves a holiday romance brimming with mistletoe, hope, and what ifs.’ Andie Newton, author of The Girl I Left Behind
‘A breathtaking holiday romance that is sure to stay with you long after reading’
‘A mesmerizing holiday romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet and take you away to another place, another time.’
‘A fabulous book you won’t want to miss’
THE RUNAWAY GIRL e-book, print and audio book:
Dipped in Chocolate: How I researched THE ORPHANS OF BERLIN and loved every minute by Jina Bacarr
December 11, 2022 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, Writing tagged as chocolate, historical fiction, historical romance, romance, World War 2Do you remember the hilarious scene in an episode of ‘I Love Lucy’ where Lucy and Ethel are working in a candy factory and the conveyor belt speeds up and they stuff their mouths with gourmet chocolates?
Pure heaven…
I didn’t have that experience, but I did have a blast researching the art of chocolate up close and personal for The Orphans of Berlin, tasting and munching on creams and caramels to my little heart’s content.
Then running on the treadmill for hours…
It was worth it.
I wanted to get a feel for what it was like to grow up in the world of chocolate like my debutante-heroine Kay Alexander and become familiar with how candy is made… as well as its importance during World War 2 when Ration D chocolate bars were loaded with vitamins and included in every soldier’s military ration kit.
It all started in 1868 when Kay’s candy-loving, Irish great-grandfather started a candy business called ‘Radwell’s French Chocolates’. Being a candy heiress gives Kay the opportunity to spare no expense getting Jewish children out of Nazi Germany.
I discovered a publication called the ‘Confectioners and Bakers Gazette’ which detailed the candy business from 1896 – 1930, including candy factories in Philadelphia (in 1908, there were twenty-five factories in the US manufacturing chocolate). I find it odd it ceased publication during the Depression since candy sales boomed during those lean years, including Radwell’s French chocolates.
‘Sorority Chocolates’ were a big seller reputed to reach seventy-five million customers, appealing to high school girls, their moms, aunts, and grandmas.
Other notable facts include the use of synthetic vanilla called vanillin even back then; but as any Christmas cookie baker will tell you, real vanilla in his cookies is what makes Santa smile.
I also read books on chocolates and searched the Internet for chocolatier’s ‘secrets’ and favorite recipes to come up with my own special chocolates for the Radwell’s brand.
Here are a few samples for your taste delight:
Renoir Dark Chocolate Bars
Hand-dipped, chocolate-covered squares
… topped with a swirl of buttercream
Caramels de Vendôme
Dark chocolate
… filled with honey caramel and vanilla ganache
Truffles à l’Opéra
Bittersweet chocolate
…filled with raspberry ganache
Montmartre Mints
Dark chocolate thin mints
… with flecks of almonds
Versailles Soft Creams
Dark chocolate hearts
… filled with raspberry buttercream
Notre-Dame Angels
White chocolate truffles
… filled with pecans and vanilla ganache
I invite you to give yourself a treat when you’re reading The Orphans of Berlin. Stock up on your favorite chocolates filled with creamy mousse, rich ganache… and decadent truffles.
I dip my fingers into the box of gourmet chocolates and grab the last piece. A raspberry dark chocolate truffle. Mm… delicious. A gift from the candy gods.
Ah, the travails of a writer’s research… a tough job.
But somebody’s got to do it, n’est-ce pas?
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