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  • How Far into North America did Vikings go? Part 2 – Gina Conkle


    Letter from a king

    In 1354, King Magnus Eriksson of Sweden wrote a letter, ordering his officer, Paul Knutsson, to lead an expedition to Greenland. The king wanted Knutsson to look into reports of Greenland’s people (his subjects) turning away from Christianity.

    Some think Knutsson may have missed Greenland and landed in North America (or he went after renegade Greenlanders and found himself in North America). Records are scant on this period in Norway’s history because of much turmoil. Because Norway was in upheaval, there are no clear records Knutssson’s ship set sail, but we do have the king’s letter.

    Looking at other sources, we have Dutch cartographer Gerardus Mercator’s 1577 letter written to John Dee (scholar and advisor to Queen Elizabeth). Mercator shared that he’d learned of eight men who returned to Norway in 1364. One of them, a priest, handed the Norwegian king extensive geographical information on Arctic Islands.

    Could these eight men have been survivors of Knutsson’s voyage? Norwegian men who wandered further south into North America?

    Records dating 1364 and onward, corroborate priest Ivar Bardsson in Norway, listing him as living previously in Greenland.

    Next week, I’ll share the possible waterway, the Norse Crusader Theory, and the Battle of Visby Theory for Vikings in North America.

    Until then, tell me what you think about what was shared today.



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  • Covers of the Week #131: Steve Holland

    Covers of the Week #131: Steve Holland


    Sweet Savage Flame’s Covers of the Week #131 showcases some vintage romance novel covers featuring the legendary model Steve Holland.

    Covers of the Week #131 model Steve Holland

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

    Theme: Cover Model Steve Holland

    Covers of Week #131 shows off four vintage romances with the famous “illustrator’s model,” Steve Holland. Holland was a 20th-century icon who modeled for comics, magazines, pulps, and mass-market paperbacks.

    Steve Holland was more than just a model; he was a phenomenon. Beginning in the 1950s, his career spanned decades, and he became a fixture on bookshelves everywhere.

    With thousands of covers bearing his face and form, there is no genre with which he is not associated.

    Holland’s ability to convey both strength and sensitivity through a single expression made him the ideal hero for these sweeping romantic adventures. His legacy is etched not just in the annals of modeling but also in the hearts of romance readers who adored the characters he portrayed.

    I remember him as a fireman on posters in my old elementary school.

    The Covers

    Known for his intense gaze and powerful build, Steve Holland was more than just a handsome face; he was a muse for artists and a fantasy for readers.

    For the week of January 29, 2024, to February 5, 2024, we highlight four romance novel covers featuring the legendary cover model.

    Jill Nolan, Surgical Nurse, Adeline McElfresh, Dell, Steve Holland model
    Jill Nolan, Surgical Nurse; Adeline McElfresh, Dell, 1962, artist TBD
    Firebrand, Ann Forman Barron, Lou Marchetti cover art, Steve Holland model
    Firebrand, Ann Forman Barron, Fawcett, 1977, Lou Marchetti cover art
    My Love an Alter, Joan Sargent, Ace, Bob Schinella cover art, Steve Holland model
    My Love an Altar, Joan Sargent, Ace, Bob Schinella 1963 cover art
    Nora Was a Nurse, Peggy Gaddis, Steve Holland model
    Nora Was a Nurse, Peggy Gaddis, McFadden Books, 1962, artist TBD

    Your Opinion

    What do you think of this week’s covers? Are you familiar with Steve Holland’s covers, or was he before your time?

    Which of our selections do you like the best, and what about them appeals to you?

    Do you have suggestions or requests for future Covers of the Week themes you’d like to see on Sweet Savage Flame? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to create a gallery of stunning art!

    Please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.

    Let Us Know Your Opinion!



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  • Three Ways Viking Women Showed Their Power – Gina Conkle


    Or Speak softly and carry an iron staff

    Viking witches (in Old Norse – volva singular, volur plural) were largely women. A small number of men took on the role but they were looked down on as effeminate.

    Unlike a seer, a volva wandered from settlement to settlement, and they weren’t always welcome. Sometimes Viking people met them with rocks and shouts to leave. This was because they didn’t want trouble. A volva (who could also be a seer) was paid to cast spells and speak curses. A Viking could pay the volva to rain tribulation on an enemy’s head. That’s bad if your neighbor doesn’t like you, and even worse when a settlement gets caught up in strife.

    The volva often traveled with a staff, such as the iron staff (wand) pictured above. In this case, the wand was bent at the end, like some Viking swords, to remove its power after the volva died.

    While this wand is iron, many have copper and bronze alloy tips. Why does that matter? Because when copper is put to fire, it turns the flame green.

    There’s nothing like messing with the elements to wow the locals.



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  • Audiobook Flash Sale – Cougar Creek Mates Shifter Romance Series – Only $3.99 Each – Felicity Heaton

    Audiobook Flash Sale – Cougar Creek Mates Shifter Romance Series – Only $3.99 Each – Felicity Heaton


    My Cougar Creek Mates shifter romance series is having a flash sale at Chirp, Barnes and Noble, Apple and Google Play. All four books in this complete paranormal romance series are currently only $3.99 each until August 2nd.

    Claimed by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Captured by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Courted by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Craved by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

     

    About Felicity Heaton

    I’m a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In my books I create detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will love my books too.





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  • Park It: Why We Bought a Class B Van

    Park It: Why We Bought a Class B Van


    A Class B Van parked in the Redwoods with the caption: Why We Bought a Class B Van

    I’m a confessed national park geek who dreams of visiting every NPS site. But unfortunately, I’m also a wimp when it comes to tent camping. When my husband and I started looking into RV life, we discussed many different options from adorable mini teardrop trailers to fifth wheels, massive class A rigs, class C motorhomes, the class B van, and everything else we could find. To help us in our search, we made a list of our top priorities:

    1. A bathroom. I know many people are content with portapotties or (shudder) digging cat holes, but I like to have my own toilet and shower.
    2. A bed. Getting good sleep is important. In many smaller RVs, the table converts to a bed and vice versa, but we thought that sounded like a hassle.
    3. A comfortable place to work. (See the previous point!) I’m an author who writes novels set in national parks, and I plan to take my work with me so I don’t miss any deadlines.
    4. Easy to drive
    5. Easy to park
    6. Can camp anywhere–whether or not RV hookups are available.
    7. Bonus: Space for a guest or two to join us.

    We found everything we needed in the Class B vans. They’re simple to drive and take up about the same space as a large pickup truck. We wouldn’t have to tow anything, and could still park in most regular parking spaces. But when we got serious about shopping, sticker shock gave us pause. These vans rivaled the price of our first home! Trailers were so much cheaper. Seriously. So. much. cheaper. Were we crazy to do this?

    It took many months to get ourselves past this hurdle. Eventually, the allure of the open road and family trips won out. A trailer would tick some of our boxes, but not all. Plus, we’d have to buy a vehicle capable of towing one, an additional expense.

    After touring multiple vans and comparing prices, options, and features, we settled on a Winnebago Solis 59PX. It has a murphy bed with storage above and below, a separate dining/seating area, a wet bath (albeit TINY), a galley kitchen, a generator, and AC (for the dogs, of course). One thing that drew us to the Solis was the pop top. Our kids are in their twenties and might like to join us on the occasional trip, so we liked the idea of having a guest room (or tree house as I’ve started calling it). I’ve also found that opening the top when we’re parked gives us additional light and ventilation–always a plus! We’ve named her Jiffy Pop.

    So far, my husband and I have taken Jiffy on several weekend camping trips around the Northwest, my daughter and I traveled down to the Redwoods for a mother/daughter research trip, and this fall Steve & I packed up the dogs and drove to Utah to visit three more national parks. I love that we can fit in small NPS campsites and road turnouts for trailheads. You just can’t beat that.

    I’ve also found the van incredibly convenient for visiting my mom in her memory care facility. I was regularly spending over $200 a night for a hotel, but now I’ve gotten permission to camp in their parking lot. Steve’s also been able to participate in various tribal events that require an overnight stay. And this week, I sneaked away for a writing retreat at Belknap Hot Springs. *Sigh!* So quiet!

    Next week, I’m trying it out at a writing conference, instead of staying in the conference center lodge. Since I have unusual dietary needs, it’ll be handy to have a kitchen where I can throw together quick meals if needed.

    We’re looking forward to exploring more with Jiffy this summer. If you have suggestions for places we should visit, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’d love to hear your recommendations.

    Also, if you love seeing van photos, check out our gallery below or check out @JiffyPopVan on Instagram. Happy travels!





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  • “Engaging, intriguing, romantic.” Daughters of Desire Book Four Out Now!

    “Engaging, intriguing, romantic.” Daughters of Desire Book Four Out Now!


    New Release and Series Sale including a freebie!

    How are things with you as we head into April? I’ve started the month with double celebrations, and that means a series sale for you!

    April 2nd is my 39th wedding anniversary. I’ve shared tidbits about my whirlwind romance before. My husband asked me to marry him three weeks after we met on a blind date my sister arranged. Fourteen months later, we were married.

    HIS ONE AND ONLY LADY, Daughters of Desire: Scandalous Ladies Book 4, released March 30th. It’s a love at first sight story with a pinch of intrigue and a dash of inspiration. Because I appreciate you so much, I’ve extended the discounted pre-order price for another week! 💙
    >> Read More Here

     





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  • Characters are co-workers

    Characters are co-workers


    Characters are co-workers

    This week’s Sapphic Book Bingo category features the “characters are co-workers” square!

    For this category, read a sapphic book in which the main characters work together, whether they’re colleagues in an office, teammates on a project, or partners in a business.

     

    15 sapphic books with characters who are co-workers

    Below, you’ll find 15 sapphic books in which the characters are co-workers:

     

    Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae

    Ellie Fisher loves most things about being a nurse in the emergency department…just not working with Regina Novak, an icy attending physician who acts as if she’s God’s gift to medicine.

    The dislike is completely mutual. Regina thinks Ellie is a starry-eyed romantic with a sentimental attitude that has no place at work.

    When Regina gets talked into volunteering at a singles auction, Ellie accidentally bids on her—and ends up winning. Oops!

    Since the money raised is for a good cause, they reluctantly decide to go through with the dates.

    Thanks to a baking class that turns into a competition and a hot-as-hell road trip snack incident, the ice between them starts to thaw. Is it possible the ER isn’t the most unromantic place on earth after all?

    Available at:

    Ylva Publishing

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    The Anatomy of Forever by TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod

    A late bloomer lesbian doctor. A stepdaughter’s best friend. A taboo passion that could destroy them both.

    After a messy divorce, Dr. Rowan Colchester finally embraces her true self. A passionate encounter with a younger woman shakes her world. But when she discovers the complicated connection between them, she knows a future together is not in the cards.

    Inspired by the loss of her father, Dr. Simone Doucette dreams of being a humanitarian. But when the pressure proves too much, she takes a job in the ER of a small Cape Cod hospital to put the pieces of her life back together. The last thing she expects is for her new boss to be the one-night stand she can’t forget.

    As fate—and scandal—pull them together, Rowan and Simone must fight not just for love, but for the hospital’s survival and the soul of their tight-knit community. With careers, reputations, and hearts on the line, will they risk everything for a second chance?

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Love and Sportsball by Meka James

    Scoring was the easy part…

    Hard work has Khadijah Upton starting her dream job as an athletic trainer for the Atlanta Cannons. Then an evening of celebratory letting loose turns into a one-night stand with a beautiful stranger. It’s a reckless, wildly sexy encounter that Khadijah intends to forget…until her first day on the job lands her face-to-face with basketball star Shae Harris again.

    Shae is a major player in every sense of the word, and Khadijah doesn’t plan to be the latest in a long line of ‘Harris Honeys’. Personal and professional just don’t mix. But Shae, who’s all about living life to the fullest, keeps tempting Khadijah to blur the boundaries. And the more Shae reveals about herself, the harder it is for Khadijah to resist her.

    In the bedroom, their tension sizzles. On the court, it’s a liability. But unless Khadijah’s willing to really let Shae in, it won’t be just the team championship on the line, but a body-and-soul connection that rewrites all the rules.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    The Gift of Us by Abigail Taylor

    Rowen, a dedicated teacher feeling disillusioned with her career and life, believes that finding her first love, Quinn, will restore her happiness. Caught in a haze of nostalgia and longing, she yearns for a life she idealizes but can’t quite reach. As the holiday season approaches, Rowen’s old college friend Blair, now a teacher herself, convinces her to make a wish on a Love Charm and see what fate has in store for her.

    When a snowstorm leaves them stranded together, Rowen is forced to confront the reality she’s been avoiding, and her carefully maintained facade starts to crack. Her dreams from the past unfold, creating a different picture than she remembered. As Rowen tries to rationalize her feelings, Blair, with her pragmatic approach, gently nudges Rowen toward a profound realization—that happiness isn’t found in the past but when you live in the present. Sometimes, wishes do come true, but not always in the way we anticipate.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    The Straight Bet by Feri Tyler

    Taj is in love with Kai. It’s evident to everyone, including Kai’s husband, Josh. Working together seems to be as close as she’ll ever get, but it’s getting hard to maintain a professional distance,

    In the meantime, Taj has her own stuff to worry about- an ex-husband that wants her back, two daughters that are still mad about the divorce, and she’s nursing an ancient heartbreak that seems to be playing out all over again.

    Vegas is the city of distractions, but Taj knows that behind all of the show lights and grand dinners, something isn’t right about her friend’s marriage, or Kai wouldn’t flirt like she does.

    Taking chances is what Sin City is all about, and Taj knows she’s gambling it all on Kai. And even though the odds aren’t in her favor, she’s down to risk it all on The Straight Bet.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Love’s Portrait by Anna Larner

    Newly appointed art curator Molly Goode is committed to diversifying her museum’s collection. When Georgina Wright, the museum’s aloof benefactor, asks for Molly’s help in identifying the provenance of a 19th century portrait of social activist Josephine Brancaster, Molly welcomes the opportunity, even if it means spending time with the standoffish financier. But passions soon flare as the women uncover the heartbreaking story of doomed lesbian love behind the watercolor painted by Josephine’s lover, Edith Hewitt.

    As their love blossoms, Molly is determined to display Edith’s portrait of Josephine and to tell their story in the museum, but she needs the influential Georgina to help convince the board. When an unforeseen twist in the painting’s provenance forces Georgina to confront her own painful past, will history repeat itself, or can Molly and Georgina’s love prevail?

    Available at:

    Bold Strokes Books

    Amazon

    Apple Books

     

    French Pressed Love by MC Hutson

    Jordan Alexander is in a rut. Her life is not what she envisioned for herself, and she’s barely able to scrape by on the salary she makes as a coffee shop manager. Suddenly facing the daunting prospect of either finding a new roommate or a more affordable place to live, Jordan’s stress levels reach a boiling point.

    Noémie St. Pierre is a customer from hell. Every weekday morning, Noémie struts into the coffee shop like she owns the place and often makes a fuss. Jordan can’t stand the woman.

    But Noémie’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems, and when her father—founder of the globally expanding Poutine Heaven franchise—cuts off her financial support, Noémie’s world is turned upside down. Desperate, Noémie gets a job at the coffee shop, and upon learning of Jordan’s housing woes, proposes they move in together. Reluctantly, Jordan agrees.

    As they navigate their new living arrangement, Jordan uncovers surprising depth to Noémie that challenges her previous assumptions, and she develops feelings she never expected. But Noémie dates men, and Jordan doesn’t do relationships. So, all Jordan can hope is that her feelings won’t brew complications.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Queen Vs. Queen 2: Trauma in the Tropics by Anne Hagan and Alysia D. Evans

    When Captain Julie Briggs sets sail on the luxurious Ocean Queen, she expects nothing more than another routine cruise. But as deaths occur and secrets surface, she finds herself thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

    Enter Suzette Gabbage, a self-important eastern art expert with a past as colorful as her expertise. As suspicion and attraction spark between them, Julie and Suzette must navigate treacherous waters both literal and metaphorical.

    With each port bringing new dangers and each night deepening their connection, the two women race against time to unmask a killer hiding in plain sight. From the bustling streets of Manila to the glittering Raffles Hotel in Singapore, their investigation weaves through a world of high-stakes art and deadly secrets.

    Can Julie and Suzette trust each other long enough to catch a murderer? Or will their budding romance be cut short by a killer determined to keep secrets buried?

    Set sail on a heart-pounding journey of love and intrigue, where every wave conceals a mystery, and every glance holds the promise of passion. In this game of life and death, the greatest risk might just be falling in love.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Irregular Heartbeat by Chris Zett

    After nearly a decade as a professional drummer, Diana Petrell leaves her rock-star life behind to continue her residency in emergency medicine. She’s determined not to let anything stop her—not even falling in love with her aloof mentor, Dr. Emily Barnes.

    Emily has only ever focused on her career as a senior attending in the emergency department, and she isn’t happy about having to babysit a resident with a ten-year gap in her résumé, no matter how intriguing she is.

    But every time they work together, it’s not just their patients’ heartbeat that gets a little irregular. Soon, the once-clear lines between work and personal life begin to blur.

    When Diana’s unorthodox secret past is revealed, putting her job in jeopardy, Emily has to choose between her career and her relationship. A lesbian romance that asks how much we’d risk for love.

    Available at:

    Ylva Publishing

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    Hotshot by Clare Lydon

    Sloane Patterson is the ultimate hotshot: a US soccer sensation whose arrival in the UK causes quite the stir. She’s got the game, the fame, the looks, the fiancée. But looks can be deceiving.
    When Sloane’s life starts to unravel, Salchester Rovers’ new hire, Ella Carmichael, helps her pick up the pieces. But as the lines between their professional and personal lives blur, tensions surface. Now, Sloane’s goal of helping the team win the league and FA Cup has a significant addition: win Ella’s heart.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    A Game of Two Hearts by Iona Kane

    Tess Kennedy isn’t where she thought she’d be at forty-six. Returning to a town brimming with memories, she’s determined to build a new life for her family as a single parent. With a newfound sense of control over her destiny, the last thing on her mind is a new relationship.

    Rowan Russell’s life is about routine and distraction. She works hard and plays even harder, trying to silence the nagging voice that reminds her of past mistakes. But Tess’s unexpected return shakes up her carefully constructed world, forcing her to confront feelings she thought were long buried.

    When they find themselves working side by side, Tess and Rowan must confront their past and decide just how much they’re willing to risk for a chance at true happiness. Will they seize the opportunity for a new beginning, or let it slip away?

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Unexpected Goals by Kelly Farmer

    If you can’t play nice, play hockey

    Canadian goalie Maisy Goode is wary of American Jen Donato and her dirty playing. She’s been on the receiving end of Jen’s aggressive style and doesn’t like it one bit. Now that they’re on the same women’s pro team, keeping her eyes off Jen is a struggle.

    Jen signed up to win it all with the Boston Ice. Her very public clashes with their hot goalie aren’t going to derail her championship plans. Jen’s a professional. But there’s just something about Maisy that gets under her skin.

    The media loves the tension, but the more time Maisy and Jen are forced to spend together, the more they discover what’s between them isn’t entirely hostile.

    At all.

    Banter turns into flirting, and flirting turns into more. The closer they get to the playoffs, the more pressure weighs on the team—and the couple. Maisy needs Jen’s support. Jen needs to know Maisy’s all in. And it all needs to get sorted out before the season—and their relationship—closes out.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    An Unusual Year by Mia Kazi

    After running away with an older woman on the rebound from a foolish break up with the love of her life, Jo finds herself drifting through a different rut in the sleepy backwaters of Laos. There she meets a handsome and charismatic man who prompts her to question her sexuality as she grabs at yet another chance of adventure. This time she gets more than she bargains for!

    After rushing back to the safety of London, the mistakes of the past only get bigger and more dangerous, as she tries to win back her lost love and grapple with drug smugglers, police officers, keeping on top of her teaching and trying to find her better self.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Acting Up by L.R. Martiny

    Harlow James is finally fulfilling her brother’s dying wish. Since Paul passed at 14 from childhood cancer, he asked his family to live out his dreams for him in a kind of bucket list. Harlow’s assignment is to perform in a play. She’s finally stopped avoiding it, and now she’s in deep, having signed up for an acting class that will end in a real play.

    But things get complicated when she discovers that her acting partner is none other than Jacki Rowe, the spoiled brat daughter of her boss who is also the star of her unwanted sexy dreams. The longer they work together, the more Harlow learns about the young woman, and the worse the dreams get.

    Eventually, Harlow will have to come to terms to with everything: the impending play, her family’s desire to talk things out, and the sweet, tender kisses of Jacki Rowe.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Pit Stop: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance by L.M. Bennett

    “Jagger and me? It’s messy. Always has been.”

    Sage Chiasson is the golden girl of motorsports, a driver fueled by ambition and haunted by a crash that nearly ended her career. Her return to the top is within reach—until her biggest rival becomes her newest teammate.

    Jagger Banks, a fearless street racer turned pro, has demons of her own to outrun—including the wreck that shattered Sage’s career and the fierce connection they both tried to forget. Teaming up with Sage wasn’t part of Jagger’s plan, but proving she belongs on the track—and to herself—is non-negotiable.

    As a high-stakes season unfolds, Sage and Jagger are pushed to their limits. Old rivalries flare, undeniable chemistry simmers, and secrets from the past threaten to derail everything. In the world of motorsports, where milliseconds separate victory from defeat, they’ll have to decide if trust—and love—are worth the risk.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Brave Enough to Love by Valden Bush

    Jo Fitzgerald is a dedicated patriot living a life of sacrifice, honor, and control. Love, friends, and family are luxuries she doesn’t have time for. Toni James is an ambitious American journalist hungry for truth and validation.

    Their worlds collide on an embedded assignment with the British Army. Sparks fly between the stoic Jo and the spirited Toni, but can love survive the clash of duty and desire? In a dance between truth and sacrifice, discover if they can rewrite the rules of love.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Free sapphic books—Don’t miss next week’s post

    Next week’s post will cover the “free sapphic books” square. I’ll post a list of 25 sapphic books that are free for a few days. To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe to my blog and you’ll get the list sent to your inbox.

     

    Leave a comment

    What sapphic book will you read for the “characters are co-workers” category? Let us know in the comments!



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  • The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren

    The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren



    Our Review

    THE PRICE OF VALOR is the third book in the Global Search and Rescue series, and I’d love for there to be more. This is Ham and Signe’s story, but it includes so many of the characters—both good and evil—that were woven throughout the first two books in the series. It might be best to read them in order. Nonetheless, THE PRICE OF VALOR had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I couldn’t read fast enough!

    The story is set in Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Sicily with the mention of other places as well. The vividness of the descriptions made me feel like I was there.

    There is a cloud over Signe’s head. She’s supposedly a rogue CIA agent, and while Ham sometimes has his doubts about her, he can’t believe it to be true. His team is there to back him up when the evil gets pushed to the forefront.

    There are so many twists and turns to the story and many threads being woven together. I loved seeing how others on Ham’s team were faring when not working a case. Ham and Signe’s daughter played an important role in this tale. Clues from the first two books were brought to fruition here, so it’s best to read the books in order.

    The author did a terrific job of portraying the friendliness of the Sicilian people, and the small-town feel resonated with me. The closure is satisfying, but I’d love to meet up with these characters again. I love the cover and how it reflects the importance of the volcano in the story.

    Only having read the books in this series penned by Ms. Warren, I do look forward to reading more of her books.



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  • January 2024: Monthly Wrap-Up


    The Sweet Savage Flame wrap-up for the month of January 2024 includes a list of our posts, including romance book reviews, articles, and favorite book covers.

    JAN 2024

    January 2024 Posts

    It’s a new month! For your convenience, we’ve created a wrap-up of Sweet Savage Flame‘s posts in January 2024.

    Romance Book Reviews Posted

    sweet savage flame monthly wrap up 2024

    The following list is a collection of all the captivating (and some not-so-great) romance novels that we had the pleasure of reviewing just last month.

    Articles Posted

    sweet savage flame monthly wrap up 2024 articles blog posts

    From lists to thought-provoking deep dives, we covered retro romance novels with passion and enthusiasm. These are the articles, quizzes, lists, puzzles, and other romance or book-related blog posts we wrote or reposted last month.

    Covers of the Week Posted

    sweet savage flame monthly wrap up 2024 covers of the week

    As always, we publish our favorite Covers of the Week every Sunday. These are the posts for the month gone by. You can also access the past Covers of the Week via the main menu at the top of every page.

    Your Opinion

    What are your thoughts on Sweet Savage Flame’s posts from the month of January 2024?

    Are there reviews, covers, or articles you’d like to see in the future?

    Please drop us a comment, and let’s talk romance.

    Let Us Know Your Opinion!



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  • The Mystery of the Famous Lewis Chessmen

    The Mystery of the Famous Lewis Chessmen


    In 1831, on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland, a stunning hoard was found. Rather than the usual silver and gold that excites treasure hunters and historians alike, this hoard contained ivory game pieces—93 of them, 78 of which were chessmen, 14 were large gaming counters, and there was an elaborate belt buckle. Some of the chess pieces were stained red, which aligns with the medieval standard of red and white (unpainted ivory) chess games.

    At present, 11 of the Lewis Chessmen are in the National Museum of Scotland. The rest are in England’s British Museum. This find makes an almost complete chess set.

    For nearly 200 years, all 4 rooks and 1 knight have been missing from the set. Until now.

    Meet the recent discovery, a rook.

    This chess piece has spent years wrapped in a paper bag, hidden away in a drawer. The current owner’s late father had been an antique dealer. He purchased the well-worn ivory in 1964 for £5, apparently unaware of its true identity. The late owner’s wife believed the chess piece had “almost magical qualities.”

    The famed game piece is expected to fetch £ 1,000,000. So…maybe it does?!

    Check your drawers and attics, readers! There are still 4 missing pieces.

    The current chess board in the British Museum all cleaned up and ready to play.

    More of the chess pieces with round, flat game tokens to the right and the buckle to the left.

    The Lewis Chessman are among the biggest draws at both the British Museum and Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland. I can vouch for their popularity. At the British Museum, these guys had their own docent assigned to the display!

    The only other item that had its own docent was an Easter Island statue (see below).

    Don’t you think it’s interesting that ivory game pieces and a giant basalt statue—and not silver and gold—get their own docent?

    Thanks for stopping by for #HistoryThursday where I like to celebrate all things big and small, known and barely known in history.

    Cheers to you, Reader!
    ~Gina



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