~~Jewels. If you are lover of jewelry, like I am, think of how magnificent and intricate the pieces from that era were and are. Her stunning necklace loaded with large emeralds and diamonds served as her crown, her claim to her duchy. If it were stolen especially by a handsome Traveler, she would have to find a conduit to the present. And there you have it. Her personal story, a quest filled with Revenge, Romance and Royal Jewels, begins. I hope you’ll read “The Duchess’ Necklace” to learn what happens to Amelia, her jewels, and discover if she is capable of finding true love. *Just a footnote on Chatsworth. For movie buffs, myself being one, the regal manor has appeared in “Pride and Prejudice”, “The Duchess” and “The Wolfman”. PBS recently aired a BBC documentary on Chatsworth.  
 

    Mariah Lynne

 Each year, as I unwrap precious ornaments from my childhood, I am reminded of family holidays and traditions past. My father immigrated to the US from Naples, Italy. I find it ironic that I now live twenty minutes from Naples, Florida. Southern Italians especially Neapolitans begin their holiday on Christmas Eve with a very special meal, The Feast of The Seven Fishes.

Growing up in New Jersey, I remember my mother and father taking me to my Aunt Maggie’s (Michelina’s) on Christmas Eve to celebrate with cousins, aunts and uncles. As we walked through light snow, past bushes filled with colored lights, to climb the two steps up to her back door, aromas of fresh bread, sauces, and homemade desserts greeted us from her kitchen. Once everyone arrived, we gathered in her dining room.

Laughter, homemade wine and animated conversations soon filled the room. An ecru    lace tablecloth crocheted by my grandmother covered her long dining room table. Red Poinsettias and a special paper mache nativity from Italy decorated her mahogany sideboard. All the children gasped when we saw her Christmas tree with all the colorful packages underneath through the doorway to her living room. She always had a      present for each of her nieces and nephews to open after dinner.

This night was very special. All of our problems were left at the door. Only love and happy thoughts of Christmas filled the minds of guests eagerly anticipating dinner, not just any dinner, but a dinner to remember. My Aunt and grandmother cooked all day. My mother brought her homemade biscotti, some almond, some anise, to serve for dessert with the homemade cannoli (pastry). Soon, the oohs and aahs were so loud they could be heard on the street. My Aunt and Uncle carried in the china platters of food. The Feast of The Seven Fishes was about to begin. The menu was the same each year: calamari, baccala (salt cod), clams with linguini, crab (a N.J. delicacy) in a tomato sauce with angel hair pasta, anchovies, baked flounder, and shrimp cooked in olive oil with lemon butter.

I’ve watched the Feast presented on the cooking channel by professional chefs, but believe me when I say that none could ever compare with Aunt Maggie’s labor of love. Living by the sea, I keep the tradition of serving fresh seafood on Christmas Eve. Not as big as the Feast but one that fits our smaller gathering: New England Clam Chowder, Baked stuffed shrimp or Shrimp Scampi, Parmesan Crusted Grouper and of course I bake my mother’s homemade biscotti.

Here’s my recipe for Shrimp Scampi! Ingredients: 1 POUND OF LARGE SHRIMP (16-20), peeled and de-veined SALT 3 GARLIC CLOVES CHOPPED– OR MINCED (1 TABLESPOON) 2 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY CHOPPED PARSLEY 2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL 3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER ½ CUP WHITE WINE RED PEPPER FLAKES TO TASTE-at least ¼ teaspoon FRESH GROUND PEPPER 1 ½ TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE Heat sauté pan on high. Reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil and butter. The butter should melt, and foam before reducing. At that point, add the garlic, red pepper flakes. Stir until edges of garlic turn brown. Once the garlic cooks, add the shrimp and the white wine. Stir to blend the shrimp with the butter, olive oil and wine while continuing to coat the shrimp with the mixture. Spread the shrimp evenly in the pan before increasing the heat to the highest setting. The wine should boil for 2-3 minutes. Turn the shrimp over so the cooked sides are facing up. Boil the wine for another minute before removing from heat. Add parsley, lemon juice and black pepper. Toss to combine. Salt to taste. Serve over rice or my favorite angel hair pasta.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mariah-Lynne/295721153858612 

    Mariah Lynne

 o open after dinner.

This night was very special. All of our problems were left at the door. Only love and happy thoughts of Christmas filled the minds of guests eagerly anticipating dinner, not just any dinner, but a dinner to remember. My Aunt and grandmother cooked all day. My mother brought her homemade biscotti, some almond, some anise, to serve for dessert with the homemade cannoli (pastry). Soon, the oohs and aahs were so loud they could be heard on the street. My Aunt and Uncle carried in the china platters of food. The Feast of The Seven Fishes was about to begin. The menu was the same each year: calamari, baccala (salt cod), clams with linguini, crab (a N.J. delicacy) in a tomato sauce with angel hair pasta, anchovies, baked flounder, and shrimp cooked in olive oil with lemon butter.

I’ve watched the Feast presented on the cooking channel by professional chefs, but believe me when I say that none could ever compare with Aunt Maggie’s labor of love. Living by the sea, I keep the tradition of serving fresh seafood on Christmas Eve. Not as big as the Feast but one that fits our smaller gathering: New England Clam Chowder, Baked stuffed shrimp or Shrimp Scampi, Parmesan Crusted Grouper and of course I bake my mother’s homemade biscotti.

Here’s my recipe for Shrimp Scampi! Ingredients: 1 POUND OF LARGE SHRIMP (16-20), peeled and de-veined SALT 3 GARLIC CLOVES CHOPPED– OR MINCED (1 TABLESPOON) 2 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY CHOPPED PARSLEY 2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL 3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER ½ CUP WHITE WINE RED PEPPER FLAKES TO TASTE-at least ¼ teaspoon FRESH GROUND PEPPER 1 ½ TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE Heat sauté pan on high. Reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil and butter. The butter should melt, and foam before reducing. At that point, add the garlic, red pepper flakes. Stir until edges of garlic turn brown. Once the garlic cooks, add the shrimp and the white wine. Stir to blend the shrimp with the butter, olive oil and wine while continuing to coat the shrimp with the mixture. Spread the shrimp evenly in the pan before increasing the heat to the highest setting. The wine should boil for 2-3 minutes. Turn the shrimp over so the cooked sides are facing up. Boil the wine for another minute before removing from heat. Add parsley, lemon juice and black pepper. Toss to combine. Salt to taste. Serve over rice or my favorite angel hair pasta.

Duchess, please tell us about where you live and what brought you there?

           Yes, thank you Rebecca. I am honored to be here. As the rightful Duchess of Abbington, I live in Abbington Manor, a large fieldstone manor house surrounded by lovely colorful gardens with fountains and walking paths. I inherited the property and the title of duchess that came along with it from my aunt who bore no children. She had hoped to keep alive the legacy of my great-great-great uncle Duke Hestor of Abbington who asked the king to give him special authority to pass ownership of the duchy to his daughter rather than his son.                                                                                              

            Abbington Manor is located in the middle of England and serves as a proper royal residence. A lovely river wraps around the property to the east. My home boasts twenty five rooms including a large ballroom where I host my many parties and holiday celebrations. The library has a marble fireplace and has hand carved shelves filled with the classics, many first editions. As you stroll through the manor’s large corridors, you will see many artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome bequeathed to me by my ancestors. I also have a large collection of art from the famous masters on the continent. I have many loyal servants who help me keep the grounds and royal residence in immaculate condition. Some, such as my personal maid and bodyguard, I regard as family.

         You’ve reached the advanced age of 32 and people consider you an old maid. You’re fourth in line to the throne. Why do you not get yourself a husband?

         The traditions of my time are much more stifling than yours. Oh how I wish it were not so. First the man I marry would have to be of equal social standing. More than likely, the marriage would be arranged, loveless, and boring. My new husband would then become the Duke of Abbington and would be in control of my property, my finances and my life. I could not do that to myself. I would be breaking a proud tradition my great great Aunt Susanne passed down to me. Instead of being chained to a miserable marriage, I enjoy secret trysts and illicit romances with traveling knights and strangers. I now know after Travelling to your time that such a thing would not happen to a woman of standing. A woman could chose not only her spouse but her job or station in life and control her own wealth. I long for that.

What would change your mind and make you want to marry?

          If I met a man who was caring enough to respect me for the woman I am. Someone who would have no designs on my duchy but who only wants my love. I’d like him to be soft-spoken, intelligent and love my dog Duke. I often ponder what I might surrender for such a gentle man.

Why do people consider you so headstrong?

  I haven’t been able to get a grasp on why myself. Perhaps it’s because I take charge of my duchy, my property, and my life. I’m ahead of my time in that regard and will not stop until I finish the task at hand no matter how long it takes or how difficult. If that makes me headstrong, then so be it. I know how to ride a horse like a man and shoot a pistol.

How do you see yourself?

I see myself as a warm wonderful woman who loves life, cares about those around her, and even though I have illicit trysts long to meet the love of my life. I am charitable to the less fortunate and treat my servants’ family the way I would want mine to be treated. When my guard Arthur was murdered while protecting my estate, I vowed to take care of his family for as long as I remained duchess. What would you say your strongest qualities are? I think those that make me seem headstrong. I am independent, intelligent, and caring. I am not afraid of being alone or a spinster. I want love on my terms and not dictated by royal decree.

Your weakest?

          Ah, I am always taken in by a handsome strong man with great romantic skills. That is what got me into such deep trouble this time. I should have been more careful about my last tryst, but that handsome young Traveler made me feel so young, so vibrant, so beautiful, I let my guard down. I had to pay a hefty price to seek revenge.

What do you wish for most?

          Happiness and true love. They should come hand in hand. I often ponder what I might surrender for such a wonderful life if I met the right man. We understand you have the Abbington Jewels.

Can you tell us about them?

          They are famous throughout England and once owned by the king himself. They were given to Uncle Hestor to designate his rightful heir and were passed down to me when I became duchess. Whoever possesses the jewels possesses the title and all that goes with it. The jewels, large yellow diamonds and emeralds, are set in a large and heavy gold chain. They can be worn by either a man or a woman. What makes them so valuable? Of course the gold and gemstones, but also the fact that they belonged to a king. As I said, whoever inherits the jewels, inherits the duchy and all that goes with it, the manor and the money.

What would happen if you were to lose the necklace?

If I were to lose the jewels and my evil male cousins found out about it, I would lose everything. My cousins are the direct descendants of the son Uncle Henry passed over. They want to get control of the duchy and would be only too happy to throw me out. That’s why when my necklace was taken from me, I had to risk everything to get it back. That meant even betraying the kind man with whom I fell in love,

The Duchess sounds like a fascinating character. But all characters must come from some author's fertile imagination. That particular author is Mariah Lynne: Ever dream of traveling through time? Mariah Lynne does. She writes stories that take her readers along on exciting journeys. Travel to distant times and beautiful places with strong-willed independent heroines whose memorable tales will entertain with twisted plots that dabble in the paranormal. Both of her novellas, THE LOVE GYPSY and THE DUCHESS’ NECKLACE, fit that description to a T. A Graduate of Syracuse University, Mariah lives on a beautiful Gulf Coast Island in Florida. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southwest Romance Writers. When she is not writing, she enjoys swimming, traveling and spending time with her husband and dolphin hunting dog, Max. Want to know more? Here's a blurb:

Amelia Augusta Ethrington, 18th century Duchess of Abbington, fourth in line to the English throne, is considered by society an old maid at thirty two. She refuses to marry and relinquish royal authority to a husband. Instead, she finds romance in trysts with total strangers. Amelia’s sole entitlement to her duchy is an intricate and valuable necklace, The Abbington Jewels. An unscrupulous Traveler wishing to steal the jewels and sell them at future prices seduces her catching her off guard and snatching the necklace. Amelia must now risk everything to Travel with the aid of a kind gypsy seer to find the thieving scoundrel, kill him and retrieve her title before her jealous male cousins lay claim to her duchy. Complications arise after she meets a handsome shy man, a museum appraiser sent to acquire the jewels. Amelia falls in love with him but realizes she must focus on her quest to regain both her necklace and title. The Duchess is now faced with the most difficult decision of her life.  

One Christmas season, a long time ago, I was a little girl who loved her dolls. They had their own outfits, accessories, and some even had their own little beds in my room. I always thought every little girl had at least one doll. All my friends did so I never thought anything different.

It was the Sunday before Christmas and my father took me to church service after Sunday School to see a special choir of children from an orphanage in Rome. They were in the US to visit and perform at several churches along the East Coast.

Some of the families such as mine volunteered to take a child home for dinner. The week before, my mother asked to see a photo of the young lady because she wanted to buy some clothes for her to take home. When I looked at the photo, I saw a skinny eight year named Marianna. We were the same age and the same height. We both had dark curly hair and dark brown eyes. Except for where and how we lived, and the fact that I was chubby, we could have been sisters.

I was excited to have Marianna come for dinner and happy that my mother bought her clothes. After we ate Sunday lunch, I took her into my bedroom to see and play with my toys. Her eyes grew huge and began to tear up. I understood a little Italian enough to get the just of a conversation. She walked over to my window bench where my dolls “lived” and picked one up and hugged it.

The doll named Anna was one of my favorites. Dressed in a pink and white gingham dress, she had blonde hair I could comb. Marianna hugged Anna and refused to let her go. She said she never had a doll before, let alone one as “bella” as this one.

Well I was not a happy camper. I yelled at her, “Let Anna go. That doll is mine.” She refused and asked me to please give Anna to her. That made me more upset. Enough so my father heard me and came in to see what was wrong.

I told him about Anna and how that doll was not going anywhere let alone Rome. He walked over to Marianna and had her give him the doll. He then said in Italian to her that he knew I would be happy to give it to her. After all, I had so much…a good home, loving parents, and so many other dolls. He handed it back to her and she hugged him like he just gave her the world.

I watched in silence at first furious but after a few minutes digested what he said. I never realized how lucky I was. I too went over and hugged Marianna. She taught me a most important lesson about giving and love I will never forget. This holiday season we should all care about those less fortunate and try to help in whatever manner we can.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season. I hope you spend it with family and friends. .

Florida antique dealer, Danielle deForet, is

kidnapped and thrust back to 1559. The last

thing on her mind was to meet a handsome

knight in the past, and fall in love with him.

Their love is not free and easy but comes

with a price!

Reviews:

-"a wonderful story about love and

magic". -LINDA TONIS
PARANORMAL ROMANCE

REVIEW TEAM read entire review

Loved this story, hope to buy more by this

author. Creative and twists and t

urns for this time travel story.

Loved it.

   -  bingobop21 Feb 21, 2018

A good fantasy/time travel

romance of spellw and suspense.

The main characters, Danielle

and Aidan, have instant attraction

and lead the story with their

adventurous escape.

The introduction of Georgina,

the wizard gypsy fortune teller

was a great addition to the plot.

- Still Moments Magazine Review

A fast paced romantic adventure

that kept me turning the pages.

Danielle is a brave smart heroine. Any woman would fall in love with

Aiden. I had a lot of fun reading it. Highly recommend it!      -   J Maxwell