Hello Reader. The blossoms are in full bloom here in Germany, and with May’s gentle light comes exciting news from my little corner of the enchanted world. 🌙✨
I'm still in the midst of job-hunting, but in the meantime, I've been channelling the stress into writing, typing from early morning to late evening. The result? The fastest book I've ever written, and surprisingly, not a hint of writer’s block. This story flowed like a river under moonlight, and I truly hope you’ll love it as much as I do
Anyway, what else has happened since last we spoke? Let me tell you... 💙
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I know Bridge of Bones has not long been released, but I’m thrilled to share that Daffodils and Dreams, Harri and Ffion's story, is officially with the editor!
As the story enters its final polish, I’m opening up ARC (Advance Reader Copy) requests for those who would love an early peek into a realm where ancient prophecies and love's enduring power entwine. 💙
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The weight of the crown presses heavily on Harri as the day of his coronation approaches. Surrounded by his gathered kin, trusted friends, and noble allies, he prepares to take on the mantle of kingship—but not without charting a new course for his kingdom. Among the honoured guests, Harri has invited the druids of the old faith, signalling a shift toward healing and unity. Central to his vision is the construction of a new Healer’s Hall.
Ffion, daughter of the Head of the Druid’s Order, arrives in Melthkior to fulfil her sacred role in the Heir’s Blessing ceremony. Intelligent, perceptive, and deeply connected to the old ways, Ffion finds herself intrigued by Harri—by his ideals, his burdens, and his unwavering resolve. But it’s the vision of the Healer’s Hall that stirs something deeper within her.
When unexpected forces disrupt the ceremony, goddesses Arianrhod and Creiddylad intervene, setting in motion a fate neither Harri nor Ffion could foresee—one steeped in dreams, curses, and the delicate bloom of hope.
Daffodils and Dreams is a rich and lyrical retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Little Briar Rose, blending fairytale romance with the deep-rooted enchantment of Welsh mythology. As the fourth instalment in the Brodyr Alarch series, it continues the sweeping journey of Sealed with a Curse, where each brother’s fate is entwined with ancient magic, divine meddling, and the power of love to break even the oldest of spells.
International Mother's Day - 11th May, 2025
The idea of celebrating mothers goes back a long, long way. In Greek and Roman times, festivals were held honouring the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.
Although global Mother's Days come in many different shapes and forms, flowers and cards are a recurring theme.
In Japan, white carnations are presented to mothers to symbolise the sweetness and endurance of motherhood. This current tradition was adopted after World War II to comfort mothers who had lost children in the war.
In Ethiopia, at the end of the rainy season in early autumn, the Antrosht festival is dedicated to mothers. After the monsoon season ends, families head to their homes for a large meal and celebration, where traditionally the girls bring vegetables and cheese, and the boys bring meat. Together, the family prepares the food while singing stories about their families.
In Peru, Mother's Day is not a single-day event, but a week-long festival. Families organise meals, trips, and parties in honour of their mothers. Cities stage art shows and musical performances, and mothers visit museums, exhibits and festivals throughout the whole week. Another unique aspect is that people visit the graves of their late mothers, grandmothers, and other maternal figures to honour them by offering flowers and balloons.
In the Netherlands, Mother's Day is referred to as "Moederdag", and is a day where children pamper their mothers for an entire day. The children will make breakfast in bed and give their mothers a gift. Some Dutch schools also help the children make gifts for their mothers the week before Moederdag.
In Switzerland, the Salvation Army established Mother's Day in 1917, but until the 1920s the holiday was only observed by a small number of people. In the 1930s, however, the press, florists and master confectioners joined efforts to give the holiday a major boost. Swiss children typically celebrate Mother's Day by bringing their mothers breakfast in bed and gifting flowers or other small trinkets.
In Germany, Mother's Day (Muttertag) is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of May, unless this happens to be the Pentecost (Pfingstsonntag), and then Mother's Day is celebrated a week earlier, on the first Sunday of May.
Mothers often get other tokens of appreciation, including phone calls, breakfast in bed, or fancy meals out. Some families also take white flowers to the graves of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers.
Do you celebrate Mother's Day in your home country? How is it typically marked? Let me know! 💙
FREE BOOKS (May)
Get these books fast! Bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books, and they look amazing! I've already got myself a few, including Glimpse of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch, who you KNOW I love, so why not treat yourself? Available for a limited time. |
Wishing you a beautifully written May. May each day turn a new page filled with inspiration, wonder, and joy. 💙
What are you up to this month? Do you have any special plans or events coming up? Let me know if you fancy sharing, and AUTHORS, that includes you!
Don't forget to join my FB group - Morgan's Musings.
Until next month, take care and happy reading! 💙
