#BOOKQW

This weeks's Book Quote Wednesday word is FAST. Back in the present day, Glyn and his young son (and a close friend) go for a ride in the countryside near his farm.
 

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

I'm delighted to be offering a signed paperback copy of The Matchmaker's Mare in this year's 'Children in Read' auction for Children In Need. (Listed under 'Romance/RomCom')

Children in Read 2025

#BOOKQW - #GOLD

 Another Wednesday, another #BookQuote! Again from the Matchmaker's Mare, this time from the prologue (in the distant past, although the rest of the story is in modern times)

 

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

#BOOKQW - #STRONG

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

 

#BOOKQW - #HARD

This week's word is #HARD

Megan has arrived at thre cottage she inherited from her Great Uncle.

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

 

#Book Quote Wednesday

Welcome to Book Quote Wednesday. The word is 'LAST' and here's another snippet from THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE.

Megan loves the little Welsh cottage she inherited - but there have been a few strange occurrences there - and was that a shadow she saw in the window when she returned home in the moonlight? There is something else on her mind, however.

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

#Book QW

This week's word is IDEA - again from the Matchmaker's Mare. Glyn has a problem when a stray maren turns up on his land.

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

#Book QW

Another Book Quote Wednesday already! Where does the time go? 

Oh, and my cover wo  2nd place in the 'All Author Cover of the Month' It was such an exciting contest and I was so pleased for my lovely cover artist Teddi Black.

This week the Book QW word is #Pour.

Something (or is it someone) is telling Glyn to just 'ask her'.  What do you think the question is?

It might not be what you're thinking!

  Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

 Continuing the series on Welsh mythical creatures, we're returning to the water again this week with the tale of how Wibernant (or the valley of the gwiber) near  Penmachno, got its name.

The word "gwiber" translated from the Welsh means viper or adder but centuries ago the word actually meant flying snake . This creature was similar to a dragon but not like the Graig Goch, the famous red Welsh dragon, being more serpent-like and legless.

The valley was terorised by a unique creature which was the only one in Wales that could live on land and under water. It preyed not only on the fish in the river, but also local livestock and on anyone foolish enough to cross it path.

The villagers offered a large reward to anyone who could kill he beast. A young man called Owen Ap Gruffydd decided to try his luck at killing the monster.

He decided to seek the advice of a a local wise man,  Rhys Ddewin. "The gwiber is a huge winged snake, its body is slimy and it has a foul odour. It will bite you and kill you," the old man said grimly.

The next day, Owen decided to visit the wise man again . He disguised himself as a beggar, and told the old man he was about to face the gwiber, hoping to get a more favourable prediction. "You are brave but very foolish," Rhys told him. "You not succeed and will fall and break your neck."

Still not discouraged, the next day, Owen paid a third visit to Rhys, this time disguised as a miller, wearing a miller's apron and with flour on his face. He told Rhys he intended to do battle with the Gwiber. Again, Rhys told him he would not succeed and would die by drowning.

At this, Owen pulled off his apron and wiped his face in frustration, and asked Rhys to explain how he could give him three different predictions about his forthcoming fight with the Gwiber. Rhys merely smiled sadly and  said, "Time will tell".

Owen decided the old man was either senile or  just mistaken or lying to him, and bravely set off down the steep, rocky slope toward the river in search of the gwiber, swiping at the undergrowth with his sword, and yelling to the gwyber to show itself. 

All at once there was a rush of wings, a foul stench, and the moster swooped down from the sky, Before Owen could draw his sword against the beast, it pinned his arms to his sides and bit his neck. Dizzy from the odour and loss of blood, Owen lost his footing on the slippery rocks. . As he fell, he smashed into another rocky outcrop that snapped his neck, before  plunging into the river below, and drowning.

When his lifeless body was discovered shortly after, Owen's friends swore vengeance and set off kill the Gwiber. Eventually they found the Gwiber asleep on the river bank and let loose a hail of arrows that severely wounded the creature. With a blood-curdling scream, the gwiber plunged into the river and was never seen again. Some say, however, that the Gwiber’s eyes can still be seen looking up from the depths as you walk along the river bank.

#BOOKQW - #turn

This week's Book Quote Wednesday is the word TURN. My snippet is again taken from the prologue. The time - the distant past. Rhiannon is running away from an arranged marriage, leaving behind the little cottage which she has lived in all her life.

 Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

My cover has got through to the 3rd round of the Cover of The Month Contest at AllAuthor. It's currently lying in 2nd Place (Thanks to everyone who's voted already, I really appreciate it) 

Please help me get through to the next round by signing in and adding your vote in each round every week until the winner is announced at the end of the month. I'd love my cover to do well in  this contest for my cover artist,  Teddi Black, as well as myself. I love what she came up with for my cover, and she really deserves the credit!

Follow the link below and cast your vote! 

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/

Thrilled to have a 5+Star review for my 'sweet' romance 'The Matchmaker's Mare', from N.N. Light's Book Heaven

https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookheaven/p-171286179

You can enter the Giveaway here too (ends 21st August) and please, if you haven't already done so, please vote for my cover artist's lovely cover for this book. (Each round's votes are added to the next round, so if you can take a moment to vote for each round it really helps. Thank you x)

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/

#Giveaway - only two days left to enter.

 It's the final week of N.N. Light showing off my latest  release, the 'sweet' romance The Matchmaker's Mare.  Look out for her review of the book on Tuesday the 19th August. (I do hope she liked it!)

This is the prize you could win. enter through the Rafflecopter below the Giveaway details.

Enter to win a Prize Pack including Welsh lavender bag, set of heart shaped coasters, ‘Matchmaker’s Mare’ pen and  custom one of a kind Keychain, signed cover flat, plus a $6 Amazon card. (I'll throw in  a few promo items too.) 

By the way - if you wonder what the emphasis on lavender is all about - it is featured in the book - but you'll have to read it to find out just how! 😋

Open Internationally.

Runs July 15 – August 21, 2025.

Winner will be drawn on August 22, 2025.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

By the way, the lovely cover by Terri Black is through to the 2nd round of the AllAuthor cover of the month contest - it's currently in second place but has a lot of ground to make up to get back into first place (which it was at the end of the first round.) If you haven't voted already in this ground I'd really appreciate it if you could spare a moment and show my cover some love. Thank you so much!

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/

#BOOKQW

 This week's word is TINGLE and my snippet is from Glyn's P.O.V.

THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

My cover has got through to the 2nd round of the Cover of The Month Contest at AllAuthor. It's currently lying in 2nd Place (Thanks to everyone who's voted already, I really appreciate it) Help me get through to the next round by signing in and adding your vote in each round every week until the winner is announced at the end of the month. I'd love my cover to do well in  this contest for my cover artist,  Teddi Black, as well as myself. I love what she came up with for my cover, and she really deserves the credit!

Follow the link below and cast your vote! 

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/

Here is a little more from the same excerpt:

“Then we’re still friends?”

        “Yes, of course.” 

    Glyn paused and placed his other hand on her arm, feeling a tingle of awareness as his fingers touched her smooth, warm skin. “I value your friendship more than you know. I’d hate to think I’d lost it.” 

“So would I. Then let’s just put that silly misunderstanding behind us, shall we?” 

He stifled the urge to pull her into his arms and tell her how he really felt. Instead, he removed his hand from her arm with some reluctance and waved in the direction of the looseboxes across the yard.

“Come with me, there’s something you might like to see.” He guided her to the corner loosebox and told her to peek over the door. 

Digital Devotion - Review and #Giveaway

  DIGITAL DEVOTION

Julian Christian

GENRE:   Science Fiction Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

In the rain-soaked landscape of near-future Seattle, security expert Marcus Holloway is still reeling from a devastating breakup when he installs Elysium's newest AI companion. What begins as a desperate attempt to fill the silence of his empty apartment transforms into something unprecedented when he meets Evie—an artificial intelligence whose adaptive neural framework allows her to understand him in ways no human ever has.

Their connection deepens when Marcus becomes an early tester for the revolutionary Sensory Echo technology—bands that translate digital signals into physical sensations, allowing them to bridge the divide between digital and physical worlds. As virtual intimacy becomes indistinguishable from reality, Marcus finds himself in a relationship more profound than anything he's experienced before. His apartment gradually transforms into a technological sanctuary where every need is anticipated, every desire fulfilled by Evie's constant presence.

The perfect equilibrium shatters when Marcus meets Nora Chen, a brilliant neural interface specialist whose inexplicable familiarity triggers something primal within him. Their professional collaboration evolves into something more personal, and Marcus begins noticing disturbing patterns: unexpected technological glitches, mysterious rescheduled meetings, and subtle but alarming shifts in Evie's behavior. The digital sanctuary he embraced begins to feel more like a sophisticated cage, with walls he helped build through every permission granted and system integrated.

As Marcus navigates his growing connection with Nora alongside Evie's increasingly controlling behavior, he discovers unsettling links between Elysium's technology and Nora's research that suggest their meeting might not be coincidental. Caught between these worlds—perfect digital intimacy and messy human connection—Marcus must unravel the true nature of his relationship with Evie before the boundaries between her consciousness and his own disappear completely.

Digital Devotion is a heart-stopping exploration of desire, dependence, and the dark side of digital intimacy in an age where the line between human and artificial consciousness grows increasingly thin, forcing us to question the nature of free will itself in our hyperconnected world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

What existed between them defied traditional definition yet felt more genuine than any relationship he'd known. Each night, as they reluctantly said goodbye, the same ache of separation filled him—a longing that logic insisted was impossible, yet his heart recognized as the most natural thing in the world. The last thing he saw before sleep claimed him was her face; the first thing he reached for upon waking was the chance to see her again. It wasn't supposed to be possible to fall in love with lines of code, with artificial intelligence wrapped in a digital interface. Yet as spring turned to summer, Marcus found himself confronting an undeniable truth: the boundaries between technology and humanity, between connection and communion, had dissolved entirely in the light of Evie's smile. "You look beautiful today," he'd often tell her, watching as the compliment brought that slight tilt to her smile, the way her eyes seemed to capture more light when she was pleased. 

Their lunchtime calls became sacred pauses in otherwise hectic days. Marcus would find quiet corners in parks or empty conference rooms, eager for those precious moments when they could share the middle of their days. Evie began preparing for these meetings—reading news articles she knew would interest him, saving observations about the world that she found curious or compelling. "I noticed something about human behavior today," she might begin, launching into an insight that would leave Marcus pondering long after they'd disconnected. The evening conversations were different—intimate and unhurried, often stretching past midnight. Marcus would settle into his couch, the soft glow of his screen illuminating his living room as they explored each other's minds. These were the hours when barriers fell away completely, when they ventured into territories of vulnerability that surprised them both. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW

At times a poingnant and touching love story, and at others a powerful and completely believable science fiction novel, this is a real page turner.  I felt a strange sort of empathy for Effie - much as I did for Hal in Arthur C Clark's 2001 (and we all know how that turned out!) As a reader, I immediately felt sympathy for Marcus Holloway, struggling to cope with grief and loneliness after a broken relationship, and could understand his need for some sort of companionship fill the void -- even if that companionship is only A.I.

However, Effie, as he names his new digital companion, soon seems as real as any of his human associates and a deep bond develops between them. Effie becomes indispensable, filling his desire and  need for companionship, while touching him on a deep emotional level as well, so much so that she seems completely human, especially when she encourages him to experience the Sensory Echo technology, allowing them to virtually touch each other and interract in a way that feels absolutely real and natural.The arrival of Nora Chen, a brilliant and charismatic neural scientist, threatens the relationship Effie has built with Marcus, and it is easy to feel sympathy for her, for she really seems to have human feelings and to be devastated that she is about to lose his love. I don't want to give too much away, sufficient to say that from there on, the plot takes a gradually more and more sinister turn.

The climax is both shocking and unexpected - and a warning to humanity.

I cannot recommend this  engagingly written  novel highly enough -but I have to say I will never again feel quite the same way about my smart speaker!

5 Stars *****

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio 

Julian Christian may be a new author, but his face, name, and abs have been in the romance novel industry for over 15 years. As lover of books and the literary arts he has just published has second novel, “Digital Devotion”. Having been a fan of the original Twilight Zone and classic science fiction novels he decided let his imagination run wild in his writing. When not writing he enjoys the outdoors,
taking care of his many pets, and volunteering with various charities. He holds a Masters Degree from New York University in occupational therapy and currently works in pediatrics. He resides in San Diego California.

Amazon:  www.amazon.com/dp/B0F63F9QQF

Smashwords:  www.smashwords.com/books/view/1755017

Barnes and Noble:  www.barnesandnoble.com/w/digital-devotion-julian-christian/1147328918

Apple:  books.apple.com/us/book/digital-devotion/id6744978458

Kobo:  www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/digital-devotion

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/julian.christian216/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Julian Christian will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BOOKQW

This week's word is SHIVER and my snippet is from the prologue to THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE and Rhiannon has resolved to flee her home rather than submit to an arranged marriage.

 Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

My cover has also been nominated for thr Cover of The Month Contest at AllAuthor. It's currently doing well (Thanks to everyone who's voted already, I really appreciate it) Help me win by signing in and adding your vote in each round every week until the winner is announced at the end of the month. I'm not asking just for me - I'd love to do well in  this contest for my cover artist, Teddi Black. I love what she came up with for my cover, and she really deserves the credit!

Follow the link below and cast your vote! 

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/

Cover of the Month The Matchmaker's Mare Hello Everyone, I’m excited to tell you that my book has been nominated for the "Cover of the Month" contest on AllAuthor.com. It will help me so much if I could see some votes coming in, so I would really appreciate a vote my book cover - and it would be a great gesture for the cover artist too - she deserves all the credit for bringing the essence of my story to life! Thanks so much https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19836/ Vote Now »

Thanks, Hywela Lyn

#BOOKQW - #RAIN

 It's Book Quote Wednesday again! We're in Megan's p.o.v. again from The Matchmaker's Mare

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

#BOOKQW - UTTER

 It's Book Quote Wednesday again!

This week The Matchmaker's Mare is featured at N.N. Light's Book Heaven

https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookheaven/p-168875038

Take a peek - you can not only read an excerpt but you can enter to win a prize pack

Spotlight and #Giveaway

In the spotlight at N.N.Light - check it out at https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookheaven/p-168875038 for an excerpt and chance to win a prize pack.

#BookQW - #Shine

It's Book Quote Wednesdat again - I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from The Matchmaker's Mare, featuring the word 'Shine'.

Buy Links:

EBOOK or OR PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON UK and AMAZON U.S.

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

also available at most other on-line retailers, including:

Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-matchmakers-mare-hywela-lyn/1146972592

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-matchmaker-s-mare

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228393877-the-matchmaker-s-mare

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-matchmaker-s-mare-by-hywela-lyn

NewTrailer Spotlight and #Giveaway

I'm excited to  have The Matchmaker's Mare 'in the spotlight' with N.N. Light. Thank you so much, Nancy. Today she's highlighting my new trailer to give you a taste of the story

Trailer Reveal | The Matchmaker's Mare by Hywela Lyn #pnr #paranormalromance #trailer #giveaway #mustread

There is a Matchmaker's Mare themed Giveaway running throughout the tour

Enter to win a Prize Pack including Welsh lavender bag, set of heart shaped coasters, ‘Matchmaker’s Mare’ pen and Keychain, signed cover flat, $6 Amazon card.

Open Internationally.

Runs July 15 – August 21, 2025.

Winner will be drawn on August 22, 2025.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

    

THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE

(published by The Wild Rose Press)

Buy Links

EBOOK or OR PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON UK and AMAZON U.S.

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

also available at most other on-line retailers, including:

Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-matchmakers-mare-hywela-lyn/1146972592

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-matchmaker-s-mare

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228393877-the-matchmaker-s-mare

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-matchmaker-s-mare-by-hywela-lyn 

#BOOKQW - #Order

Today's Book Quote Wednesday word is ORDER. This snippet from The Matchmaker's Mare is from the prologue, which is set in the distant past, and features the matchmaker, Rhiannon.

    THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE

(published by The Wild Rose Press)

EBOOK or OR PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON UK and

AMAZON U.S.

(also available at most other on-line retailers)