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Victoria Roberts | My Highland Spy
September 9, 2014
Out of all the places in the world to travel, Belgium had never come to mind.
Not for any particular reason, but I thought there were far more interesting
places to visit like Scotland, England, Ireland, and perhaps France and Italy.
Frankly, Belgium was never on my radar as a must-see. So when my sister asked me
to tag along with her on a business trip for my birthday, I thought what could
be better than spending an entire week in Europe with my sister? I was right.
Nothing could be better. When my sister and I left the Belgium airport, she warned me that the scenery
was very much like the PA Turnpike. She was pretty much right. There’s a farm.
There’s another farm. I think you get the picture. I started to think my week
was going to be very long. But as if the clouds parted and the sun decided to
make a grand entrance, we reached the city of Antwerpen. The first thing I noticed was the amazing architecture. There were quaint
cobblestone streets, men, women and children who rode bikes everywhere—churches,
cathedrals, markets, shops, I was never so happy to be in my element. I toured
structures that were centuries old, dined beside a castle and a cathedral,
walked in the footsteps of Napoleon, and saw breathtaking paintings from Rubens,
a Flemish Baroque painter (1577-1640.) According to legend, Antwerp got its name from a mythical beast named Antigoon
who lived near the Scheldt River. Antigoon supposedly charged a toll to those
who crossed the river. For those individuals who refused to pay Antigoon’s
price, the mythical creature severed one of their hands and tossed it into the
river. The giant was eventually slain by a young hero who cut off Antigoon’s own
hand and tossed it into the river. The name Antwerpen is Dutch from the term
hand werpen. Remnants of this tale can be seen throughout the city as
works of art, such as hand sculptures, hand jewelry, and hand chocolates. Oh
yes, Belgium is definitely for chocolate, diamonds, and fashion lovers. My sister and I stayed extremely close to the Cathedral of Our Lady. Where the
cathedral now stands, there was a very small chapel called Our Lady from the
9th to the 12th century. The gothic Cathedral of Our Lady
is Roman Catholic and construction actually started in 1352. Celtic influences
could be seen throughout the building, and I literally lost myself in the
history of this cathedral for over three hours. The architecture was so detailed
and exquisite. Stained glass windows depicted many different scenes, and there
were so many to see. Frankly, I didn’t want to miss a thing. Worshipers could
find sanctuary in one of the many private chapels within the cathedral as the
candlelight reflected from the golden altars. I walked over the catacombs of men
who lived centuries ago. History bled from the walls and more of Ruben’s
glorious paintings hung from them. The Belgium people were as charming as their city. Although the primary language
was Flemish and Dutch, most of the Belgium people spoke English and French. They
were always willing to talk about their country, and they were all so proud. I am so proud to say that I should never assume anything. Antwerp is definitely
a must-see for any lover of history, culture or tradition. Have you ever been overseas? If so, where have you been? Sourcebooks will give
away one paperback copy of My Highland Spy (US and Canada only, please.) “An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master “Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with
unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs
readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the
depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.” —RT Book Reviews This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the
English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a
liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he
lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess
to appear on his doorstep. But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to
uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English
governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird
Sutherland, a suspected conspirator. If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her
heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the
woman he loves in an English spy? Purchase MY
HIGHLAND SPY at Amazon,
Barnes and Noble, Indigo, Books-a-Million, Indiebound, and Victoria's website.
Comments
26 comments posted.
Re: Victoria Roberts | My Highland Spy
I love this cover! Great giveaway and I'd LOVE to read this book! It's on my list.
(Bonnie Capuano 9:29am September 9, 2014)
I would love to read this book, highlanders have taken over the romance reads, I am so glad I started reading these. I think everyone should try reading a highlander book and see how great they are.
(Donna Killian 9:50am September 9, 2014)
I have never been fortunate enough to go overseas, but my
Father served part of his time in the service in Belgium
during WWII. One of the coins that he gave me as a souvenir
was from there. Unfortunately, before he passed away
suddenly just a short time ago, he never spoke about what
happened, so I have no History about what happened while he
was there. I wish he would have told me, because we were so
close, but it must have been too painful for him. I'm
looking forward to reading your book. It will be a type of
connection to him, in a weird sort of way. I'm so glad that
you enjoyed your trip!! It sounds heavenly!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:55am September 9, 2014)
Oh I never been on another continent, but I want to go so
badly! Scotland and Ireland are on the top of my list. I'm
terrified of going somewhere that doesn't speak English, but
after reading this, maybe I'll give it a try sometime. I
really want to go to those places that have a very big
history. Sounds like you had an amazing experience! I can't
even imagine being in a place that old. It is interesting just
to think of how many people must have been there over all
these years.
(Heather Machel 2:31pm September 9, 2014)
Thanks for the chance to win. I've been to Italy, France, England, Norway and I feel like I'm forgetting something...
(Sally Hannoush 4:31pm September 9, 2014)
No, never overseas...I've been to Hawaii, Victoria Canada and the Caribbean but never "across the
pond" to Europe. Someday I hope to see the great cathedrals and castles and Scotland...Best wishes
with your release! The cover is awesome, thank you Sourcebooks!
(Lenna Hendershott 6:39pm September 9, 2014)
I have only been to Jamica, Mexico and the Cayman Islands. I would love to travel more. My oldest has been living in Germany for the past two years and has been to twenty different countries.
(Phyllis Lamken 7:13pm September 9, 2014)
The only place I have travelled to was the Caribbean... have not been overseas yet.
(Colleen Conklin 7:20pm September 9, 2014)
I would love to travel more and Scotland is the top of my
list. However until my children are a little older the only
way i can travel is through.books like yours.
(Rachel Collings 9:10pm September 9, 2014)
I've been to Scotland and Spain.
(Janie McGaugh 10:56pm September 9, 2014)
Hi Victoria! I have never been overseas. I would love to visit Scotland, Italy, France, England, and many other places. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Cathy Phillips 11:31pm September 9, 2014)
I wouldn't call it overseas, but I did win a trip to Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was my first time to fly, first time to be on a beach and swim in the sea. Such a grand adventure. It just happened to be our 15th wedding anniversary too. Would love to read this book. Highlanders have such spirit.
(Brenda Rumsey 10:18am September 10, 2014)
Love the cover and cant wait to read this one
(Julie Parrish 12:29pm September 10, 2014)
I've not read any of your books so would like a chance to do so. Your story
sounds like one I would enjoy.Yes, when I was in college years ago I went on a
study trip to Europe and really enjoyed it. Would love to go back again.
(Jackie Wisherd 1:29pm September 10, 2014)
I've been to Japan
(Angela Daffern 4:23pm September 10, 2014)
My husband and I were able to visit London, UK and Germany when our daughter spent a semester of college overseas. If not for that, we most likely would not have gone. Never miss an opportunity like this! And, by the way, I would love to read My Highland Spy-can't get enough of romantic suspense novels set in Scotland.
(Lynne Mauro 9:16pm September 10, 2014)
I've been to Jamaica, Dublin, London and Italy.
(Karin Anderson 11:00pm September 10, 2014)
Like you I would love to go to Europe and visit just about
most of it. However, Belgium is on my list to visit. I
have only been in the us and one trip (via work) to Mexico
but did get to the Bahamas. My only bucket list is to go
from one end of Europe to the other and Australia.
(Tina Ullrich 1:40am September 11, 2014)
I have never been overseas
(Susan Clickner 8:57am September 11, 2014)
I have been to Scotland, Ireland, Amsterstam, Russia and
Canada but I would love to travel more that is for sure.
(Denise Austin 1:45pm September 11, 2014)
Such a fun era and backdrop for a book! LOVE!
(Michelle Brown 6:13pm September 11, 2014)
I liked the hand trivia. I've never left the US. I've never even gone to
Canada or Mexico.
(Laura Gullickson 8:31pm September 11, 2014)
I used to travel almost every year - my first trip overseas
was to Ireland, my last was to Italy.
(Diane Sallans 8:34pm September 11, 2014)
I love the cover and the book sounds great. Thanks for the
awesome giveaway!
(Sarah Bauman 10:18pm September 11, 2014)
would love to read this
(Peggy Quidor 10:19pm September 11, 2014)
Japan and the Caribbean! Japan to visit a son studying there (and to see what we could in three weeks - and there's so much more to see!), and St. Kitts just because (and it was lovely and unspoiled). Same son is now in China, and we'll have to visit him there.
(Beth Fuller 10:59pm September 11, 2014)
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