Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
Between 1 and 25 December enjoy on my blog, all free on this page, my Christmas gift: an Advent Calendar of riddles leading you to Romanian winter legends, first snow songs, and recipes to a seasonal dish to feast on! May your Christmas be Merry and your winter full of peace!
Continue reading “Your Christmas Gift, an Unique Advent Calendar of Romanian Winter Legends, Snow Songs & Feast”
Every year, on the first morning of December, when villages wake under frost and the rooftops shine like glass, I find myself thinking back to a moment when Romania reinvented itself.
A little more than a century ago, in 1918, a handful of historic provinces decided they wished to speak with one voice. Their choice reshaped a country, Romania, but also the map of Eastern Europe and the future of millions.
Most people know December 1 as Romania’s National Day. Fewer know the story behind it; it is one of war, collapse, hope, but mostly of the determined will of ordinary people.
Continue reading “Celebrating 1 December, Romania’s Day”
High in the Orăștie Mountains, where the beech forests stand in quiet ranks and the old Dacian fortresses watch over the ridges, a forester once stumbled upon a glimmer of ancient sovereignty. He had been walking a lonely path between two villages when he noticed something strange at the roots of two immense beeches—trees so old their crowns interlaced like clasped hands. When he brushed aside the soil, gold winked back at him. Gold no map ever mentioned.
Continue reading “The Gold Beneath the Beeches, a Dacian Treasure of King Koson”
When Emperor Trajan marched north to face the Dacians, it wasn’t just another Roman campaign. It was personal. The Dacians, led by their fierce king Decebalus, had grown too rich, too proud, and way too independent. For Rome, as a winning empire, Dacia was both an embarrassment and an obsession.
Continue reading “The River Treasure and One Map that Shouldn’t Exist”
I’m thrilled to say that wonderful Helen Hollick – bestselling author, historian, and tireless supporter of fellow writers – featured my new book series Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows with When Secrets Bloom as volume one, on her blog! Helen’s wevsite has long been a gathering place for readers and authors who love stories rooted in history, mystery, and imagination. Her generosity in championing new and established voices alike makes this feature especially meaningful.
You can read the full post on Helen’s blog here: Serious about a Series Spotlight: Today Patricia Furstenberg
Continue reading “Celebrating Storytellers: Helen Hollick Features When Secrets Bloom”