Rhodes Island, Greece: A Pinch of Rhodes Town History

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The Dark Castle Lords Newsletter

May 2007

Welcome to May's edition

In this months issue:

1. Castle of the Month – A Short History - Gyula Castle, Hungary

2. Book Review - Castle in Spain by Sheryl from Sensual.Ecataromance.com

3. Travel Tips - Harbour Island Bahamas - Best Kept Secret By Perry Joseph

4. Author Profile – Kate Hofman

5. News from the Romance Industry – RWA^® Announces 2007 RITA Finalists

6. Readers Corner –

7. Next Months issue

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      1. Castle of the Month
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Gyula Castle, Hungary

This towered, Gothic castle built between 1403 and 1445 has the best-preserved Gothic keep and chapel in Hungary. The building complex includes the Castle Baths. Theatrical productions are staged here in summer.

The surviving round bastion (rondella) is part of the defensive mid section built around the inner castle. Next to this central section the more spacious hussar castle was built to accommodate the cavalry. It stretched all the way to the outside wall of the current Harruckern-Wenckheim-Almásy Mansion. Today, the hussar tower is attached to the mansion's north wing.

A stream of healing water surfaced near the mansion and the first swimming pools were opened on the former equestrian grounds. As a result the castle baths were built within the complex.

Built of fired bricks the inner castle is a gloomy structure measuring 60 by 27 metres with walls 14 metres high. Two gates afford access to the castle; on the southwest side the arched Kerecsény Gate opens onto the castle courtyard and a path leads steeply up to the other entrance at the 20 metre high gatetower on the long, southeastern side.

The reconstructed drawbridge in front of the tower leads across a deep moat to a smaller, arched entrance, that of the ground floor of the tower. A spiral staircase winds up to the roof from where a splendid view over the surroundings is afforded. In clear weather even the mountains near Arad and Oradea/Nagyvárad can be seen from here.

The courtyard is surrounded by two-storey buildings. On the ground floor there were workshops and storage units with residential space above. Next to the tower and behind deeply set Gothic windows is the chapel dedicated in 1445 across from which is the knights' hall. The rooms of the palace are enhanced by cross vaulted stone door frames, stone windows and corner fireplaces. The imposing facade on the northwest remains to be restored.

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            2.    Book Review
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Castle in Spain by Sheryl from Sensual.Ecataromance.com

Jennifer Miller is a research assistant and when she accepts the position of researcher for a Spanish Count she expects him to be an older man, not the young and very handsome man she finds herself introduced to. Conde Antonio de Ortega de Andrade y de Valdés is used to women wanting him for his money so when Jennifer acts like he is nothing special he is intrigued and attracted by her behavior. When he breaks off his engagement with his fiancée he knows it’s only a matter of time before the predatory women in his social class arrive at his castle so he asks Jennifer to act as his pretend fiancée. But what has started out as pretend is slowly turning into reality. Will they survive the greedy and manipulative scheming that is about to occur? Or will their budding romance be enough to keep them together?

A superb story of finding love unexpectedly, Castle In Spain by Kate Hofman is a true romance for lovers of the contemporary genre. Having recently discovered Ms. Hofman’s works I have loved what I have read so far and know that I will continue to. The hero and heroine in this book have that special quality, that spark that makes the reader fall in love with them. I loved Tony because he was unpretentious and down to earth, a man that hated self-importance and snobbish people, especially people that only saw him for his money. And Jennifer was just like him, wanting to find someone that could see her for who she really was, not her social standing. Reading about these two and their up and down relationship made me appreciate the people I have in my life and I’m sure if you read it too, it will leave you feeling the same. A great book and an absolutely fantastic story from an author who will leave you speechless.

Rating - 5 stars

Sensuality Rating - Sultry

Rating

5 stars- very rare, extraordinary read

4 stars- a keeper

3 stars- good read

2 stars- has several problems

1 stars- very poor read

Sensuality Rating

Sweet = pg romance without sexual scenes

Sensuous = romance with traditional non graphic sexual scenes

Sultry = romance with graphic sexual scenes

Sizzling = romance with graphic non-traditional sexual scenes i.e. bondage, ménage, m/m, f/f ect.

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                                                3.   Travel Tips
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Rhodes Island, Greece: A Pinch of Rhodes Town History

Harbour Island Bahamas - Best Kept Secret

By Perry Joseph

Promise not to tell? One of the best kept secrets of the Bahamas is Harbour Island. This romantic little island, known as "Briland" by its inhabitants, is a short hop from the States. A one hour flight from Florida to North Eleuthera followed by a brief cab and water taxi ride gets you to this Bahamas gem in a hurry.

Harbour Island is less than 4 miles long and a 1/2 mile wide. Its long wide beach is famous for its hard-packed pale pink sand. The likes of Fodors and Conde Nast rate it as one of the "best Bahamas beaches." The beach, combined with some great restaurants, hotels and vacation home rentals, makes Harbour Island a destination of choice amongst Bahamas enthusiasts. It's no surprise to find a few "rich and famous" there -- they know they won't be hounded.

Central to Harbour island is Dunmore Town. This quaint and friendly community features old Victorian structures adorned with Bahama's colorful pastel paint schemes. No high rise hotels, fast food or traffic jams on this island!

Golf cart rentals are the transportation of choice. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and just plain walking the beach are some of the popular activities. To be sure, Harbour Island is not known for its shopping and night life nor is there any gambling. If you seek large crowds, wild parties or theme park rides, this is not your destination.

Harbour Island's weather is delightful; especially during late Winter and Spring when there is little chance of rain. Ocean breezes take any edge off of moderately warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s during the day and late 60s at night. Air conditioning during season is unnecessary -- ceiling fans are adequate. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean through an open window.

Dining out is casual. The better restaurants include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands, The Landing, Rock House, Romora Bay Club and Harbour Lounge. For local fare, Ma Ruby's should not be missed. And there are more... Part of the pleasure of exploring the island is checking out the restaurants. When compared to other Bahamian islands, Harbour Island has one of the best selections of restaurants -- all within close proximity to any place you stay.

On the ocean side, hotels include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands Hotel and Dunmore Beach Club. On the bay side, it's The Landing Inn and the Rock House. On a budget? There are other hotels to choose from. Visiting Harbour Island is not cheap, but if it was, then everybody would be there, right?

Harbour Island's vacation home rentals and villas are numerous. Location and size come at a price. If you desire "beachfront", the better locations are usually on the north and south along the east coast. If you want to save a little, there are some nice rentals in Dunmore Town and others located in the interior of the island. The beach is always minutes away.

Look for home rentals on the internet offering more than a few photos so you know what to expect. A number of rentals are handled by rental or real estate agents who may not provide much in the way of details, descriptions, map locations or photos. Owners who care about promoting their home rental typically have independent web sites and accept e-mail inquiries directly.

The better house rentals on Harbour Island are booked nearly a year in advance of prime season. Those who want the best make early reservations -- many are repeat customers. You can also take a "standby" position on a number of rentals in hopes someone cancels. Ask for referrals and double check policies for deposits and refunds.

If you seek a memorable and relaxed Bahamas vacation coupled with sun, sea, great food and a romantic beachfront that will knock your eyes out, consider Harbour Island. See you on the beach!

Perry Joseph is a freelance writer, website developer and frequent visitor to the Bahamas. For more information on Harbour Island, visit his website: Harbour Island Bahamas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Joseph

http://EzineArticles.com/?Harbour-Island-Bahamas---Best-Kept-Secret&id=4800

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                                            4. Author Profile
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Kate Hofman

Born in The Netherlands, lived in London, England, since I was eighteen.

BFA – Art History, Major. Interior Design, Minor.

Moved to Montreal, Canada. (I figured I might as well be paid for being fluent in French).

Married Arnold Hofman, a truly fabulous man. Owned and operated an art gallery for twelve years. Widowed ten years ago by Arnold's untimely death.

Nina Bruhns urged me to write.

I did as I was told, and in the next 4½ years I wrote two dozen books. I figured that’s what it would take to learn to write. And I was wrong! But Rose Brungard took pity on me and gave unstintingly of her own expertise, sending long explanatory e-mails, which helped me a lot. I also owe my grateful thanks to Thea Devine, who taught me to play “What If” when the writer wonders where to take the story next. And more recently, I have been given generous help, advice and encouragement by Jennifer Mueller, whose books I love. She also designed the cover art for my first two books with Romance At Heart.

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                                 5. Romance Industry News
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RWA^® Announces 2007 RITA Finalists

(HOUSTON, TX) – Romance Writers of America® (RWA®), the 9,500 member professional association representing the largest fiction genre -- romance-fiction -- and its $1.2 billion industry, announces the finalists in its annual RITA® Award contest.

RWA’s RITA is the highest award of distinction and is the most sought-after award in romance publishing today. The 1,100 romance novels entered in this year’s contest have been narrowed down to nearly 100 finalists in 12 categories. These finalists advance to the next stage of competition where they will be judged by very discriminating judges – their fellow published authors. The judges now have the difficult task of critiquing and ranking these finalists to determine the final 12 winners.

The winners of the 12 RITA Awards will be revealed on July 14, 2007 at RWA’s 27th Annual National Conference in Dallas, TX.

2007 RITA for Best First Book Finalists

A Killing Tide by P.J. Alderman

Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell - (0505526964)

Alicia Condon, editor

Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers - (0764201085)

Karen Schurrer, editor

Adiós to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer

Pocket Books, MTV Books - (1416524738)

Lauren McKenna, editor

Spying in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

Dorchester Publishing, Making It - (0843957352)

Leah Hultenschmidt, editor

Blind-Date Marriage by Fiona Harper

Harlequin Mills & Boon, Romance - (9780263849417)

Kimberley Young, editor

Ten Thousand Charms by Allison Pittman

Random House, Waterbrook Multnomah - (1590525752)

Rod Morris, editor

Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready

Harlequin Enterprises, Luna - (373802586)

Stacy Boyd, editor

The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren

Ballantine - (345483081)

Charlotte Herscher, editor

2007 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists

The Kept Woman by Susan Donovan

St. Martin's Press - (0312939507)

Monique Patterson, editor

Ride a Painted Pony by Kathleen Eagle

Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA - (778323595)

Leslie Wainger, editor

Adiós to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer

Pocket Books, MTV Books - (1416524738)

Lauren McKenna, editor

Lucy Gets Her Life Back by Stef Ann Holm

Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA - (0778323447)

Valerie Gray, editor

Irresistible by Susan Mallery

Harlequin Enterprises, HQN - (3737711772)

Abby Zidle, editor

Heiress For Hire by Erin McCarthy

Berkley, Sensation - (0425207617)

Cindy Hwang, editor

Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway

Avon Books - (0061140201)

Lucia Macro, editor

Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis

Kensington Books, Brava - (0758211392)

Kate Duffy, editor

Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA - (0778323250)

Margaret Marbury, editor

2007 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance Finalists

Revealed by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers - (0764201093)

Karen Schurrer, editor

Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers - (0764201085)

Karen Schurrer, editor

Be My Neat-Heart by Judy Baer

Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (373873670)

Joan Marlowe Golan, editor

A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter

Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (0373873581)

Krista Stroever, editor

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist

Bethany House Publishers - (0764200739)

David Long and Julie Klassen, editors

Ten Thousand Charms by Allison Pittman

Random House, Waterbrook Multnomah - (1590525752)

Rod Morris, editor

My So-Called Love Life by Allie Pleiter

Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (9780373873852)

Krista Stroever, editor

Violette Between by Alison Strobel

Random House, Waterbrook Multnomah - (9781578567942)

Shannon Hill, editor

2007 RITA for Best Long Contemporary Romance Finalists

Enemy Husband by Nina Bruhns

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Intimate Moments - (0373274726)

Jessica Alvarez and Patience Smith, editors

Heat Of The Moment by Diana Duncan

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Intimate Moments - (0373275048)

Susan Litman, editor

The Mommy Quest by Lori Handeland

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (373713347)

Johanna Raisanen, editor

Under His Spell by Kristin Hardy

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - (0373280343)

Gail Chasan, editor

Make-Believe Cowboy by Terry McLaughlin

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (037371372X)

Laura Shin, editor

Up All Night by Joanne Rock

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Blaze - (373792441)

Wanda Ottewell, editor

Man With A Past by Kay Stockham

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (0373713479)

Johanna Raisanen, editor

Family First by Margaret Watson

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (373713371)

Victoria Curran, editor

2007 RITA for Best Long Historical Romance Finalists

Surrender by Pamela Clare

Dorchester Publishing, Leisure - (0843954884)

Alicia Condon, editor

Lady of Sin by Madeline Hunter

Bantam Dell - (553587315)

Shauna Summers, editor

The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney

Ballantine - (0345449185)

Charlotte Herscher, editor

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Avon Books - (0060531258)

Lyssa Keusch, editor

The Slightest Provocation by Pam Rosenthal

Signet, Eclipse - (451219473)

Laura Cifelli, editor

The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren

Ballantine - (345483081)

Charlotte Herscher, editor

2007 RITA for Best Romantic Novella Finalists

"Summer Breeze" in Come September by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Harlequin Enterprises, Signature Select - (0373837232)

Alethea Spiridon, editor

"Her Mad Grace" in Bad Boys Ahoy! by Sylvia Day

Kensington Books, Brava - (0758212518)

Kate Duffy, editor

"Somebody's Lover" in Somebody's Lover by Jasmine Haynes

Berkley, Sensation - (425209962)

Christine Zika, editor

"Reluctant Hero" in My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys by Lorraine Heath

Kensington Books - (758213018)

Audrey LeFehr, editor

"Ready & Willing" in The Boys Are Back in Town by Tanya Michaels

Harlequin Enterprises, Signature Select - (373837135)

Jennifer Green, editor

"An Affair to Remember" in And the Envelope, Please by Emilie Rose

Harlequin Enterprises, Signature Select - (373836937)

Tina Colombo, editor

"'Tis the Silly Season" in A NASCAR Holiday by Roxanne St.Claire

Harlequin Enterprises, HQN - (373771568)

Abby Zidle, editor

"You Can Count on Me" in I'll Be Home for Christmas by Roxanne St.Claire

Pocket Books - (074344227X)

Micki Nuding, editor

2007 RITA for Best Paranormal Romance Finalists

The Dream Thief by Shana Abe

Bantam Dell - (0553804936)

Shauna Summers, editor

His Mistress By Morning by Elizabeth Boyle

Avon Books, Treasure - (60784024)

Lyssa Keusch, editor

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

Pocket Books, Star - (1416509879)

Lauren McKenna, editor

Eye of Heaven by Marjorie M. Liu

Dorchester Publishing, Leisure - (0843957654)

Chris Keeslar, editor

Shadow Touch by Marjorie M. Liu

Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell - (0505526301)

Chris Keeslar, editor

Secrets of the Highwayman by Sara Mackenzie

Avon Books - (0060795522)

Erika Tsang, editor

Date Me, Baby, One More Time by Stephanie Rowe

Warner, Forever - (0446617660)

Melanie Murray, editor

Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Harlequin Enterprises, LUNA - (0373802498)

Mary-Theresa Hussey, editor

2007 RITA for Best Romantic Suspense Finalists

The Kill by Allison Brennan

Ballantine - (0345485238)

Charlotte Herscher, editor

Under The Wire by Cindy Gerard

St. Martin's Press - (031298104X)

Monique Patterson, editor

Relentless by Jo Leigh

Harlequin Enterprises, Blaze - (037379293X)

Birgit Davis-Todd, editor

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

Harlequin Enterprises, HQN - (037377141X)

Joan Marlowe Golan, editor

Quiet as the Grave by Kathleen O'Brien

Harlequin Enterprises, Signature Select - (373836953)

Laura Shin, editor

Tempting The Devil by Patricia Potter

Berkley, Sensation - (425212580)

Christine Zika, editor

Born in Death by J.D. Robb

Penguin Putnam - (0399153470)

Leslie Gelbman, editor

Blackout by Annie Solomon

Warner Books - (446616311)

Melanie Murray, editor

The Bachelor Trap by Elizabeth Thornton

Bantam Dell - (553587544)

Shauna Summers, editor

2007 RITA for Best Short Contemporary Romance Finalists

Rapid Fire by Jessica Andersen

Harlequin Enterprises, Intrigue - (0373229283)

Allison Lyons, editor

From the First by Jessica Bird

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - (0373247508)

Stacy Boyd, editor

The Lost Prince by Cindy Dees

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Intimate Moments/Romantic Suspense - (373275110)

Demetria Lucas, editor

The Perfect Boyfriend by Barbara Dunlop

Harlequin Mills & Boon, Modern Extra - (0263849899)

Kathryn Lye, editor

House of Midnight Fantasies by Kristi Gold

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Desire - (0373767285)

Patience Smith, editor

The Specialist by Rhonda Nelson

Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Blaze - (0373792816)

Brenda Chin, editor

Married in Haste by Christine Rimmer

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - (9780373247776)

Gail Chasan, editor

The Boss and Miss Baxter by Wendy Warren

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - (373247370)

Susan Litman, editor

2007 RITA for Best Short Historical Romance Finalists

The Barefoot Princess by Christina Dodd

Avon Books - (60561178)

Carrie Feron, editor

She's No Princess by Laura Lee Guhrke

Avon Books - (60774746)

Erika Tsang, editor

A Duke of Her Own by Lorraine Heath

Avon Books - (61129631)

Lucia Macro, editor

The Taming of the Duke by Eloisa James

Avon Books - (0060781580)

Lucia Macro, editor

Devil In Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Avon Books - (006056251X)

Lucia Macro, editor

Scandal In Spring by Lisa Kleypas

Avon Books - (60562536)

Lucia Macro, editor

The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn

Berkley, Jove - (515141704)

Christine Zika, editor

The Devil's Waltz by Anne Stuart

Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA - (0778322734)

Margaret Marbury, editor

2007 RITA Finalists for a Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

On Blue Falls Pond by Susan Crandall

Warner, Forever - (446616397)

Karen Kosztolnyik, editor

A Lady Raised High by Jennifer Ashley writing as Laurien Gardner

Berkley - (515140899)

Ginjer Buchanon, editor

Spying in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

Dorchester Publishing, Making It - (0843957352)

Leah Hultenschmidt, editor

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah

Ballantine - (0345467523)

Linda Marrow, editor

Her Perfect Life by Vicki Hinze

Harlequin Enterprises, Signature Select - (373836829)

Susan Litman, editor

California Demon by Julie Kenner

Berkley, Trade - (042521043x)

Ginjer Buchanon, editor

Dead End Dating by Kimberly Rae

Ballantine - (0345492161)

Charlotte Herscher, editor

Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready

Harlequin Enterprises, Luna - (373802586)

Stacy Boyd, editor

2007 RITA for Best Traditional Romance Finalists

A Woman Worth Loving by Jackie Braun

Harlequin Enterprises, Romance - (0373038976)

Stacy Boyd, editor

Claiming His Family by Barbara Hannay

Harlequin Mills & Boon, Romance - (373039077)

Kimberley Young, editor

Blind-Date Marriage by Fiona Harper

Harlequin Mills & Boon, Romance - (9780263849417)

Kimberley Young, editor

The Doctor's Proposal by Marion Lennox

Harlequin Enterprises, Romance - (373038968)

Sheila Hodgson, editor

The Surgeon's Family Miracle by Marion Lennox

Harlequin Mills & Boon, Medical Romance - (9780263852196)

Sheila Hodgson, editor

Domesticating Luc by Sandra Paul

Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romance - (0373198027)

Mary-Theresa Hussey, editor

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                                         6. Reader Corner
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                                          7. Next Months Issue
                                  *********************************

1. Castle of the Month – A Short History - Marvão castle, Portugal

2. Book Review - The Saxon Bride by Natasha Smith, Romance Junkies

3. Travel Tips - Avoid Stress When Planning For Family Vacations by Dan Ayala

4. Author Profile – Marianne LaCroix

5. News from the Romance Industry – Meet our Latest Dark Lord - Dominic Spinale

6. Readers Corner – Photos of Marvao castle by Jose Elias

We hope you have enjoyed reading May's edition and if you have any suggestions or comments about any part of the newsletter then please feel free to contact us.

Best Wishes

Stuart and Pam

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