From Eden's Desk
Dearest Readers,
As I write to you from my sailboat, my floating home, I’m reminded how much life at sea shapes my stories—especially the pirate ones. Sailing from Maine to Panama, I’ve experienced places that whisper history and magic. One of my favorite memories is seeing Providencia, Colombia, for the first time—a perfect tropical island rising from turquoise water, its palm-crowned mountain everything I dreamed paradise could be. Moments like that often sail into my stories.
Speaking of stories, I’m so excited to share a few updates. Recently, I released Christmas at Caldwell House, a heartwarming holiday tale that lets us spend a little more time with the Caldwell family. This novella gave Sarah a chance to find balance between her past and the life she’s now embracing. It felt like visiting old friends during the holiday season, and I hope it brings you the same joy.
Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on Book 3 of Dance of the Damned. This story is about finally finding your place in the world, and I’m thrilled to guide these characters through the final leg of their journey. It’s bittersweet to bring the series to a close, but I can’t wait for you to see where their paths lead.
And yes, there’s more! I’m sketching out details for the next pirate adventure, and I can’t wait to dive back into the high seas with you. The pirate series is special to me—there’s something thrilling about crafting stories while anchored in the same waters where these tales might have unfolded. On top of that, I’m toying with an idea for a standalone novel. It’s set in the mid-90s, a time that feels like a homecoming for me.
Writing has always been a way to free the stories that have lived inside me for so long, stories that were sometimes dismissed as “too dramatic” or “just daydreams.” It feels like a blessing to share them with you now, to turn daydreams into worlds you can step into.
So, tell me—what stories are you dreaming about this season? Are there places or characters you hope I’ll revisit next? Your thoughts inspire me and keep me connected to the world I love building for you.
Wishing you fair winds and good reads,
Eden
Sales, Giveaways, and Book Lists
December Sapphic Romance KU/0.00/0.99
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Recent Release
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Christmas at Caldwell House
A year after finding love amidst the embers of war, Sarah returns to the icy streets of Philadelphia, where past shadows meet the warmth of new beginnings. Christmas at Caldwell House promises joy, but old wounds stir as Sarah faces an unexpected reunion with a figure from her past. Abigail's love shines steady, yet challenges loom—can their bond withstand the pull of history?
Step into a heartwarming tale of love, resilience, and a Christmas unlike any other. A Caldwell Christmas is a journey of second chances, rekindled friendships, and the enduring strength of chosen family.
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Women's History
The Emancipated Duel of 1892
Some stories in history straddle the line between fact and fiction, their details hazy but their impact undeniable. One such tale is the "Emancipated Duel," an alleged event that took place in August 1892 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. This duel, if it happened, was groundbreaking not just for its participants but for the cultural conversation it sparked.
The duel reportedly occurred between Princess Pauline Metternich and Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg over a disagreement about—of all things—flower arrangements for the Vienna Musical and Theatrical Exhibition. Unlike traditional duels of the time, this one was exceptional for several reasons:
- All participants were women: duelists, their seconds, and even the attending physician, Baroness Lubinska.
- A bold choice of attire: The duelists allegedly fought partially unclothed above the waist to prevent clothing from contaminating wounds—a recommendation made by the physician.
- The weapons of choice: They fought with rapiers to “first blood.” Princess Pauline reportedly received a cut on her nose, while Countess Anastasia was wounded in the arm.
After the duel, the seconds intervened, urging the women to reconcile, which they graciously did.
Fact or Fable?
Despite its captivating details, the historical accuracy of the "Emancipated Duel" is widely disputed. Princess Pauline herself denied the incident, calling it a "stupid and ridiculous canard invented by Italian newspapers." Still, the story spread, gathering embellishments with each retelling—women dueling topless with swords was too tantalizing an image to ignore.
Why It Matters
True or not, the story of the "Emancipated Duel" challenged Victorian notions of femininity and inspired discussions about female empowerment. Its influence rippled into popular culture, appearing in paintings, photographs, and even the term "emancipated duel" itself—a symbol of women stepping into spaces once dominated by men.
History is often a blend of what was and what we imagine might have been. Regardless of its authenticity, the "Emancipated Duel" continues to fascinate, reminding us of the stories that challenge norms and push boundaries.
Thank you for spending part of your day with me.
Eden
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