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The House of Marchesi by Patricia M. Muhammad

By Fiction Hideaway Curator

In 18th century Milan, a duchessa is thrusted from her horse and into the estate of another esteemed member of the king’s court. Lilliana is unable to remember her accident or her identity. Duca Emmanuele notices that Duchessa Rosetta is complacent about their daughter’s absence from the House of Montanari. During the duchessa’s convalescence, she and the duca grow in affection towards one another. The maidservant, Noemi of the House of Montanari silently volunteers to help locate and retrieve the missing duchessa. Noemi enlists the help of her fellow maidservant, Gabriella. Noemi leaves the House of Montanari and encounters a proud vendor of pomegranates. He speaks of a tale of a fallen maiden taken into the care of a duca. He guides her to the House of Marchesi. The duchessa finally recalls her father’s identity. The duchessa wishes to learn more of the duca. He introduces her to various quarters of the Marchesi mansion. The king and queen gather evidence and secure it in the royal vault. Alessandro proposes to her. Lilliana accepts. The Crown decides to proceed with the planned royal ball. All of the esteemed of the Milanese king’s court are to attend.. The night of the royal grand affair arrives. Servants of the Houses of Montanari and Marchesi enter with the assistance of a royal servant. In separate royal chambers, the king and queen officiate Duca Alessandro and Duchessa Lilliana’s nuptials. Duca Emmanuele is right to be concerned for his daughter, for someone has conspired a dastardly plan against the duchessa, but who? The king and queen have the answer and reveals it before the entire king’s court.

Targeted Age Group:: 15+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I have always wished to visit Italy. Aside from its rich architecture and preserved waterways, I wanted to infuse a bit of humour in the next historical romance novel I would write. The romance between the duca and duchessa and sweet and evolves naturally despite the initial circumstance in which they meet. The humour from the other side adds the balance.

I also understood that as the story developed that the servants of the esteemed houses would have pivotal roles in ensuring that the duca and duchessa are safe, wed and are secure in the future they already knew they would have with one another.


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Stolen Grace by Patricia M. Muhammad

By Fiction Hideaway Curator

Stolen Grace is a historical romance story based in 18th century Versailles, France.  The reader will follow Penelope Moreau, a Creole courtier on her quest to exonerate her brother, Armand and clear her family’s name.  The only clue she has is a paper given to her containing one clue “Phillipe J.” She believes it is he who connived the royal theft and once proven, would refute Armand’s alleged complicity in the crime. Pierre LeMercier is also an aristocrat of the king’s court and is fascinated by Penelope’s beauty and intrigued by her feigned lack of interest in him.  Though she is resistant to his charms, she does allow for Pierre to become her suitor.  Pierre vows, as well as Count Alexandre Montegeau a friend of Penelope and Armand’s parents, to help with her investigation.  Count Montegeau is murdered while in the peculiar company of mademoiselle Charlotte of whom Armand has only met once. Guinevere debuts as a lady in waiting accompanied by Pierre and Penelope as they arrive at the masquerade ball at the king’s court. Charlotte is jealous of Armand and François’ relationship and confronts François. While outside Château Versailles, Armand is struck in the foot with an arrow from a longbow. Penelope wonders if they will find the evidence in time. All evidence points to the royal palace. Pierre knows that he and Penelope cannot have the life they wish for until the crime is solved. But who is the culprit and will they be caught in time?

Targeted Age Group:: 15+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I had visited Paris, France briefly on one occasion. I only spent several hours there while I was traveling to Spain. I only saw a glimmer of the Eiffel Tower in the early morning hours and most of the museums had yet to open. Even still I was able to see some of the historic architecture there. Yet, I chose Versailles, France as the setting for this novel as I imagined what it would be like in the 18th century in this less popular city. Still, I incorporated Paris into the storyline, only after a little research of its significance in developing "news".


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Hidden Valor by Patricia M. Muhammad

By Fiction Hideaway Curator

Duchess Arabella leaves the House of Wellington for the king’s court without notice or permission of her mother and father. Two murders occur in the royal palace. Duke Everett is accused amongst the courtiers. He pursues the duchess to take her hand in marriage. The Crown sequesters all of the king’s court to the royal grounds. The duke and duchess fall in love and are the first to be exonerated. They leave for the House of Carrington, only for the Crown to summon Duke Everett to serve as advisor. A third murder happens. The primary witness is Duke Everett’s unknown cousin. The duke seeks to advise the crown to finally resolve all the murders so that he and Arabella may be free to wed and remain as honourable members of the king’s court.

Targeted Age Group:: 14+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I was inclined to do another historical romance novel. In the beginning, I typically chose European cities not popular in the genre, however, I had visited London, England twice and thought now was the time to choose the historical location as the backdrop to the story.


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Love Captured by Patricia M. Muhammad

By Fiction Hideaway Curator

It is the 18th century. Emmeline’s mother dies after leaving her a clue about her possible future based on her biracial heritage. Emmeline abandons the wealthy estate in North Carolina. She stows away on a cargo brig set for England. A seaman, William escorts her to the shantytown of 18th century Liverpool. A rebellious aristocrat ventures to the unsavory neighborhood. He attempts to befriend her. She initially refuses. Emmeline seeks assistance from a benevolent society. After initial reluctance, Emmeline courts the marquis who eventually announces their engagement. His mother plots with Lady Edna to be rid of Emmeline. Emmeline still attempts to reveal the secret of her heritage while the marquis still seeks her hand in marriage.

Targeted Age Group:: 15+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I would say my previous research as an academic into the history of the slave trade and localized slavery within the American colonies. It is my first historical romance and since slavery was concentrated in the American South, I naturally chose North Carolina as a starting point. As an aside my own heritage is linked to this colony as well.


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Ardor’s Prestige by Patricia M. Muhammad

By Fiction Hideaway Curator

Duchessa Anastasia sneaks away from the family mansion at night in 18th Century Venezia during Carnevale. Giorgio, her cavalier servente, has feelings for her. Anastasia accepts the esteemed courtier, Leandro’s marriage proposal though he fails to disclose an important detail about himself. The royal guards seize Giorgio at the d’Alessi manor. The Crown accuses Giorgio of treason. Capriana, a servant, knows how Giorgio was framed. A conspirator intends to murder her. Anastasia and Leandro investigate Giorgio’s allegations before they are wed. The duchessa is surprised as to whom it leads.

Targeted Age Group:: 15+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I have a fascination with Italy. This was my first historical romance novel to take place in the city-states and I have always inclined towards the 18th century. I looked at old 18th century paintings and frescoes to have an idea of the environment. The characters however developed organically–and so did the story.


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