Read Excerpts from Book 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Message for Minerva
by Jean Hart Stewart
Book NINE of the series, Garland of Druids
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Chapter One
        The old feeling of panic seized her and she determinedly beat it down. Ralph was gone. Forever. She had nothing more to fear. Besides, Triona had long ago placed a light protective shell around her, insuring that if anyone laid an inimical hand on her she and Aiden would know instantly. She resolutely squinted at the two small scraps she was stitching together and decided they’d do. She put them aside, straightened her back, flexed her fingers and went to answer the door.
         Minnie stared at the most appealing man she’d ever seen. Not too young, thank the angels. His dark hair had a few silver strands and white wings flared at his temples, only emphasizing his strong and definitely masculine features. Not too young but definitely too handsome.
         At least for the likes of her.
         She stood silently, waiting for him to speak. Doubtless he wanted directions or something innocuous. She sensed no menace in him at all, even as a tentative smile curved his chiseled lips.
         “I’ve come to see Mrs. Thomas. Might I come in?”
        By all the saints, this paragon had come to see her? His deep voice seemed a bit too much, on top of his appealing exterior. Didn’t he have any shortcomings at all?
         Stunned, she opened the door and invited him in. Afterwards she thought how much that simple act was for her. But she felt instinctively this god-like man would never hurt her.
         Gregory Maitland felt as if someone he couldn’t see had hit him on the head. He’d come to be polite, for heaven’s sakes. This slender, blonde-haired beauty couldn’t be Bertha’s friend, could she?
         He walked into the hall and waited for her to say she’d call Mrs. Thomas. She made no move to do so but instead motioned him to a chair and took one across the room from him. She smiled as she did so and unsettled him even more.
         “You can’t be Aiden’s mother,” he blurted. “You’re far too young.”
        She blushed like a young girl. “I’m forty-eight,” she confided.
         She looked almost frail and Greg felt protective instincts he’d not even known he possessed surge to the fore. Unfortunately, that wasn’t all surging. He crossed his legs, as confounded as he could remember. He was no randy youngster, for pity’s sakes. Even more pitiable, he’d only just met her.
         What the blazes was wrong with him?
         He stammered out his explanation for his visit.
         “My best friend married your best friend. Bertha wanted me to call and I’m so glad I did. I would have come anyway, as Bertha claims you’re responsible for the gorgeous designs of the quilts you made together. Dare I hope you’re continuing on your own?”
        Minnie felt even more at ease the minute he mentioned her beloved quilts. If there was any fast road to her heart it was admiration of her work.

All books in the Garland of Druids series
can be read as a stand alone book.