Autumn's Touch

Seasons of Fortitude #3

by Elizabeth Rose

On a trip back from Scotland, the ship that carries Lady Autumn is caught in a bad storm and is forced to dock. The dark and dreary Ravenscar Castle sits high atop the cliffs, ruled by the mighty and frightening warlord known only as Ravenscar. The Lord of Ravenscar is said to be a true beast, keeping children of war as servants, and kidnapping women to be his lovers.

Lord Benedict Grenfell grew up as an orphan of a nobleman, serving the feared Lord Ravenscar as captain of his guard. When his liege lord falls ill and dies, Benedict assumes the identity of Ravenscar, keeping the legend of the infamous man alive. But when he falls ill as well, he needs to find a healer who is willing to step foot inside Ravenscar Castle. He hears of a lady with a miraculous healing touch whose ship has docked on his shores. So he kidnaps Lady Autumn and brings her to his castle as his prisoner, forcing her to use her skills to help him. But Lady Autumn's Touch is much more than healing to his physical body. Her presence in his life starts to heal his soul as well.

A dark lord and a lady of light are brought together by force, but can the touch of love change the lives of a beauty who wants nothing to do with the scarred man who is said to be naught more than a beast?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Amazon, Fiction

335 pages, ebook

First published August 26, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.

Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:

Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest

RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude

Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets

International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude

Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme

Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights

Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales

Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown

Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

And More!

Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:

Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!

Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.

Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

Reviews

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read or listened to the previous books in this series but it didn't stop me fully enjoying this story about Lady Autumn. She is a healer but thanks to a bolt of lightning hitting her she has a healing ability that goes beyond just the herbs and potions of her time. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but events see her being forced into being a healer for Benedict the new Lord of Ravenscar. Once he has her in his castle he keeps her imprisoned there. His reasoning is practical but he also can admit if even only to himself that he finds Autumn to be a very attractive woman. She finds him attractive too but she could never give her heart to her captor, especially one as beastly as him. There, of course, is romance in this story, passion too, but as well as that there is murder, blackmail, backstabbing, and fighting. It's a perfect mix of all of those things, and with them a perfect mix of the emotions they make you feel. I laughed out loud at some things and cried a little at others. I was angry, I was amazed, I just felt so much during this story.

The narration by Brian J Gill was perfect. Every character he took on was clearly different from any other. For each of the characters, you would never have to wonder who it was who was speaking in the story because the voices were very individual and I adored his Scottish accent especially when it was spoken by a young boy in the story. I could really picture the scenes because of both the excellent writing of the story and Brian's portrayal of the characters.

I will admit that the first half of the story although interesting was a little slow-paced at times, but by the second half when everything got exciting I was hanging off every word and god forbid if anybody interrupted my listening time. I really enjoyed this story and intend to go back to read or listen to the previous books in the series. I am intrigued to hear Autumn's sisters' stories.

I am very happy to recommend this book, its author and its wonderful narrator.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back from Scotland Lady Autumn is on a ship that is caught in a feirce storm and forced to dock at Ravenscar Castle. Ravenscar Castle sits high up on the cliffs ruled by a frightening lord only known as Ravenscar. He is said to be a beast who keeps the children of war as his servants, and kidnapping women to be his lovers. Lord Benedict Grenfell grew up as the orphan of a nobleman who served the feared Lord Ravenscar as captain of his guard. When his liege Lord falls ill and dies, Benedict assumes the identity of Ravenscar, keeping the legend of the original Ravenscar alive. He then falls ill himself needing a healer who will come to Ravenscar although none will. While ill he hears of the ship that's docked and that it carries a healer with a miraculous touch so he has Lady Autumn kidnapped and brought to the castle as his prisoner, forcing her to use her skills to help him, but her touch is so much more then just healing his body. Her presence starts to heal him and his soul as well. Will Autumn and Benedict fall in love and will Autumn be able to tame the beast that is always lurking below the surface in Benedict? Is there a happily ever after for Autumn and her healing touch? I really enjoyed this fast paced action book. Elizabeth Rose is an incredibly talented writter who knows what she's doing. I would recommend this book to anyone as it was great. Ms. Rose knows how to grab her audience and reel them in. It was the last thing I put down at night and the first thing I ran to read in the morning. That's how much I loved it.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn's Touch (Seasons of Fortitude Series Book 3)

The love story of Autumn and Benedict. After a storm, Autumn has the healing touch when the nun find out, she is ask to lever the hospital. On her way from her brother's home she is kidnap by Benedict's man to help save him. After she save him he will not let her go. Will she find love or freedom? Great story.

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book the most and overall this series is just cheesy, overdone, and poorly written.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn's Touch is a story of healing of the body and the spirit. Lady Autumn is a healer but an unexpected happening has increased her healing just by her touch. While on a trip back to Scotland, her ship is forced to dock at Ravenscar Castle, home of the beastly Lord Ravenscar. Lord Benedict Grenfell, has taken over Ravenscar, after the death of the true liege lord and now rules over the castle. Becoming ill, he fears, from the same illness that infected the old lord, his men bring Autumn to him forcing her to heal him. Benedict has been under the influence of the old lord for so long, he has become bitter and uncaring. But with Autumn's touch his life begins to change. Elizabeth Rose weaves her magic and brings the story alive with hope and love that cannot be denied. This was the first book in this series I have read and can be a stand alone story. But I intend to start at the beginning and read through all the stories. You will love this book!!

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS

I've read the previous 2 books in the series, they are stand alone stories.

When you don't feel a connection to the h/H until the very end, it's hard to finish, but I did.

The ending saved it from 2 stars, barely. The H acted like he had a split personality. First he would be kind and listen to the h, next he was yelling and screaming.

I am wishy washy on whether I liked the h. She has just turned 17 and for her to ask the H to teach her about some parts of lovemaking, turned me off. There is a few times where there is everything but the actual act, prior to marriage. They get married, have sex and it wasn't filled with passion at all, because they didn't seem like a couple. Heat level 3-3.5 out of 5.

There is some suspense and violence. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance and some steam. I'm going into the blurb as many have explained it. Just some facets you may find interesting. (ljb)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn's Touch by Elizabeth Rose is yet another reason why I love this amazing author. While, book 3, it can be read as a stand alone. This is an amazing series!
Autumn is my favorite, I think. She is such a caring person. Ms. Rose did an excellent job of describing the caring arts of old, and the toil it could take on a healer. Benedict has secrets, he has become bitter and uncaring, due to his true liege's influences, who has recently died.
This is one of those stories that lingers long after the last sentence. Can a lady of lightness tame the beast of darkness?

Fast paced, well written, with an engaging cast of characters and a plot that is intriguing and captivating. I enjoyed learning more of Autumn's story, her caring ways and gentle touch makes her beautiful inside and out. Benedict, while living a life of lies, and deceit finds his courage and his redemption. I always love A visit her Autumn's family. *Wink*
A tale of love, healing, redemption, romance and finding a HEA. Compellingly Powerful! A must read for fans of romance, strength, courage and destiny.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

[Mary King · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this series and this book did not let me down, it was hard to put down, the characters in this book came to life inside the pages of this book and was easy to place myself in the pages also. I love a story about a strong women and a guy that's hard core fall for love. in need of her magic but then her love what will happen between Lady Autumn and Lord Benedict Grenfell. If you want to know what happens then you will have to read the book. I don't read and tell all. I won't take the surprise from the readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but i enjoyed it so much i bought it also, so i could have it on my kindle to reread again when i leave the computer.

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all four books in this series, but not in order. I recommend reading them in order as there are things that make more sense that way. This is the story of four Scottish sisters who experience more of life than most noble ladies do of their day. One gets abducted as a baby and becomes an amazing warrior. One has a fascination and gift for blacksmithing. One has a healing gift that is enhanced by being struck by lightning. One volunteers to be the bride to fulfill a family alliance and is terribly abused. Their three brothers are actually their cousins, the sisters' mother's twin sister's triplets by King Edward while his mistress. The characters are great. The plots are great. The writing is great. I want to get into some of Ms. Rose's other series. Recommended.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn's Story.
Autumn is a gifted healer and after being struck by lightning is able to channel energy to speed up healing. This gift makes her both feared and a prize for any warlord. Autumn is abducted by the men of the feared Lord Ravenscar and held prisoner by him but as the days go by she finds that the "Beast" has a softer side. Can she turn him from the dark and make him a leader to be admired rather than feared? A good book which I had trouble putting down even to sleep!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Autumn has been living with the nuns at Mablethorpe as a healer. It was what she always wanted to do, but lately she has been restless. A miraculous event during a thunderstorm will force her to change her life.
Sir Benedict Grenfell is the captain of the guard at Ravenscar . A place with an evil reputation. The Lord has frightened away nearly everyone, but now he is dying.
Our heroine should have been more careful of what she wished for. Our hero has to think about who he really wants to be.
A lovely medieval adventure that is part of a series but easily read on it's own. The insights into the healing arts of the time are fascinating. I loved it.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing touch

Autumn has been trained as a healer. A shipwreck brought her to Benedict aka Lord Ravenscar! The old Lord Ravenscar was a mass murderer and even killed innocent woman and children! Benedict has taken his place but changes from mean to menace not sure who all his enemies are but to keep the respect of his men! Autumn is loving and caring and has taken several orphans under her wing! Things are tumultuous at the castle and Benedict is heading to a path of destruction! Can Autumn heal his heart and stop the bitterness from seeping into Benedict's heart? Can love heal his body and heart?

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Ms Rose. I received it as an ARC and was very impressed. I enjoyed the story line, of a man flooded with darkness and an innocence woman filled with light. I found that it wasn’t a heavy book to read but one I found hard to put down. Ms Rose developed the all characters well and you couldn’t help but feel for them. Not just the main ones but the various others through out the story. I would definitely suggest reading it even though it is part of a series,it can be read alone but more enjoyable if you have read the first ones.

[SHERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn’s Touch was a surprise

After she has lived in a nunnery for 4 yrs, she wants adventure.
Autumn has been gifted with a healing touch after the tree she is touching gets struck by lightning. She makes the trip to her brother’s castle to help his wife deliver their twins. On a ship back, they are forced to dock at the castle of a beast of a man. She is kidnapped when the lord of the castle needs a healer and she is held prisoner.
Will she ever make it back to her regular life or will she remain a prisoner?
Another A+ story by Elizabeth Rose!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listing to this book. The narrator was excellent. Lady Autumn is on her way back home, when her ship must seek shelter in a storm. They must stop at Ravenscar Castle. No one goes there. Everyone is afraid of the Lord, he is considered a beast. Little does she know the old Lord has died and a new Lord, Benedict has taken his place. Autumn has been struck by lightning and now has a healing power. She will need it to survive. Follow their struggles. Can she trust him and can he open his heart. This was the third book in the series. I will now go back to read the other two.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another entertaining story

Benedict - a recent Lord Ravenscar and has the same rash and fever the previous one died from. Needs a healer but no one dares come to the beast castle
Autumn- a healer working with nuns under Nairnie's care.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story that is fantastically written with unforgettable characters (Nairnie being one of my favorites) . This story has action, adventure, healing physically and emotionally and I also enjoyed reading or catching up on the 3 brothers and their families. Their story has a sweet HEA.

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

This was a delightful Beauty and the Beast type romance with a surly hero and a caring and loving heroine who helped change him for the better. Autumn was a sweet woman who had the healing touch and Benedict was a hardened warrior who had been under the influence of an evil Lord since he was a boy but Autumn's love brought out the caring man who was hidden away. Memorable story with wonderful characters and one I am not soon to forget.

[Susan Harrowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Ms. Rose!!

The third sister in the Seasons of Fortitude series is every bit as smart, strong, and courageous as the first two. She will capture your attention and hold it as you get caught up in her tale of meeting and taming the Beast of Ravenscar. It won't be an easy path and there are many obstacles in the way. Plus, the brothers make an appearance.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story line, a good take off on The Beauty and The Beast. I liked the mystery of the illness and the mentions of the uses of herbs and plants throughout the book. The hero was very conflicted and was difficult to like at times and the heroine seemed very naive, but it all comes together to make an enchanting romance.

I was given an ARC to read and give an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced story with plenty of action and intrigue. Autumn is a strong but kind character with a healthy curiosity. Benedict is quite complex, given his background, this isn't surprising. There is also news about Autumn's brothers. Also, a surprise in the story which has quite an effect on Benedict. This is a really entertaining read and will keep you reading until the end.

[Barbara Vasconcellos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, fast moving, had many twists and turns.

I've read both 1 and 2 already and they were great. This on is the best so far. I think that Elizabeth Rose is the best adult book author that If ever read. She keeps both her characters and her readers wanting more with our sounding like they are being dirty. Excellent!.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Autumn's Touch: Seasons of Fortitude Series, Book 3" by Elizabeth Rose is the 3rd sister book. Autumn knows which herbs to use, and seems to have the powers of healing. This story moves at a fast pace, and I got the book on Audio, but I loved reading it myself. There is a lot to this story...most of which should be read instead of being told what is going to happen.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Season of healing and Love

Wonderful story, great characters,
And one of my favorite story lines
Putting a delightful twist on Beauty and the beast. Autumn and Benedict
Were enemies, when she healed him with her touch, lots of laughter and smiles coming from this story, and
Love.
Thank you❤

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third daughter named Autumn is a healer that was struck by lightning and is blessed with the healing touch. In a twist of fate she lands on an island ruled by Lord Ravenscar who is a Beast! A retelling of the old Beauty and the Beast tale with many twists and turns. I won't say it was a fun tale but it was an interesting one. No spoilers!

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benedict and Autumn

Well written and an exceptional story. Benedict kidnaps Autumn from a ship to treat him for an illness and then keeps her prisoner as his healer. Benedict acts like a beast AutUmn fines his softer side , they get married and have their HEA would highly recommend.

[Danny Alderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn's Touch

Autumn loves to help heal injured people. When Autumn is struck by lightening, she somehow receives the power to lay her hands on people for a miraculous healing. Benedict is hiding a dangerous secret. He and Autumn units to find the most powerful miracle of all...love!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

This a new writer for me nd I am so glad I found this book. It I great. The characters come alive and work well together. She makes you see the time and place. An adventure and a love story with heart. I will Elizabeth Rose a favorite and look for the other books in this enchanting medieval time.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Love this series. This story was very heartwarming and full of twists and turns. I have Winter's story on pre-order and can't wait. It will be sad the series will be finished. I have read the Bastards series as well. I give every book 5 stars.

[Loretta T. Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyment

I have read the previous books an each one brought enjoyment and we'll written pleasure. This book proved a good story an pleasure as well. Please read all of the stories as the have been written. Enjiy.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

From the first page, this book moves at a brisk and adventure-filled pace.

Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.