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Below the Salt #5
Winter Sage
She healed his body. Now he wants to heal her heart.
The English Lord:
On his return trip from the borderlands, Lord Robin Blake sees bandits attacking a young woman in the snow. He comes to her aid and fights off the ruffians, but not before he is wounded. To make matters worse, he is thrown from his horse and breaks through the ice. From underwater, he sees the silhouette of an angel in a flurry of snow. It is the woman he's helped, now coming to assist him.
She tells him her name is Sage and takes him to a nearby monastery where she works as a healer. Her expertise at healing doesn't go unnoticed, but Robin also sees something else. Sage is not only heartbroken about something, but also shaken, and frightened for her life. He decides she is hiding at the monastery, staying there for sanctuary from whoever it is who wants to hurt or kill her. It is close to Christmas and Connor decides he'd like to take her back to the castle for the holiday to spend time with her and to protect her while he tries to learn her secret.
The Healer:
Sage Hillock is the town's herbalist. Since the death of her parents, she has been raising her younger siblings by herself but has become worried about their safety. She uses the garden at the monastery to do her healings, but her home is only a small, unprotected hut made of wattle and daub. A noble she's tried to heal recently has died and now someone is trying to kill her in revenge.
When a handsome lord comes to her rescue and is injured because of her, she wants nothing more than to heal him, hoping he will not die too. The man is kind and she feels comfortable and safe around him. So when he offers to take her back to the castle for Christmas, she accepts, knowing her siblings will be protected there. Life has been rough and this is exactly what her family needs since it was on Christmas that they lost their parents, making this the hardest time of year. Sage accepts the knight's noble invitation, not telling him until afterwards that her siblings will be traveling with them.
Love has no bounds but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
The English Lord:
On his return trip from the borderlands, Lord Robin Blake sees bandits attacking a young woman in the snow. He comes to her aid and fights off the ruffians, but not before he is wounded. To make matters worse, he is thrown from his horse and breaks through the ice. From underwater, he sees the silhouette of an angel in a flurry of snow. It is the woman he's helped, now coming to assist him.
She tells him her name is Sage and takes him to a nearby monastery where she works as a healer. Her expertise at healing doesn't go unnoticed, but Robin also sees something else. Sage is not only heartbroken about something, but also shaken, and frightened for her life. He decides she is hiding at the monastery, staying there for sanctuary from whoever it is who wants to hurt or kill her. It is close to Christmas and Connor decides he'd like to take her back to the castle for the holiday to spend time with her and to protect her while he tries to learn her secret.
The Healer:
Sage Hillock is the town's herbalist. Since the death of her parents, she has been raising her younger siblings by herself but has become worried about their safety. She uses the garden at the monastery to do her healings, but her home is only a small, unprotected hut made of wattle and daub. A noble she's tried to heal recently has died and now someone is trying to kill her in revenge.
When a handsome lord comes to her rescue and is injured because of her, she wants nothing more than to heal him, hoping he will not die too. The man is kind and she feels comfortable and safe around him. So when he offers to take her back to the castle for Christmas, she accepts, knowing her siblings will be protected there. Life has been rough and this is exactly what her family needs since it was on Christmas that they lost their parents, making this the hardest time of year. Sage accepts the knight's noble invitation, not telling him until afterwards that her siblings will be traveling with them.
Love has no bounds but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2023
65 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rose
296 books1,287 followersElizabeth 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 15, 2024
Winter Sage. My fellow readers. Robin and his merry men, along with Sage and her trickster siblings has enchanted me with an enjoyable Christmas story. It’s a Christmas story that I believe that you will enjoy just as much as I have. I instantly love the family comrade that Robin and his many family members open the scene of the story with. Gathered around one another at the local pub, drinking their grandfather’s special homemade Mountain Magic. The winter months must be long and very cold among the family clansman to have such a long lineage of family members. These scenes were perfect for me for they gave me the opportunity to get a peek into each family as to becoming familiarized with the family. Whew! I tell you it was a mind twister to remember what cousin is related to whom.
The story picks up where Robin and Sage meet. That was certainly a most exciting meeting between the two. Although I found it to be the most thrilling part of the story. During this scene the intensity of the action was a wide eyed, jaw dropping moment for me. I could easily visualize the ice cracking all around them.
Don’t even get me started with the fire. I thought at that point it was all over for Sage. Writing in Sage’s beautiful family I thought was the most sweetest and honest part of the book. Noel could still your heart just from the narration of his actions. Having Griffin as his first mate made it even better.
Sage is correct Oscar needs to have a limit of no homemade Mountain Magic. How many times did the consumption of this drink counteracted chaos in the castle? Enough if Martine had anything to say about it. Robin and Sage needed to escape from their crazy family and that psychotic, nit wit Lady Jocasta. That child had my eye twitching.
My kids knows what it means when my eye starts to twitching. They quickly shut their mouths and leave the room. Lady Jocasta was not taught that concept. With all this Robin and Sage found a way to escape into each other’s arms. And wasn’t that a little scandal all in its own.
The two took the term playing doctor to a whole other level. These scenes were a little steamy. In all I liked the characters. I believe that each character in there own offered the story some exciting and memorable parts of the book. Sage and Robin are the two whom I thought grew more from the start of the book. I loved the joy and comfort from the story and the characters.
I give this book two snaps and a, “Gar and Rook! Stop making Oscar chug your grandfathers homemade Mountain Magic. Robin grab Griffin. He’s licking up their spills.” Until ext time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story picks up where Robin and Sage meet. That was certainly a most exciting meeting between the two. Although I found it to be the most thrilling part of the story. During this scene the intensity of the action was a wide eyed, jaw dropping moment for me. I could easily visualize the ice cracking all around them.
Don’t even get me started with the fire. I thought at that point it was all over for Sage. Writing in Sage’s beautiful family I thought was the most sweetest and honest part of the book. Noel could still your heart just from the narration of his actions. Having Griffin as his first mate made it even better.
Sage is correct Oscar needs to have a limit of no homemade Mountain Magic. How many times did the consumption of this drink counteracted chaos in the castle? Enough if Martine had anything to say about it. Robin and Sage needed to escape from their crazy family and that psychotic, nit wit Lady Jocasta. That child had my eye twitching.
My kids knows what it means when my eye starts to twitching. They quickly shut their mouths and leave the room. Lady Jocasta was not taught that concept. With all this Robin and Sage found a way to escape into each other’s arms. And wasn’t that a little scandal all in its own.
The two took the term playing doctor to a whole other level. These scenes were a little steamy. In all I liked the characters. I believe that each character in there own offered the story some exciting and memorable parts of the book. Sage and Robin are the two whom I thought grew more from the start of the book. I loved the joy and comfort from the story and the characters.
I give this book two snaps and a, “Gar and Rook! Stop making Oscar chug your grandfathers homemade Mountain Magic. Robin grab Griffin. He’s licking up their spills.” Until ext time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
The Magic Of Love
Winter Sage Book 5 in Below The Salt Series Elizabeth Rose tells us another tale of a Noble fighting his feelings for a Commoner. Not only does this Lord have to fight his Heart he has to give up his Dream ! Is Love worth Everything ? The story is Enchanting with the Knight in Shining Armor effect. The Healer and her innocuousness brings out her strengths, character,vulnerability, and makes her more endearing. There is also a mystery about who is trying to kill her ? Also the adorable siblings , cute dog, and all wrapped around the Yule Time Festivities !
Lord Robin Blake the Lord of Shrewsbury Castle was given this title with the command by the King that he would marry a Noble Lady . It was his dream to have his own Castle. No one in his family so far as followed through with marrying a Noble. He felt guilty not to do so.
Sage Hillock was a Healer. With her parents gone she was responsible for her siblings. With two brothers and a sister to raise and feed. They were very poor and just getting buy. When all things suddenly turned dire ! With somebody trying to kill her and her family she needed to keep her secret and run and hide.
Sage and Robin meet when she is attacked and he saves her life. That is where tale begins. There is a lot of saving and rescuing. The big Mystery of the Secret and who murdered the Lord ? Also can Robin give up everything for Love ?
What a Wonderful Storyline. Two people coming together unexpectedly that changed there path ! Nothing says it better than Love !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Winter Sage Book 5 in Below The Salt Series Elizabeth Rose tells us another tale of a Noble fighting his feelings for a Commoner. Not only does this Lord have to fight his Heart he has to give up his Dream ! Is Love worth Everything ? The story is Enchanting with the Knight in Shining Armor effect. The Healer and her innocuousness brings out her strengths, character,vulnerability, and makes her more endearing. There is also a mystery about who is trying to kill her ? Also the adorable siblings , cute dog, and all wrapped around the Yule Time Festivities !
Lord Robin Blake the Lord of Shrewsbury Castle was given this title with the command by the King that he would marry a Noble Lady . It was his dream to have his own Castle. No one in his family so far as followed through with marrying a Noble. He felt guilty not to do so.
Sage Hillock was a Healer. With her parents gone she was responsible for her siblings. With two brothers and a sister to raise and feed. They were very poor and just getting buy. When all things suddenly turned dire ! With somebody trying to kill her and her family she needed to keep her secret and run and hide.
Sage and Robin meet when she is attacked and he saves her life. That is where tale begins. There is a lot of saving and rescuing. The big Mystery of the Secret and who murdered the Lord ? Also can Robin give up everything for Love ?
What a Wonderful Storyline. Two people coming together unexpectedly that changed there path ! Nothing says it better than Love !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2023
Healers, Curse, Commoners and Nobles:
An interesting series of commoners and nobles co-mingling makes this series quite unusual.
I love a story about a healer and Sage is center stage of this book.
Then there is the handsome Robin, one of the most frustrating nobles who has just inherited a castle. This has been his longtime dream, but it comes with restrictions and sometimes he acts like such a Dunderhead.
This couple takes us through a mess of longing and confusion and for heaven's sake falling in love with a commoner seems like the worst thing in the world that can happen. Well, not really. There is a mystery that takes a bit of Mountain Magic to solve the who done it ending.
The characters were enjoyable along with all of the humorous banter between family and friends. It's always good to read of past characters that have been throughout the series.
Special mention goes to Griffin the dog. He made this story very enjoyable.
Excellent cover that gives you a good insight as to what these characters personify.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
An interesting series of commoners and nobles co-mingling makes this series quite unusual.
I love a story about a healer and Sage is center stage of this book.
Then there is the handsome Robin, one of the most frustrating nobles who has just inherited a castle. This has been his longtime dream, but it comes with restrictions and sometimes he acts like such a Dunderhead.
This couple takes us through a mess of longing and confusion and for heaven's sake falling in love with a commoner seems like the worst thing in the world that can happen. Well, not really. There is a mystery that takes a bit of Mountain Magic to solve the who done it ending.
The characters were enjoyable along with all of the humorous banter between family and friends. It's always good to read of past characters that have been throughout the series.
Special mention goes to Griffin the dog. He made this story very enjoyable.
Excellent cover that gives you a good insight as to what these characters personify.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
November 23, 2023
This novel highlights the foolishness of many noblemen who let titles and entitlement go to their heads. Lord Robin is one of them. This story follows Sage and her siblings who are targeted by nobility for being accused of murder. While being accosted by mercenaries, Sage is rescued by Robin and she in turn rescues him from drowning. Sage is courageous, generous and loving and in contrast, Robin is arrogant, shallow, immature, and haughty. I was thoroughly disgusted with his character and couldn’t fathom why Sage fell in love with him. The author does a good job of distracting us from his idiocy with humor and silliness from his cousins and sister. The most entertaining part was Robin’s older brother, Oscar’s commanding nobility to do laughable things since he became Lord of Misrule. Solving the mystery of the murdered noble, love potions, and the cursed Shrewsbury castle couldn’t come soon enough. Oh yeah, and my favorite character was Griffin, the stray hound. 🐺 Overall, this was just cute story. 😜
I have received and ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
I have received and ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
November 22, 2023
Sage is a healer. When a nobleman in her care died, she was falsely accused of murdering him. This was the beginning of her troubles. Robin has just become Lord Shrewsbury. One of the conditions of his title is that he marry a noble woman. Traveling to his castle, he came upon Sage being attacked. Events lead him to take her and her siblings to his castle. There is an attraction between them, but they know nothing can come from it. Can it? It wouldn’t be the first time a noble and a commoner fell in love and wed. Robin was to find a wife during the Christmastide celebration. Who will he choose? That wasn’t the only excitement before the celebration. When Sage is arrested for murder, Robin is determined to solve the mystery, find the real murderer, and save the woman he loves. Will he succeed? Another exciting adventure with a most wonderful family whose members don’t always follow the rules. They are good at happy endings in spite of, or because of it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.
November 21, 2023
At his core, Lord Robin Blake is a protector and when he realizes that Sage is afraid for her life, he decides to bring her to his castle. Little does he know this also means protecting her siblings, and his heart. Sage is a healer who has been wrongly accused of killing a nobleman. So, when Lord Blake offers his protection, she accepts in order to keep her family safe.
As the story unfolds, Robin and Sage find themselves attracted to each other but they both try fighting it. For Robin, part of the requirement of being named Lord of the Castle Shrewsbury is that he is to marry a noblewoman. For Sage, she is a commoner who has no business being with a noble. However, the more they spend time together, the harder it is to fight the attraction. And when Sage is publicly accused of murder, Robin must decide which is more important - following his heart and determining whether Sage is innocent, or remaining Lord of Shrewbury.
As the story unfolds, Robin and Sage find themselves attracted to each other but they both try fighting it. For Robin, part of the requirement of being named Lord of the Castle Shrewsbury is that he is to marry a noblewoman. For Sage, she is a commoner who has no business being with a noble. However, the more they spend time together, the harder it is to fight the attraction. And when Sage is publicly accused of murder, Robin must decide which is more important - following his heart and determining whether Sage is innocent, or remaining Lord of Shrewbury.
November 18, 2023
Sage is in deep trouble, a noble she treated has died and now she is accused of murder. When the opportunity arises to live within the protection of castle walls she grabs at it, without telling the knight of her troubles, nor that she is bringing along her three orphaned siblings. It doesn’t take long for Sage and Robin to develop feelings for each other but Robin is under orders from the King to marry a noblewoman or he will lose his castle. When he hears the accusations against Sage he is torn between his head and his heart. Sage’s life hangs in the balance….
A good story, with interfering family members. Be sure to read if following this Below the Salt series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A good story, with interfering family members. Be sure to read if following this Below the Salt series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 27, 2024
What an enjoyable read! Winter Sage brings characters who found a place in your heart from other series are back so you get to catch up with those who found a special place in your heart. It's a rollercoaster ride that brims with tension building twists and turns, trials and tribulations, danger, with devious secrets that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. Elizabeth Rose weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of strong emotions, uncertainties, family dynamics, and angst. It's a well-written romance with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, heartfelt dialogue, and with one fantastic plot that bring this read together perfectly
November 11, 2023
I KNOW BELOW THE SALT IS THE NAME OF THE SERIES, BUT ITS IN THIS STORY SO MANY TIMES I ALMOST GAGGED. ITS A GOOD PLOT WITH POTENTIALLY GREAT CHARACTERS. IT JUST FELL SHORT FOR ME. SIR ROBIN IS AN IDIOT WHO FEELS THAT JUST BECAUSE HE’S A NOBLE, HE SHOULD GET WHAT OR WHOMEVER HE WANTS. HE CAN’T EVENSEE IT WHEN ITS RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. SAGE IS A LOVELY SWEET AND INNOCENT GIRL, BUT BELOW THE SALT. THERE ARE SOME INTERESTING TWISTS TO THE STORY AND I LOVED GRIFFIN AND LITTLE NOEL THEY MADE THE STORY ENJOYABLE AND A 3 1/2 STARS. I MAY TRY ELIZABETH ROSE AGAIN BUT NOT THIS SERIES.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2025
4 STARS MEDIEVAL ROMANCE DRAMA
Book 5 I give 4 STARS for this different & interesting storyline in this Series: Below the Salt plus a BLURB is provided. Good characters with some from other E. R. Series & prior books in this one.
I only gave 4 STARS because I was irritated with Sage & some of her actions. She kept telling Robin she was common & him noble that I found to be overly cocky for a woman in her position.
Poor Lord Robin he wasn't understanding his full role as Lord of the Castle and his caring for Sage & her siblings.
Fast paced & lots of action grab a copy & read.
RECOMMENDED
Book 5 I give 4 STARS for this different & interesting storyline in this Series: Below the Salt plus a BLURB is provided. Good characters with some from other E. R. Series & prior books in this one.
I only gave 4 STARS because I was irritated with Sage & some of her actions. She kept telling Robin she was common & him noble that I found to be overly cocky for a woman in her position.
Poor Lord Robin he wasn't understanding his full role as Lord of the Castle and his caring for Sage & her siblings.
Fast paced & lots of action grab a copy & read.
RECOMMENDED
November 23, 2023
I really liked Sage, a healer caring for her siblings. Robin took some time to warm up to. He was so full of himself. He couldn't seem to say the right things to Sage and he was too worried about being above the salt. Sage charms everyone at his castle including Robin. But he insists he must marry a noble. When things turn deadly for Sage, Robin must make a decision. Love or duty.
February 13, 2024
So many anachronisms! DEFINITELY NOT accurate historical fiction. Ridiculous, distracting names and how many times does the phrase "below the salt" really need to be used!?! This is basically a modern love story with no sense of reality to the times it's set in. Very disappointing.
February 25, 2024
a wonderful love
Robin and Sage are a great couple. Robin tries to save sage from three men and sage ends up saving Robin. They fall in love and have many things that keep them apart but their love wins out. I’m
Robin and Sage are a great couple. Robin tries to save sage from three men and sage ends up saving Robin. They fall in love and have many things that keep them apart but their love wins out. I’m
November 23, 2023
Good
I thought it started up rather slow....but it gained a lot of momentum. I love this author and her stories
I thought it started up rather slow....but it gained a lot of momentum. I love this author and her stories
November 24, 2023
Great Love Story
I have enjoyed this book. It seems that some people were born to be mean. Sage was innocent of all the things she was accused of and Robin finally saw the light.
I have enjoyed this book. It seems that some people were born to be mean. Sage was innocent of all the things she was accused of and Robin finally saw the light.
November 28, 2023
These Below the Salt books by Elizabeth Rose are all uniquely wonderful. Sage is a healer and a spitfire defender of her siblings. Robin is a young man who has been recently given the responsibility of running his own castle. From their first interaction sparks fly. One of the best characters you will meet in the story is the dog Griffin. Then there are the cousins who will not fail to make you laugh on multiple occasions. Each turn of the page reveal more interesting pieces of the story. We watch Sage and Robin discover who they are meant to be as they fall in love with each other. This is another great book to add to yourself which you will enjoy greatly.
February 8, 2024
Josefina , a young widow, is determined to take over her late husband’s shipping company.
She hires Lord Gar to captain her ship up the coast to trade shows to sell her wares.
At first they do not see eye to eye on TV everything.
Gar does not enjoy taking orders from Josefina , who constantly reminds him that it is her ship.
After spending time together they soon develop an attraction to one another. Will they act on it.
She hires Lord Gar to captain her ship up the coast to trade shows to sell her wares.
At first they do not see eye to eye on TV everything.
Gar does not enjoy taking orders from Josefina , who constantly reminds him that it is her ship.
After spending time together they soon develop an attraction to one another. Will they act on it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews