FROM THE HEART WITH GINI RIFKIN: December 2025

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Mistletoe

Associate with love ,we generally think of it as a

Victorian Christmas tradition.

But the plant has a long history of symbolic importance. First as a sacred plant of fertility and protection for Celtic Druids. Later, it became a peace symbol in Norse mythology. The use of it medicinally is effected depending on the species of mistletoe and the part of the plant used. As a poison, the side effects can be significant, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, itchy skin, headache, and fatigue.

Mistletoe on an apple tree.

However, the seemingly innocent plant can also damage others. While healthy trees can tolerate a light infection, heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth, dieback, and eventual death. So our love plant can also be deadly.

Mistletoe vs Holly: Because the plant was associated with pagan practices, early Christian churches banned its use. Instead of mistletoe, the church encouraged their followers to use holly. Which is supposedly how holly became associated with Christmas,

Kissing under mistletoe gained popularity in the 1700's. But going back even farther, one popular myth involves the Norse goddess Frigg, who is said to have declared that anyone who passed beneath the mistletoe deserved a kiss. I leaned toward the older beliefs about mistletoe's connection to love and fertility when I used the trope in my Medieval story, Promise Me Christmas. A great Christmas Eve read.

From Promise Me Christmas: "When they passed the lone apple tree near the sally port, Guy smiled, and reached up and snagged a handful of greenery growing in the branches."

Available here
Book Trailer Promise Me Christmas

National Excellence In Story Telling

Colorado Authors' League Finalist

My Stories:

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate*Special Delivery.

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart *Promise Me Christmas.

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream

Romantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence

Blog www.ginirifkin.blogspot.com

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Monday, December 15, 2025

Promise Me Christmas is at Still Moments Magazine

Monday Mood - Promise Me Christmas

Are you in the mood for a medieval Christmas where love must battle the storm? As war closes in on Darkenwald Castle, one woman’s holiday wish becomes a fight for her family’s future. We recommend, Promise me Christmas by Gini Rifkin, which received a five star review from Still Moments Magazine.

Book Title: Promise Me Christmas

Release Date: 2023

Teaser: “I approve of your bold attire, my lady. Such beauty warms more than the cockles of this weary warrior’s heart.”

Their castle under siege, their passion denied at every turn, will they survive to celebrate Yule together?

The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle.

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety.

Author Bio. Gini Rifkin writes stories of romance and adventure. Her settings include the American West, Medieval England, Victorian England, and Contemporary thriller and fantasy. When not reading or writing, she has the privilege of caring for a menagerie of abandoned animals including ducks, goats, donkeys, and cats. Among other honors, she has received two Excellence in Writing awards from The Colorado Author’s League, and The Beverley Award from Romance Writers of the Rockies, and two National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) awards. When not reading or writing, she is trying to master the art of processing, spinning, and weaving various fleeces taking it from lamb to loom. Her writing keeps her hungry to learn new things, and she considers family and friends her most treasured of gifts.