FROM THE HEART WITH GINI RIFKIN: July 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Pearl S. Buck's romance novel.

Were you required, in school, to read "The Good Earth" by Pearl S Buck? It was the best selling novel in the United States in 1931/1932. I can't remember the details of the story, but even at my young age, I was impressed with the fact that Pearl S. Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.

All those years ago, it did not occur to me to researched what else she may have written. Now, just recently, I found out this prolific author wrote many novels revolving around love and marriage. Amongst her works, she wrote an historical romance called Death in the Castle.

This quintessential gothic romance, published in 1965, is true to the time period with a spooky castle, secret rooms, and an interloper American protagonist creating havoc in the British heroine's isolated lifestyle and castle.

There are hints at the unfairness of class distinction. But on the whole, the story is a sweet product of the time, wherein just a steadfast gaze, or hands accidently touching, can bring about an overwhelming physical reaction rendering clear logic impossible! The book has seen several covers, these were so representative of the time period.

Her first marriage was not successful, but did result in a child, Pearl Buck’s daughter, Carol (born 1920), suffered from phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disorder. She never failed her daughter, even when struggling to make ends meet.

After returning to the United States in 1935, she married her publisher Richard J. Walsh and continued writing prolifically. Born in West Virginia, in October 1892, Pearl's parents took their 4-month-old baby to China. Although she traveled back and forth between China and the USA, she spent the majority of her first 43 years overseas. The daughter of missionaries and later as a missionary herself, she worked to help others as she began her writing career as a means of support.

A prominent advocate and activist for women's rights and racial equality, she was particularly well known for her efforts on behalf of Asian and mixed-race adoption. She founded the first permanent foster home for US-born mixed-race children of Asian descent.

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, July 6, 2026

Christmas in July 99 Cent Sale

Cool off this summer with a classic Medieval romance.
Promise Me Christmas

will take your mind off the heat,

yet surely warm your heart and soul.

Colorado Authors' League finalist!

On sale now ONLY 99 CENTS

Available here

Watch Trailer

Review: Promise Me Christmas is a heartwarming story of love and honor and keeping one’s promise, all wrapped in a medieval adventure sprinkled with humor and sweet romantic moments.

Clip: Outnumbered, Guy and his soldiers fought with their hearts and souls as well as their swords as they defended the land and their families. By shear will, they drove the traitors and mercenaries back into the surrounding woods. And when the last of the villagers who’d come seeking protection flooded through the castle gate, Guy called for his men to also return to Darkenwald.

First to the battle line and last to retreat, Guy then ordered the portcullis to be lowered as he followed behind his men. In a hail of arrows and riding for all he was worth, he barely crossed the threshold as the obedient guardsmen in the tower sent the heavy iron grillwork crashing to the ground.

They were safe—safe and trapped inside.

Blurb:

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.