Bookish Tuesday in Budapest

by Marion Ueckermann

I'm so excited to let you know about my latest release. A Time to Love is Book 2 in my Under the Sun ~ Seasons of Change series. The story of Jordan and Melanie will take you from the east coast of South Africa to the intriguing streets of Budapest, Hungary. 

Here's what some readers have to say about their journey through the pages of A Time to Love...

A Time to Love is a beautifully written novel featuring doctor Melanie and journalist Jordan, a winsome couple with issues to work through and thought-provoking problems to solve. On their journey, the majestic city of Budapest takes center stage, making me long to travel to this foreign land featuring rich history and wonders galore. What struck me the most as I raced through this delightful book was the masterful craftsmanship of an author who knows how to make the scenes so vivid—it was as if I was watching the story unfold from around the corner. As always, I will read this one again and again, and eagerly await Ms. Ueckermann’s next offering. ~ Jan Elder, Author of the Moose Creek Series

Not only have I learned from these wonderful tidbits of history that Marion Ueckermann has included in A Time to Love, but she has woven the story so well, that I feel like I have actually visited Budapest, have tasted the food, and have seen the sites. This is a very touching story of failure, fears, forgiveness, and finding faith and trust when we don’t understand the bad things happening around us. ~ Becky Smith

Another delightful read from this author. I loved catching back up with the characters from A Time to Laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed following Melanie and Jordan's story in this book, and Marion had me feeling like I was walking the streets of Budapest with them. Thanks to Marion for another wonderful book. ~ Ann Lacy Ellison

Everyday life for Dr. Melanie Kerr had consisted of happy deliveries and bundles of joy…until her worst nightmare became reality. The first deaths in her OR during an emergency C-section. Both mother and child, one month before Christmas. About to perform her first Caesarean since the tragedy, Melanie loses her nerve and flees the OR. She packs her bags and catches a flight to Budapest. Perhaps time spent in the city her lost patient hailed from, can help her find the healing and peace she desperately needs to be a good doctor again.

Since the filming of Jordan’s Journeys’ hit TV serial “Life Begins at Sixty” ended earlier in the year, journalist and TV host Jordan Stanson has gone from one assignment to the next. But before he can take a break, he has a final episode to film—“Zac’s First Christmas”. Not only is he looking forward to relaxing at his parents’ seaside home, he can’t wait to see his godchild, Zac, the baby born to the aging Dunhams. His boss, however, has squeezed in another documentary for him to complete before Christmas—uncovering the tragedy surrounding the doctor the country came to love on his show, the beautiful Dr. Kerr.

In order to chronicle her journey through grief and failure, Jordan has no choice but to get close to this woman. Something he has both tried and failed at in the past. He hopes through this assignment, he’ll be able to help her realize the tragedy wasn’t her fault. But even in a city so far away from home, work once again becomes the major catalyst to hinder romance between Jordan and Melanie.

That, and a thing called honesty.

Here are some of the places Jordan and Melanie visited during their time in Budapest. I've included a small excerpt from the book beneath the photo:

Shoes on the Danube -
One of the first sights Melanie stumbles upon.
You'll have to read the story to see how this affects her.

Curious, Melanie uploaded the photo to Google images. Without waiting to look at the webpage options, she strolled past the long line of shoes, mesmerized, and examined every one. Some had flowers placed inside of them—fresh and dried blooms resting against the heels. Beside others, remnants of candles, wax melted into the pavement.

Heroes' Square -
Melanie has an emotional, life changing moment here.

Tiny clouds of vapor escaped from Jordan’s mouth along with his chuckle, and Melanie wondered at their wisdom to see Heroes Square this early in the morning. But Jordan had suggested the gray light of dawn would provide them with awesome photos of the iconic statue complex with its seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders. Hopefully he was right. 

Christmas Market -
Jordan and Melanie shopped, shopped, shopped in this fascinating place.

After stopping to buy a cup of hot mulled wine, they were soon caught up in the bustle of people and attractive wooden huts filled with all kinds of Christmas goodies—from food and drinks, to trinkets, gifts, toys, and clothing. They strolled through the stalls, sipping on the spicy red wine.

Chimney Cakes - 
You'll find the recipe for this tasty treat at the back of my story.

Removing the first chimney cake, the man asked, “Cinnamon and sugar, vanilla, walnut, or chocolate and almond coating.”

St. Stephen's Basilica -
Yes, Jordan found it impressive, too.
Unfortunately, photos don't do this place justice.

They came to a stop outside the Roman Catholic basilica, named in honor of the first King of Hungary. She’d learnt that bit of info on her first visit there.

As they circled the building, her gaze flicked toward Jordan. She studied him as he drank in the height and breadth of the imposing structure. When they’d come full circle, his jaw dropped with wonder.

“Wow. That is amazing.”

Melanie snickered. “You think that’s amazing? Wait until you see inside. There are no words.”

Inside the Basilica -
Even more impressive than the outside!

She diverted her attention from Jordan to take in the awe-inspiring surroundings once again, starting with the patterned floor and moving up the marbled walls—columns and panels of dark gray and a color that wasn’t quite red or burnt umber.

The beautiful Danube River
along which Melanie and Jordan stroll.

They strolled down the promenade hugging the Danube River, admiring the white Christmas lights wrapped around trees and hanging from buildings. This was truly a city of lights. And statues.

You'll have to read the story to find out what happens
on this famous chain bridge with its lion statues.

The sight ahead bathed in an orange hue was quite something. Twin lion statues, illuminated in a soft uplight, greeted passersby seeking to cross the Danube via the enormous suspension bridge. In the distance, Buda Castle lit up the hill like a wildfire.

Love locks at Elisabeth Square. 
(The excerpt below is from the love locks found on the bridges.)

“Love locks,” Jordan explained. “Look, there’s another.” He pointed to a smaller lock at the bottom of the same light. He raised his head to gaze up ahead. “They’re actually all along the bridge, attached to the metal frames of the lights. People pledge their undying love as they fasten their lock to the bridge then throw the key into the river.”

I hope you enjoyed stopping by these fascinating places in Budapest. I've one last pic I need to share with you — the Snowflakes & Snuggles box set. You'll find A Time to Love in this wonderful offering of six heartwarming Christmas romances. Snowflakes & Snuggles releases on December 1st, but is available now on preorder. It's only at the incredibly low price of just $0.99c for December so be sure to get your copy now before the price rises.

This will be my last blog until next year so I'd like to wish you all a blessed Christmas and God's richest blessings for 2018.

MARION UECKERMANN's passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa, but with two gorgeous grandsons hanging their hats at the house next door, their empty nest's no longer so empty.

Visit Marion at www.marionueckermann.net

If you’d like to receive information on new releases, cover reveals, and writing news, please sign up for my newsletter: 

http://www.marionueckermann.net/subscribe/  

My novella, Spring’s Promise, will be sent free to new subscribers.