He folds me
into warm arms,
a safe place
that has been mine
for fifty-four years,
and will belong to me
for as long as we
both shall breathe.
He holds my hand
during long walks
through woods,
mountains or along seashores.
Over the years,
we have inhaled
sea air
pine scents,
camellias,
and fields of wild flowers,
beneath the sun, moon
and stardust
twinkling down on us.
I fit into the hollow
just beneath his chin,
the place
meant just for me.
–Toni Louise Diol
Cynthia Ripley Miller brings the past to life through her Long-Hair book series set in fifth century Rome. Miller holds two degrees and has taught history and English classes. Her third book “A Sword Among Ravens” was just published.
Why do you choose to write romantic historical novels?
Even as a teen, I was captivated by classic stories like Ivanhoe, Romeo and Juliet, The Count of Monte Cristo, War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice, and many more. I enjoy escaping into a world of adventure, intrigue, romance, and drama. I feel at home and comfortable writing romantic adventure stories set in historical settings. I taught history, and I find the cultures, traditions, and beliefs of the past fascinating. I also enjoy a good love story.