Hug a Medievalist Day Winner ~ 2024

Congratulations to Rina Horenian, winner of our 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway!

Rina wanted to hug King Arthur.

Here are some of the other medievalists (historical, mythical, fictional, friends & family members) who got a hug this year:

Henry V

King Arthur

Joan of Arc 

Guinevere

William Shakespeare

Magdalena

Thor

Lord Gage of Clan Boyd

Lizanne Balmaine

El Cid

Bruce de heart

Lancelot

D'Artagan

Kevin Costner in Robinhood- Pince of Thieves

An ancestor

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Sir Galahad

Leonardo da Vinci

Hector Wulfrith

Lady Jane Grey

Garr Wulftith

Robert the Bruce

Richard the Lionheart

Julian of Norwich

Lady Isobel Wulfrith

Hildegard of Bingen

Johannes Gutenberg to thank him for his printing press.

Tamera Leigh

Danny George (my cousin)

Vitalis, my favorite midieval book character from Tamara Leigh's book Reckless.

Henry The VIII

Anne Neville

Marco Polo 

Mary Queen of Scots 

Robin Hood

King Richard, who Sean Connery played in Robin Hood 

Abu Bakr al-Razi

Any Wulfrith

Lance

Little John - we've just finished Howard Pyle's Robin Hood and I wept like a baby at Robin's death so I'd hug Little John and tell him that Robin has lived on in our imaginations.

My nephew Tyson 

Charlemagne

Nikoo McGoldrick

Richard. III

Conna Judy

Margaret, Maid of Norway lived (queen of Scotland 1286-1290)

Hector Wulfrith

Lady Marian/Maid Marian

My dad

Berenga of Navarre

Godfroi D'Argent

William Wallace 

Brother Cadfael

Guarin D’Argent

Merlin

A Troubadour. Creative traveling musicians and entertainers. So many books have featured them as men who wildly flirt with the lady of the house. 

Luca Forelli

Brian Buru (my ancestor), any of the DeWere brothers, or DeShera brothers, etc.  I love all the medieval heroes

My cousin Dani, who is studying medieval martial arts

Jan Hus

The medieval person I would like to hug is a fictional character from one of Tamara Leigh's books who is named Kennedy Plain.

Crispin from Avi's books

Christopher de Lohr

Geoffrey Chaucer

My childhood friend Dr Darleen Pryds who studied medieval history.

Concorde from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The muses

Katharina von Bora Luther (Martin's wife)

Bertha of Kent

Lady Graeye Balmaine 

Sir Durand from Tamara Leigh's books

Thank you to everyone who entered our giveaway! Set your calendars to start watching this space for an all-new giveaway in March 2025!

Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway ~ 2024

 Our 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is finally open! My medieval author friends and I are giving away a prize pack worth $200 in books and prizes!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about the prizes in advance. If you've missed any of them, here's a quick reminder:

Eight autographed print books and one ebook

Courting Cassandry, by Joyce DiPastena (print book)

The Muse of Freedom, by Jules Larimore (print book)

Beneath a Crescent Shadow, by A. L. Sowards (print book)

A Council of Wolves, by Elizabeth Springer (print book)

Born to Treason, by E.B. Wheeler (print book)

Merciless, by Tamara Leigh (print book)

The Unveiling, by Tamara Leigh (print book)

Valorous, by Tamara Leigh (print book)\

Isabel: Countess of Pembroke, by Kaitlynn Clarkson (ebook)

Bonus package

A medieval postcard collection donated by Author Tinney Sue Heath

A porcelain unicorn necklace

A vial of "medieval forest" scented bath salts

An official Hug a Medievalist Day mug

A bag of Hershey's Hugs

If you haven't read the details about each of these prizes and you'd like to, just use the 2024 Prizes link under Labels in the righthand column to call all the descriptions up. 

There is only one requirement: When you enter the giveaway, be prepared to answer this question on the entry form: Name a medieval person (real or fictional, dead or alive) you would like to hug on Hug a Medievalist Day. It can be someone real (like King Richard the Lionheart), someone fictional (Robin Hood, King Arthur, a medieval character from a favorite novel), or even someone alive today who likes to dress up in medieval garb and attend medieval faires (a husband, a son or daughter, etc). Just have fun with the answers.

You can also earn extra entries if you share the link to this giveaway page anywhere on social media. (You can do this once a day. The more you share, the more entries you'll receive!) And earn even more entries by following or liking our giveaway authors and/or signing up for their newsletters.

This Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm PST on March 30, 2024. A winner will be drawn (appropriately) on March 31st, Hug a Medievalist Day.

Due to the expense of mailing costs, this giveaway is open only to USA entries.

(If you don't see a Rafflecopter form, just click on the Rafflecopter link below)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Entrants must be 18 years old or older, or entry must be submitted by a parent. Deadline to enter is 11:59 PST MARCH 30, 2023. Winner will be selected on March 31, 2024 via Rafflecopter's random selection and have 48 hours to reply to an email notifying them of their win. OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Questions? Contact me at joyce@joycedipastena.com.

[If you see a duplicate giveaway form, it's just an "echo" of the first one. You only need to enter on one form to be counted on both.]

Meet the bonus prizes!

You've met all our book prizes, but we're not done. We've also got some BONUS PRIZES for our lucky Hug a Medievalist Day winner! Starting with:

This collection of awesome medieval postcards donated by author Tinney Sue Heath who writes even more awesome medieval history novels. Learn about Tinney and her medieval Italian world at https://tinneyheath.com. If you like what you see, you might enjoy signing up for her newsletter!

The rest of our bonus gift pack includes a fine porcelain unicorn necklace made by Indigo Turtle Art, purchased at the 2024 Arizona Renaissance Festival. (A $40 value) You'll have to forgive the glare on the necklace. I'm a writer, not a photographer. 😂

A vial of "medieval forest" scented bath salts, also purchased at the AZ RenFest.

A 10.6 oz bag of Hershey's Hugs . . . because everyone needs hugs on Hug a Medievalist Day! (Or whenever they arrive in the mail.)

And last, but very much not least, an official Hug a Medievalist Day mug, featuring our 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day mascots, that you can show off for years to come!

(front)

(back)

Now that you've met ALL the prizes, it's time for our giveaway to begin! So come back tomorrow or anytime between March 11-30 to enter.

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, Hug a Medievalist Day! (This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Did you miss any of the prize descriptions? You can catch up on all of them by scrolling down the blog or use the 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Prizes link in the righthand column.

Meet the 2024 Prizes: Isabel: Countess of Pembroke, by Kaitlynn Clarkson

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Prize 7

An e-book copy of Isabel: Countess of Pembroke, a medieval romance by Kaitlynn Clarkson.

Taken from her widowed mother, young Isabel de Clare lives in the Tower of London as a ward of King Henry II. As the sole heiress of vast estates, she is a desirable marriage prize, and her protectors are determined to find her a worthy husband.

William Marshall is a veteran of many battles and a skilled statesman. His exploits are legendary, but he has always lived the life of a knight, never in one place for long. One day, he visits the Tower of London and meets a beautiful young girl. There seems to be an instant connection between them, but William keeps his distance, for she is just a child and he knows nothing of her heritage.

As time passes and the political landscape shifts, William finds himself in London once more. He is shocked to discover that the lovely child has become a beautiful, eligible young lady. And there are whispers that she could be his as a reward for his services to the crown.

Will Isabel accept a man old enough to be her father? Will William win her heart as well as her hand? Or will the death of the king sever the fragile promise between them forever?

*****

Those are all the book prizes, but we're not done yet! Check back tomorrow to learn about some of our great bonus prizes! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, 2024, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Meet the Wulfrith family series, by Tamara Leigh

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Prize 6

Medieval author Tamara Leigh is going above and beyond by donating THREE autographed medieval romance novels to this year's giveaway!

Merciless: The Age of Conquest (Book 1)

THE WULFRITHS. IT ALL BEGAN WITH A WOMAN.
A battle. A crown. The conqueror. The conquered. Medieval England—forever changed by the Battle of Hastings. And the rise of the formidable Wulfriths.

AN HONORABLE NORMAN 
Chevalier Cyr D’Argent convinced himself he joined Duke William’s invasion of England to reform its church and place its rightful king on the throne. But after a decisive Norman victory, the truth of his quest is revealed when his search for fallen kin leads to a Saxon grieving a boy slain by one of his own. Certain the defiant young woman will become the pick of the plunder, he forces her off the battlefield. Following a pilgrimage of penance, Cyr returns to England to seek his missing brother and claim the barony awarded by King William who stipulates he end the rebellion on his lands. He agrees, only to discover the woman he cannot forget is among those he must vanquish—and may even be their leader.

A REBELLIOUS SAXON 
On a fateful autumn day in 1066, Aelfled of Wulfen’s mistake leads to the death of her lady’s son. Unforgivable—as is the silver-haired warrior who tempts her to put a blade in his back then does the unthinkable in protecting her from his fellow Normans. Now under the usurper’s rule, faith crippled by her people’s suffering, she finds her sanctuary threatened when she becomes a pawn of the rebel leader—and destroyed when betrayal delivers her into the hands of the man who haunts her dreams. As the fires of unrest scorch lives and lands, Aelfled struggles to shield her heart as well as her people. But perhaps love can unite Normans and Saxons. Perhaps she is meant to be here…with him…for such a time as this.

The Unveiling: Age of Faith (Book 1)

Twelfth century England: Two men vie for the throne: King Stephen the usurper and young Duke Henry the rightful heir. Amid civil and private wars, alliances are forged, loyalties are betrayed, families are divided, and marriages are made. 

For four years, Lady Annyn Bretanne has trained at arms with one end in mind - to avenge her brother's murder as God has not deemed it worthy to do. Disguised as a squire, she sets off to exact revenge on a man known only by his surname, Wulfrith. But when she holds his fate in her hands, her will wavers and her heart whispers that her enemy may not be an enemy after all. 

Baron Wulfrith, renowned trainer of knights, allows no women within his walls for the distraction they breed. What he never expects is that the impetuous young man sent to train under him is a woman who seeks his death - nor that her unveiling will test his faith and distract the warrior from his purpose.

Valorous: Age of Honor (Book 1)

THE HONOR OF HECTOR WULFRITH

Pale rider. For all the wives lost to him, it is what some call England’s renowned trainer of knights, a name that reaches beyond those losses to the plague come out of the east. Believing it God’s will he not wed again, Hector Wulfrith resists being drawn to the courageous lady who enters a country at war with her own and, disguised as a man, trespasses on his home. However, when her resolve to obtain training for a boy she claims is Wulfrith kin drags him into her mess of murder and thievery, mutual attraction becomes something more. If he can save her, dare he risk gaining her for himself knowing her fate could prove the same as his doomed wives’? Would it not be better to encourage her to return the affections of his heir—a brother wronged for what Hector stole from him?

THE MESS OF SÉVERINE DE BARRA

Since the surrender of her town to English forces, the greatest kindness shown Séverine is that of an enemy of silvered dark hair who saved her from his own when she sought to protect her cousin. Years later, she crosses the channel to keep her word to the boy’s departed sire to place him with distant kin for knighthood training. But the trouble awaiting them in England follows them to Baron Wulfrith whom she must deceive to gain an audience—one that comes to naught though he proves her former savior. Desperate to secure her cousin’s future before the fugitive made of her endangers him, Séverine furthers her deception to obtain the baron’s aid and finds her heart turning to him. But to what lengths will one of fortified emotions go to save a French lady destined for imprisonment in the Tower of London—and possibly death?

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #7! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Giveaway is open to USA entries only)

Meet the prizes: Born to Treason, by EB. Wheeler

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Prize #5

An autographed print copy of Born to Treason, a Renaissance/Tudor novel by E.B. Wheeler.

I, Joan Pryce, was born to treason. If I did not choose between betraying my country and betraying my conscience, I would betray them both. Just as my father had. 

Joan Pryce is not only a Catholic during the English Reformation—she’s also Welsh, and she comes from a family of proud revolutionaries. But when a small act of defiance entangles her in a deadly conspiracy, a single misstep may lead her straight to the gallows. Now, Joan must navigate a twisting path that could cost her life, her freedom, and her chance at love.

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #6! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Giveaway is open to USA entries only)

Meet the 2024 Prizes: A Council of Wolves, by Elizabeth Springer

This year five author friends have joined me to provide an extra-special gift package for our 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day winner! We're giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some bonus prizes! We want to give you a chance to meet the prizes before our giveaway begins, so each day I will be posting a different prize and description. Here we go with:

Prize 4

An autographed print copy of A Council of Wolves: An Anglo-Saxon Mystery, by Elizabeth Springer.

England, AD 879. Called away from his own wedding to accompany his brother on an urgent diplomatic mission for King Alfred of Wessex, the young royal official Lord Edwin of Wimborne becomes suspicious of an “accidental” death that occurs during their stay in neighboring Mercia. As Edwin investigates, he uncovers a tangle of deadly ambitions around the Mercian kingship. Back at home, Edwin’s bride Molly becomes embroiled in events that may have far-reaching consequences as well.

Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #5! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, 2024, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Meet the 2024 Prizes: Beneath a Crescent Shadow, by A. L. Sowards

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Prize 3

An autographed print copy of Beneath a Crescent Shadow: The Balkan Legends, a medieval novel by A. L. Sowards.

The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin's father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future. 

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana's betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana's abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #4! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, 2024, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Meet the 2024 prizes: The Muse of Freedom, by Jules Larimore

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Prize 2

An autographed print copy of The Muse of Freedom: a Cévenoles Sagas, a Renaissance historical fiction novel by Jules Larimore.

IN THE MYSTERIOUS CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS OF LANGUEDOC, FRANCE, 1695,Jehan BonDurant, a young nobleman forcibly held in a Dominican prieuré as a child, comes of age only to inherit a near-derelict estate and his Huguenot family’s dangerous legacy of secrets. While he cherishes his newfound freedom apprenticing as an apothecary, his outrage mounts over religious persecutions led by King Louis XIV’s Intendant Basville, who is sent to enforce the King’s will for “One King, One Law, One Faith”.

The ensuing divisions among families and friends and the gradual revelation of his own circumstances lead Jehan to question his spiritual choices. He embarks on an odyssey, in pursuit of his life’s purpose and the meaning of love, that unfolds in a way he least expects. Deep in the enchanting Gorges du Tarn, he discovers his muse and soul mate, Amelia Auvrey, a free-spirited, mystic holy woman who offers guidance, revealing ancient healing practices and spiritual mysteries.

Along the way, they befriend young Huguenot peasants and inspirés, a Roma couple, and the Commandeur of the Knights of Saint Jean Hospitallers, and learn of Jehan’s Jewish and Cathar ancestors. Together, Jehan and Amelia quest for peace and spiritual freedom by aiding the persecuted until the Intendant’s spy reports their activities and the King’s dragoons are sent out after them. To retain their freedom, they must choose to live in hiding in a remote wilderness, join a festering uprising or fight against it, or flee their cherished homeland with thousands of other refugees in search of hope.

Inspired by the true story of Jean Pierre Bondurant dit Cougoussac, distilled and blended with Cévenole magic lore, this is a vividly told coming-of-age adventure and family saga of courage, tenacity, and the power of love.

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #3! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, 2024, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Meet the 2024 Prizes: Courting Cassandry, by Joyce DiPastena

This year five authors have joined me to provide a fantastic medieval-themed Hug a Medievalist Day prize package for you! We will be giving away 8 autographed print books, an ebook, and some medieval-themed bonus prizes. We want you to have a chance to "meet the prizes" before our giveaway kicks off, so I'll be sharing information about one prize with you each day.

Have I mentioned that if you haven't bookmarked this page, you really ought to so you don't miss a thing? 😊

Prize 1

An autographed copy of Courting Cassandry, a medieval romance by Joyce DiPastena.

Is it too late for second chances when the girl you loved in your youth comes back into your life?

Gerolt de Warenne spent his life watching Cassandry de Reymes grow into a lovely young woman. He dreamed of building a life together, but Cassandry chose to marry another. Twenty-four years later, with both of them now widowed, he hopes he might have more success in courting her. After all, they were once the best of friends. Perhaps this time, friendship can grow into something more?

But Cassandry rejects his proposal. Her first marriage turned out to be a bitter disappointment. She cannot bear the thought of spoiling her friendship with Gerolt by gambling again on anything as risky as love. Instead, she pushes for a betrothal between their teenage children, to which Gerolt reluctantly agrees.

The day after their children are betrothed, Cassandry finds a small gift outside her chamber door, the first of many that begin to appear each morning. Who could be leaving them? One of Gerolt’s knights who hopes to win the hand of the wealthy widow? Gerolt’s best friend, with whom Cassandry has a secret, tumultuous past? Or could it be Gerolt himself?

Cassandry will have to rediscover the trusting girl she was before her marriage if she is to find the courage to embrace a second chance at love.

*****

Check back tomorrow to meet Prize #2! (Click on 2024 Prizes in the right hand column under Labels if you miss a prize or two!)

The 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day giveaway opens on March 11 and runs through March 30. The winner will be selected by random selection on March 31, 2024, Hug a Medievalist Day!

(This 2024 Hug a Medievalist Day Giveaway is open to USA entries only.)

Hug a Medievalist Day 2024 is coming soon!

It's that time of the year again, our FAVORITEST time of the year (right after Christmas), right? Hug a Medievalist Day is right around the corner. March 31st, to be exact. And I have some fantastic medieval authors lined up to celebrate with me and YOU again! If you haven't already bookmarked this page, you'll want to do so now. Information about the prizes is coming SOON!