Eden at Yuletide is the direct sequel to Lucy in Avalon, taking place just a few months later, and is a deliberate mirror image of that volume. Lucy went to the country for the summer, and found friendship, freedom, and endless idyllic days of swimming and sailing. Now it is Eden's turn to travel to the city of Camden in the depths of icy winter.

Just as Lucy in Avalon was told from Lucy's point of view, so this book is from Eden's perspective. It is therefore a more conventional story with standard chapters, and of course, far fewer flights of literary fancy! You will notice that Eden described from the inside is subtly different from the Eden we previously only saw from the outside.

Once again, there are a few phrases from the Old Language of Eden's country of Westmoreland, which I have cobbled together out of Common Brittonic, Cumbric, Welsh, and that old standby, making things up. It's not a created language, and would make any linguist very sniffy.

Although Eden at Yuletide is a slightly more grown up book than Lucy in Avalon, it is still suitable for ages 13 and up. The story focuses on friendship and family relationships, with just a few hints of budding age-appropriate romance. This is a world where LGBT+ and complex relationship pairings are permissible, but the story accepts them without needing explanations or details.  

The Lindensea series is set in a fictional England with an alternate history, and the Lindensonians begin their reckoning from the time Saxons first reached their shores. This is usually given as around 450 AD in our world, and as this story is set in the year 1456 of the Saxon Era, that means it's the equivalent of 1906. And yes, being back in Lindensea means it's time for more 'Lindensea Lore'!

This is an excuse to return to the city of Camden, and especially Camden Palace, that we last saw in Raven and Rue, exploring it more fully. Although Eden's country of the Lakelands, based on Cumbria, is more or less imaginary, Camden is based on a fictionalised London, of which echoes may be found in our own world. 

More than anything, it is an excuse to celebrate Yuletide, the midwinter festival of Lindensea which corresponds with our Christmas and New Year season. Raven and Rue was primarily set in spring, How Peter Won Ellen was set in the gloom of autumn, Lucy in Avalon was a summer holiday story, and so finally we get to the winter holiday season of snow, ice, and merriment.

This is a pagan world, so I have been able to incorporate those Christmas traditions which have pagan origins and parallels, which are most of them. It is important to note that the pagan religions and customs I describe are coloured by my imagination, and are not intended to be taken very seriously. However, I'm sure you will find plenty that feels familiar to you.

Eden at Yuletide will be updated every week. It is my midwinter gift for any fans of the author, Bernard, Pip, Lucy, Eden, Lindensea, Camden, Christmas, Yuletide, or winter. 

GOOD YULE!