Mary Morgan’s A Highland Moon Enchantment
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Mary Morgan, and congratulations on her upcoming release A Highland Moon Enchantment. Tomorrow, November 17, 2017, is the big day! Mary also is the author of the magical Dragon’s Knight Series!
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what A Highland Moon Enchantment is all about. Thanks for joining us!
Hi Tena! Thanks for having me on your lovely blog today! I’m excited to share my upcoming release (which is tomorrow), A Highland Moon Enchantment.
When the O’Quinlan brothers entered the story in Dragon Knight’s Axe, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 3, I knew each would demand their own story. Desmond O’Quinlan kept tapping my shoulder (and yelling in my ear), requesting a rematch with Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay. You see, dear readers, it seems he still has unfinished business with Alastair for leaving his sister, Fiona. In truth, I sensed a deeper meaning behind his foul mood and growing anger at the Dragon Knight.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning home to Urquhart, the Dragon Knights, and finding a wife for Desmond. In researching a name for the heroine, Ailsa MacDuff, the path was a serendipitous find one afternoon. I saw a clear picture of her features within my mind, so I went through several names to fit her character. When I saw the Gaelic name of Ailsa, which means “fairy rock,” I knew I had the perfect one for this lass. Yet it wasn’t until I saw the mention of “Ailsa Craig,” that my story was set in motion.
The island of Ailsa Craig does indeed exist. The island is approximately two hundred forty acres, which contains blue hone granite that was quarried to make hurling stones. It’s located about ten miles off the southwestern coast of Scotland. Currently, the island is owned by the RSPB Nature Reserve and is home for Europe’s biggest gannet colony and a significant number of puffins. I’ve seen pictures of this island, and it’s stunning. It was the perfect setting to place a fictional group of characters.
Tell us a little about A Highland Moon Enchantment.
Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet, the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest challenge will come from within his own heart.
Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and sorrow.
When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon be strong enough to unite or destroy them?
Peek between the pages of A Highland Moon Enchantment.
His mind screamed to stay rooted in his chair, but his body betrayed him. Standing, he reached for her hand.“I will escort ye to your chamber.”
She eyed him with curiosity and stood. “Nae. Take me to the north wall. I hear the view of the loch is one that steals the breath from your lungs.”
“Done.” When her fingers slipped into his, Desmond fought the urge to crush her to his chest.
Placing her soft hand in the crook of his arm, he led her quickly out of the hall and up the stairs. Bending to the left, he took her along a corridor and up a narrow circular pathway. The torches flickered as he approached the door leading to the north wall.
A cold draft blew by them, and she shivered. Instantly, regret filled him realizing he had not considered to bring a cloak for her.
Desmond paused by the door. “Ye should not venture out into the biting cold without a cloak.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I simply wish to capture a quick look, not spend the night sleeping out there.”
Shaking his head, he pushed open the massive oak door. Brittle air slapped at his face while they made their way up along the wall.
“’Tis cold,” she muttered, but chuckled softly and hugged his arm. “But ye are warm.”
“We shall not tarry long,” he assured her and placed a warm hand over hers.
“Oh, sweet Goddess. Look at the moon, Desmond. Her light shimmers over the water. I have now witnessed the charm of the loch in sunlight and moonlight. Though our rivers are stunning on their own, they cannae rival this view. As I have told ye, our island is shrouded in mists, so ye cannae see verra far out into the sea.”
Desmond’s focus was not on the moon, but the beauty standing beside him. To take what he dared not possess. He marveled at her delight of the striking scene.
Ailsa turned toward him. “Thank ye, Desmond, truly.”
Her nearness was overpowering, seducing him in a way he had never known. Desmond cupped her chin. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in invitation. Moonlight and lust danced within her eyes. No longer did he battle with his mind and body, and he slowly lowered his head.
And under the silent whisper of a full moon, Desmond captured her soft lips within his own. He
could taste her sweetness mixed with the wine, and desire shot through his veins. His hands shook as he placed them securely on her waist. As he deepened the kiss, she placed her hands around his neck. Desmond groaned, crushing her body against him.
Buy Links:
AMAZON, Barnes and Noble, Apple iBooks:
More about the Author:
For those of you who don’t know Mary, She’s an Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author who resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
Social Media Links:
WEBSITE: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
BLOG: http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
ORDER OF THE DRAGON KNIGHTS
Dare to journey with the Dragon Knights of Scotland!
They were an ancient order descended from the great Tuatha De Danann, a tribe from the Goddess Danu. Half human and half fae, each blessed with mystical powers. They were also given holy relics and guardianship over the dragons.
With the dawn of Christianity, the dragons were systematically hunted down and slain leaving only one. The Dragon Knights took her from Ireland to a land across the sea, settling in the Great Glen near Urquhart. The clan was known as the MacKay clan, descendants from the MacAoidh.
Yet, there were those who deemed the Order had too much power, and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. A battle was fought and their sister was killed.
The Clan Mackay is no longer.
The Dragon Knights scattered across the land.
Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption.
Available at most online retailers including Amazon:
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It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with A Highland Moon Enchantment! I can’t wait to read it!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Historical Romance, Holiday, Medieval, Paranormal Romance, Scottish, Time travel by Tena Stetler with 27 comments.
Ann Gimpel Author of Tarnished Legacy
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Let’s find out about Ann Gimpel’s unabridged audiobook, Tarnished Legacy, Soul Dance-Book 2.
My Review:
Tarnished Beginnings was included in the Tarnished Legacy AudioBook, so really you get two books in one.
In 1740, Egypt is a haven for magic-wielders of all kinds. Vampires hold court, staying one step ahead of the priests who want them dead. Gypsy caravans roam the Nile, plying their wares. Tairin Jabari was born in a caravan and has always believed she’s Romani. Why wouldn’t she? Her mother and father never suggested otherwise. But there is something different about her. When her secret is discovered, her mother’s punishment is death and Tairin is on the run.
In Tarnished Legacy,
Fast forward 200 years and we find Tairin traveling with the Romani again, but keeping her Shifter side a secret. She, with a sympathetic Mage are stirring up as much trouble as possible in the Nazi strongholds. Then the Vampires are discovered, forcing the Romani and Shifters to work together to eradicate the nest of Vampires.
Since I don’t do spoilers, I’ll just say these stories are action packed, and kept me turning pages until the very end. Speaking of endings it warmed the cockles of my heart. There is violence and sizzling sex so +18. I highly recommend Tarnished Legacy audiobook. I can’t wait to get my ears on Soul Dance Book 3, Tarnished Prophecy. Yep,it’s on my Christmas list!
The narrator, Gregory Salinas breathes life into Ann’s captivating characters and vivid descriptions. Bravo!
Five stars for the Author, Ann Gimpel and Narrator, Gregoy Salinas!
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Tarnished Legacy audio book. Happy Holidays!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Ann Gimpel, fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Shapeshifters, Tarnished Legacy, Vampire by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Susan Coryell, Author of Red, Red Rose
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Susan Coryell, author of Red, Red Rose, first cozy mystery/Southern Gothic in the Overhome
Trilogy.
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Susan, tell us a little about yourself and writing Red, Red Rose. Thanks for joining us!
What inspired this particular story?
A RED, RED ROSE is the first cozy mystery/Southern Gothic in the Overhome Trilogy. I was inspired to write it after viewing an old plantation property in Virginia rumored to be haunted. The other two novels evolved from there.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
If I feel unmotivated to write, I usually take a break—meander down to my dock to enjoy the lake view. If I am STUCK, I usually keep writing. I may delete a lot next day, but at least I have words on paper.
Who is your favorite character of all of the books you’ve written and Why?
Ashby Overton is my favorite character because she matures from a self-centered big city girl into a loving and caring family woman rooted in historic authenticity of the Old South. In the first book she is a twenty-something in search of self. BENEATH THE STONES finds Ashby five years later starting a writing career, planning to marry, and the owner of the family estate. NOBODY KNOWS culminates as Ashby, now thirty, faces such adult situations as marriage problems, career identity, and inclusion of extended family in need.
What inspired you to write?
I was born a writer. Actually, I think it is in my DNA as my grandfather was a published poet and two of my sibs are also published. All three of my children are authors and a few grand kids are already showing signs of writer-hood.
How long have you been writing?
I cannot remember a time when I did not write. I began with poems and diary entries, short stories and film scripts and moved on to novels.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
I feel theme is very important for quality literature (yes, I am an English major and a 30-year career English teacher). The ghosts that haunt my Overhome Trilogy are representative of the horrors of slavery that will forever prey on the minds and souls of Southerners. My writings contain multiple themes: the importance of family; the healing power of nature; the culture in the South as we deal with hard-felt, long-held ideals that clash with modernity.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I have always been physically active, even though reading and writing consume much of my time. I love yoga, kayaking, golf, boating, swimming and walking for exercise.
You’ve got a time machine, a cloak of invisibility, and one hour. Where would you go, and what eavesdropping would you do?
Without any doubt, I would go back to the 1600’s in England and sit in a seat at the Globe to watch a Shakespearean play and observe the other theater-goers. The best of all possible worlds would be to meet the Bard and try to fathom what he was all about.
Now what’s Red, Red Rose all about?
20-year-old Ashby Overton travels to her family’s historic estate in southern Virginia to spend the summer, hoping to unearth her ancestral roots and the cause of a mysterious family rift. Overhome, an imposing mansion, is an idyllic setting for Ashby, the aspiring romance writer. From her first night in her room in the oldest wing Ashby feels an enfolding presence, a force she never sees, only feels. Candles light themselves, notes from an old lullaby fall from the ceiling, the radio tunes itself daily. And roses meant for Ashby appear in unlikely places—a symbol of love? Or something dark, deep and evil? The summer leads Ashby on a suspenseful, sometimes terrifying journey as she navigates centuries of family strife along the puzzling parameters of the spirit world.
Can we have a peek between the pages of Red, Red Rose?
My reaching fingers brushed across a grainy surface and crumbling powder dusted my fingertips. Instantly, I recognized the metallic smell of rusting screens. I knew then I must be on the ancient screened porch tucked between the wings of the house, the crumbling porch with the antique rocking chairs. The ancient part of the house, reached only by the door in the keeping room. The music had led me here. Again the strains wafted over and around me, holding me captive as I stood, shivering, gazing at the dim light of my flickering candle.
The music stopped as abruptly as it had begun. Struggling to clear the cobwebs of sound spinning in my brain, I took a deep breath and looked around. I sensed rather than saw a movement in my periphery. When I turned I became aware of one of the rocking chairs. Gently, so as to be barely perceptive, the chair rocked itself back and forth as though someone invisible sat in it, enjoying the languorous, rhythmic motion. Rocking, rocking, rocking, without any sound of all.
Someone or something had led me here to witness it. Led me with the music. I had the evidence. On the decaying cane seat lay a single fresh rose just out of the bud.
A Red, Red Rose: http://a.co/0eoAvPC
About the Author, Susan Coryell:
A career educator, Susan Coryell has taught students from 7th grade through college-level. She earned a BA degree in English from Carson-Newman College and a Masters from George Mason University. She is listed in several different volumes of Who’s Who in Education and Who’s Who in Teaching. Coryell belongs to Author’s Guild, Virginia Writers, and Lake Writers. She loves to talk with budding writers at schools, writers’ conferences and workshops. Her young adult anti-bully novel EAGLEBAIT is in its third edition for print and e-book, updated with cyber-bullying. EAGLEBAIT won the NY Public Library’s “Books for the Teen Age,” and the International Reading Association’s “Young Adult Choice.”
A RED, RED ROSE, first in a cozy mystery/Southern Gothic series, was nominated for a literary award with the Library of Virginia. BENEATH THE STONES, the sequel, was released in April of 2015. NOBODY KNOWS, the final novel in the Overhome Trilogy was published October, 2016.
A MURDER OF PRINCIPLE is under contract with The Wild Rose Press and will release in spring of 2018.
The author has long been interested in concerns about culture and society in the South, where hard-felt, long-held feelings battle with modern ideas. The ghosts slipped in, to her surprise.
When not writing, Ms. Coryell enjoys boating, kayaking, golf and yoga. She and her husband, Ned, love to travel, especially when any of their seven grandchildren are involved.
Please visit Susan Coryell’s website: www.susancoryellauthor.com and her blog: www.susancoryellauthor.blogspot.com or contact her on Facebook and Twitter.
Amazon Links:
A Red, Red Rose: http://a.co/0eoAvPC
Beneath the Stones: http://a.co/fVIowQ8
Nobody Knows: http://a.co/aoXACMd
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Red, Red Rose!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Cozy Mystery, ghosts, history, Overhome Trilogy, Red Red Rose, Southern Gothic by Tena Stetler with 41 comments.
Things to be Thankful For – Thankful Author Tena Stetler
What am I thankful for? This year has been a year of discovery for me and I am thankful. I’ve discovered that watching the news is not necessarily a good thing. Terrorists, bombs, wild fires, floods, hurricanes (3 back to back) Whew!
I’m thankful, of course, for the roof over my head, food in my cupboards as well as family and friends. That goes without saying, but I’ll put it out there anyway!
Recently I rented a booth at the Body, Mind & Spirit Expo (metaphysical fair) in Colorado Springs to expand my readership. With this came the opportunity to give a forty-five minute lecture. I chose to talk about why the world needs romance and why I write it. It had been decades since I stood up in front of an audience and spoke. I’m thankful I made it through the speech mostly unscathed.
I’m also thankful I reached a lot of readers that were interested in my genre of books and I was the only author at the Expo. How cool is that? Witches, Demons, Shapeshifters, Angels and Vampires were right up their alley. The people attending the expo ranged from teens to elderly, all genders. In the three day expo, I’d broadened my audience exponentially and had a wonderful time to boot. I will be returning next year!
I’m extremely thankful to be living my dream. A dream made possible by my supportive, extraordinary husband of many moons, and The Wild Rose Press, my amazing publisher. My editor, well, let’s just say…she rocks! I’m thankful for the helpful, supportive authors of The Wild Rose Press! They are always willing to pick you up when you’re down and do the happy dance over your successes. Bless the hearts of my wonderful readers, I am so thankful for them!
Finally, a day never passes without my thanks to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces whose dedication keeps our great nation free. (Comes from living in a military town all my life & marrying a soldier.) We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may not agree with me, but that’s what is great about this nation. You don’t have to. I’m entitled to my own opinion, as are you. I can write books on any topic I choose without fear of a midnight knock on my door or being carted away. Unless of course our characters come to life, then we are all in trouble. ROFLOL
While I have a lot more to be thankful for, those are the biggies. I wish you all love, laughter, romance and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Little About A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, Release date November 29, 2017
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A Peek Between the Pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance – A different vampire tale.
The sun slid behind the mountains, 
setting the azure sky ablaze in hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Then red shifted to purple and dusk faded to darkness as he jogged toward the trails. She stood leaning against the rock where he had started his run last night. He’d tried to convince himself to stay away, but in the end, the urge was too strong.
In a whisper of movement, he was at her side with his hand on the rock just above her shoulder. “Waiting for someone? Brandy, is it?” The scent of warm, perfumed female skin wafted over him as he leaned into her.
“It took you long enough, Mr. Talltree.” Her full lips formed a slight pout as she lifted her chin and tilted her face up to meet his. “Nice to see you again.”
There was no hesitation or apprehension in her lovely features as he moved closer, placing his other hand next to her left shoulder, effectively pinning her against the rock. He wanted to wrap his arms around her lithe, warm body and brush his lips over her sexy pout. But he thought better of it, not wanting to scare her off…not yet.
“Yes, it is.” He let his gaze wander leisurely up and down her luscious body. “Didn’t your mother warn you about the dangers of stalking a stranger at night in the park alone?”
Available at
Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes and Barnes & Noble.
Release date November 29, 2017! Just in time for Christmas. Reserve your copy today!
Bio:
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.
Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them.
Contact Information:
One last think I am Thankful for, Everyone that has enjoyed my blogs this year and hope you’ll continue into the new year!!! Have a Happy Thanks Giving!! Eat lots of turkey and pumpkin pie then take a walk around your neighborhood.
**This post was originally part of Angela Hayes’ Thankful Author Series. If you’d like to read more of the fun and interesting Thankful Author’s Series click on the link.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged family, Friends, Military, Romance, Thankful, Thanksgiving, writing by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
