Ringing in the New Year

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!
May the year bring great things!

 

~Dawn Marie

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a joyous holiday season.

I love garden gates and want to share this lovely holiday bedecked gate in celebration of Christmas. Enjoy the season!


~Dawn Marie

Goodreads Book Giveaway (UK readers) ~ 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'

Enter for a chance to win one of two autographed
trade paperbacks of

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Giveaway ends January 20, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

~Dawn Marie

Goodreads Book Giveaway (Canada readers) ~ 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'

Enter for a chance to win one of two autographed trade paperbacks of

Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

 

 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Giveaway ends January 12, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

~Dawn Marie

Goodreads Book Giveaway (US readers) ~ 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'

 

Enter for a chance to win one of six autographed trade paperbacks of

Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Giveaway ends January 05, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

~Dawn Marie

Now Available in Print! ~ 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

 

Available in Trade Paperback at Amazon

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.


~Dawn Marie

Hot Autumn Nights Blog Hop * Giveaway * Nov. 29 - Dec. 2

 

 Grasp the fantasy. Dare to dream!

Might be chilly outside, but it's a Hot Autumn Night in front of a toasty fire. Embrace the man of your dreams and share a moment of fantasy. The gold and blue dancing flames call the magic of the night. Share a favorite cocktail and a kiss. Maybe more.

 

For some, the fantasy might include a Highlander...

Just Beyond the Garden Gate - Book 1 Highland Gardens series

 

 Now available in print!

Trade paperback available at Amazon.
 

E-book available from Amazon, Amazon UK, KOBO
and Barnes&Noble.

 

Edited Excerpt from Just Beyond the Garden Gate:

Laurie shivered.

“You’re cold.” He rose from the bed and strode to the fire to add more peat, presenting his back to her.

His body glistened in the firelight. Magnificent. His broad muscular back slimmed to a trim waist and a great butt. A firm, nicely rounded backside. The kind she wanted to reach out and squeeze. Her palms itched to touch him again.

He swung around and caught her staring.

Laurie drew in a deep breath. A smile that was purely male gave him a devilish appearance. He flexed his shoulders. Tightened his abs. Her stomach fluttered. A tingly sensation radiated throughout her whole body.

 

She loved this man. She'd never wanted anything more than what she had now—Patrick. They belonged to one another, completely and without reserve.

 

 

 Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes Giveaway: e-book copy of Just Beyond the Garden Gate. Leave a comment on this post with the answer to the question: What is your favorite type of romance hero? Be sure to include your email addy. Feeling shy? Email Dawn Marie at Dawn at DawnMarieHamilton dot com. Only comments including an email addy will be considered. One name will be pulled out of the garden hat on December 3rd.


Visit the other hop participants listed below for more giveaways...

Hot Autumn Nights Blog Hop

GRAND PRIZE:

$80 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!

~Dawn Marie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday / #SnippetSunday - November 24

Welcome to this weeks version of Sneak Peek Sunday / Snippet Sunday.  We'll pick up where we left off last week. Finn is frustrated with Elspeth's plan to wed Alexander...

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

Her marriage to Alexander. Finn didn’t have the right to ask her not to go through with the wedding. He had nothing to offer as an alternative. He stalked to within a foot of her. Their gazes locked in unspoken communication. A mixture of emotions flashed between them. Mostly, if only.

“How can you do this thing?” he asked.

 

 
For more Snippet Sunday fun--click here to check out the other participating authors.
 
Enjoy!
 
~Dawn Marie

Remembering Noverber 22nd, 1963

I'm remembering November 22nd, 1963 at Voices From the Heart today. Where were you when President Kennedy was shot? Stop by and share, if you have an extra minute.

~Dawn Marie

Visiting with Author Babette James Today, Talking about Birds in Novels

Birds in Novels

Today, I'm visiting with romance author Babette James and talking about the birds in my garden and in my romance novels.  I'm gifting a pre-release print (paperback) copy of  Just Beyond the Garden Gate to a lucky commenter (US only). Stop by if you have a free moment.

Click here to hop over to Babette's blog.

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday / #SnippetSunday - November 17

Welcome to this weeks version of Sneak Peek Sunday / Snippet Sunday.  We'll pick up where we left off last week. Finn is frustrated with Elspeth's plan to wed Alexander...

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

Something unpleasant occurred to put dark shadows in her eyes. Of that, he was certain. “Why won’t you talk to me?”

Elspeth twisted to the side and glanced at him from beneath her lashes. “Is that not what I have been doing?”

“No, you haven’t. You’ve been skirting whatever upset you.” Finn’s hands curled into fists at his sides. Why wouldn’t she confide in him?

 

 
For more Snippet Sunday fun--click here to check out the other participating authors.
 
Enjoy!
 
~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday / #SnippetSunday - November 10

Welcome to this weeks version of Sneak Peek Sunday. Seems my usual gang has disbanded, so I've joined the Facebook group Snippet Sunday. Verra excited about joining the new group. Be sure to hop on by and discover their stories. The link will be at the bottom of the post.

Going forward, snippets will range from six to ten sentences. This week's is from Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon.
 
From chapter sixteen...
 

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

“Are you really going to marry the jerk?”

“Jerk?”

“Alexander.”

“I must.” Elspeth refused to look at Finn directly. Her hands—she tried to hide them—trembled.

“Why won’t you tell me what happened last night?”

Elspeth’s sad gaze flicked to him briefly before she lowered her head. “Nothing happened you need to ken.”

 

 
For more Snippet Sunday fun--click here to check out the other participating authors.
 
Enjoy!
 
~Dawn Marie

Folklore Friday - The Legend of the Vanishing Wedding Feast

Old Castle Lachlan, Strathlachlan, Scotland

Old Castle Lachlan might look like a ruin today, but step with me through a mist of fantasy and visit a bustling castle where an angry brùnaidh resides.

The MacLachlan, seeing his territories surrounded by Campbells, has decided to wed a Campbell lass. Ignoring the rants of the MacLachlan clan brownie, the chief of clan MacLaclan has gone to great expense and decorated his castle on Loch Fyne for the event.

Here is my version of the tale...

The Legend of the Vanishing Wedding Feast
by Dawn Marie Hamilton

"Ouch." Had someone pinched her?

The somber friar raised his gaze from his prayer book. "Is anything wrong, m'lady?"

Heat flashed across Mairi's chest and neck. She glanced at the man standing at her side, the one she met a mere few hours ago.

Iain glared at the shingle at her feet. He probably believed the stones poked through her thin bridal slippers and caused the outburst. Though the shingle made the proceedings uncomfortable, that wasn't what made her screech. Something sharp jabbed her hip, but no one stood near enough to inflict such abuse.

"All is well." She smiled at Father Ambrose. "Please, continue."

Mairi's gaze drifted over the faces of those who'd gathered to witness the uniting of two clans in peace. Bah. Her marriage to the Chief of Clan MacLachlan would change nothing. Her grandfather's quest for more land proved insatiable.

Where was Caitrina? Mairi couldn't find her amidst the crowd. Had the faerie forsaken her? Never. Caitrina must have hidden within a glamour of invisibility.

The friar's voice droned on. Mairi fixed her stare on the water, the ceremony taking place on the shore of Loch Fyne. The MacLachlan chapel within the castle tower was unable to accommodate the throngs of Campbells who'd come to witness the spectacle of her ruin.

She risked a sideways glance at Iain. His features remained inscrutable.

He'd dressed for the occasion in a crisp saffron leine and colorful plaide of red and blue. Two warrior braids hung to one side of his strong jaw and his chestnut hair glistened in the sunlight. When he leveled his stare on her, his sapphire eyes sparkled.

A shiver shimmied along her spine, and she couldn't suppress the prick of fear tangled with excitement for the bedding to come. How would she survive? A large man, he'd rip her asunder.

She moistened her lips. His eyes flared before he looked away.

"Join hands." Father Ambrose grasped her right hand and presented it to Iain who clasped her fingers with his left.

She gasped. A tingle spread gooseflesh up her arm. Iain's lips quirked into the first smile she'd seen from him since she'd arrived at Castle Lachlan.

The friar cleared his throat. "Is there any among the gathered with reason this couple should not wed?"

Mairi flinched when something pricked her arse. She looked over her shoulder, but no one was there. She raised her gaze to Iain.

His eyes sobered with concern and he fingered the ornamental dagger handle protruding from a sheath at his waist with his free hand.

"I pronounce thee man and wife."

Grumbling rose from the crowd, and Iain's expression turned fierce. No one dared step forward to denounce the union on fear of retribution.


With his palm cradling her back, Iain guided his new wife through the gathering of clansmen loitering within his council chamber toward the dais and head table. Silky strands of strawberry blond hair caressed his fingers. The scent of lavender teased his senses. She seemed a wee, fragile lass, but after gazing into her silver eyes, he sensed her backbone. She'd need it to endure the challenging times ahead.

"He is a fool to wed a Campbell." The whisper came from amidst the crowd.

He felt Mairi flinch through the fabric of her silver gown, and he clamped his jaw tight. They could say what they wanted. He'd set his course. Marriage was the only way to ensure peace and prosperity.

Iain seated his wife to his right. He supposed he should say something to soothe her, but he wasn't adept with sweet words.

"Ignore the barbs. I am pleased with you, wife."

"And I with you, husband." Her eyes spoke volumes to the contrary, though her notion of duty would change when he convinced her to…

He couldn't hope for love, but would settle for trust.

"Quiet," he bellowed at the noisy crowd and inclined his head to the friar.

As Father Ambrose rose to say grace, the feast vanished from the tables in a fine, gray mist. Surprised and angry voices echoed through the chamber.

Iain slammed a fist on the table. Munn. The damn brùnaidh caused this havoc.

"Ach, my apologies. I shall ensure the situation remedied," Iain stammered as he clasped Mairi's hand and stood. "Please, come with me, my dear. We will see to the feast for our guests."

Wide eyes searched his face, but she rose without question and followed him to the vaults along with several servants. All was quiet. They found no trace of Munn or the stolen victuals.

Dropping Mairi's hand, Iain raised a tight fist. "Where are you wee man? Where is my wedding feast? Show yourself or I will banish you to the darkest, coldest, cruelest corner of the Highlands."

Silence. Then a faint jingle of silver spoons tingled in the damp air.

Iain sighed. His ranting got them nowhere.

"Munn, return the feast. Dinnae disgrace the MacLachlan name or your own by forcing me to serve our Campbell guests naught but scraps."

"Ach, aye. The Campbells will enjoy the fine catch from our braw rivers and the bounty of our woods. 'Twill naught be long until the Campbells steal our fair lands as well," Munn muttered.

"Please." Mairi stepped forward and sweetly implored.

Part of the feast was thrust into the hands of startled servants, the rest landed upon tables that appeared along with the food.

With a nod from Iain, the servants rushed to serve the dishes to the guests.

When he caught Mari's gaze, he expected to glimpse horror. Instead, she laughed. "I see we both have wielders of magic. And I think your Munn may have pinched me during the ceremony."

"What?"

"I have forgiven him. And I will explain about Caitrina after the feast."

Iain didn't care who Caitrina was. He wanted to kiss his persuasive wife. And that was what he did. When she melted into him, his heart leapt with joy.

~

The End

This story ends happily for Mairi and Iain, though Munn held hatred for the Campbells deep within his soul for generations. The Legend of the Vanishing Wedding Feast will be the basis for a prequel to the Highland Gardens series.

To learn more about the brùnaidh—the Scottish brownie click here.

~Dawn Marie

 

Coming to Print Soon - 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'





Just Beyond the Garden Gate
Proof for Print Edition
 



 

I've been masquerading as a cover artist—recently received the proof for the print edition of Just Beyond the Garden Gate. The cover needs a few tweaks. Should be available mid-November.

 

 



 

 

 

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon'

Welcome to this week's Sneak Peek. Here's another excerpt from the recently released Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, the second novel in the Highland Gardens series—Scottish historical time travel romance with faeries. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!

Continuing from two weeks ago—Finn is accepted into the fold...

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

Archibald handed his sword to Duncan and grabbed Finn’s forearm, honoring him with a warrior’s embrace. Finn returned the arm grasp with a strong grip. Their gazes locked. They came to a wordless accord.

When they broke apart, a young lad handed them both mugs filled to the brim, foam sloshing over the edge. They slammed their cups together and drank deeply.

“Well done! We will talk later.” Archibald turned away and graciously accepted ribbing from his men.

Wiping the froth from his mouth with the back of his forearm, Finn noticed Elspeth standing beside her brother. He caught her gaze and smiled. She blushed and looked away.

Was for the best. He didn’t dare mark time with her.

Within the mass of warriors, Finn received slaps on the back, the MacLachlan men showing their approval. Some maybe more grudgingly than others, but still, he’d never expected to be accepted, at least not so soon.

 

~Dawn Marie

Join Me at theTRR Year End Splash Party

Join me at The Romance Reviews' Year End Splash party.

 

Play games. Win prizes!

 

Over 400 participating authors and publishers. Over 400 prizes.
Grand Prize $100 Gift Card.

 

November 1 - 30
Play everyday for more chances to win!

 

 

~Dawn Marie

Happy Halloween

Thank you to everyone who visited during the Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop!

Congrats to Holly Letson! Watch your email for a $10 Starbucks e-gift certificate.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Sea Panther'

Click here
to hop over to my post for the
Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop.

 




Now, for the regularly scheduled post: Sneak Peek Sunday

Welcome to this week's Sneak Peek. In celebration of Halloween, here is an excerpt from the  manuscript for my paranormal novel, Sea Panther (2013 Golden Heart® finalist). Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!

Willy, the stalker, meets Robert's sister in the woods...

Sea Panther
 A Crimson Storm Novel

 

 

 

The woman's eyes changed color. Turned a frightening blood red.

Too late, Willy spotted her fangs. 

Vampire. 

He tried to pull away, but couldn't budge. 

She licked her lips, again, and leaned in close. 

He struggled, but couldn't move his limbs.

 

 

 

For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below.

 

Click here

to join in the fun

and hop along

with Sneak Peek Sunday.

~Dawn Marie

Trick or Treat: Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop

October 23-30 2013

 

Halloween is almost here. Yay!

I love all things fantasy and paranormal. Things that go bump in the night. Faeries and brownies. Vampires, shape shifters, and zombies. Oh, yeah!

In celebration of the season, I'm participating in the Haunted Open House Giveaway Blog Hop: hosted by paranormal author Nancy Gideon. So join us for a week-long Halloween party!

Hop along with us. Gift prizes along the way. I'm gifting a $10 Starbucks e-gift card to one lucky commenter.  Sound good? Read on down to the bottom of this post to learn how to get your name into the garden hat.

 

Shit. Late for work again.

The early morning California sun blinded. Sylvia slid into the cracked leather seat of her red MGB midget and her short black skirt rode up her thighs. With a sigh, she inserted the key into the ignition.

"Please start."

Click, click, click, click, click, vroom.

"Yes!"

She pulled out of the driveway and headed for the city.

With one hand on the wheel, she scratched the raised bite mark near the vein on her wrist and shuddered. That too familiar prickly sensation of eight tiny phantom legs crawled over her skin. Revulsion chills crept down her spine. She despised spiders.

Breathe, Sylvia. Breathe. She inhaled air deep into her lungs.

 

Entering the freeway, she zipped across the lanes to the left and sped with the traffic. Holy shit! Her worst nightmare crawled across the dashboard. She grabbed a used tissue from the passenger seat garbage pile and squashed the damn creepy crawly.

Her thigh itched like crazy. She swallowed hard and glanced down. A black widow skittered across her leg. Sylvia spun the wheel.

The crunch of metal was the final sound. She'd never be late for work again.

 

 

*  *  *

 

 

Hope you liked that wee bit of Halloween flash fiction. Now for the giveaway...

 

Giveaway: $10 Starbucks e-gift certificate. Leave a comment on this post with the answer to two questions. 1) What is your favorite Halloween costume? 2) What  type of spider was in Sylvia's car? Be sure to include your email addy. Feeling shy? Email Dawn Marie at Dawn at DawnMarieHamilton dot com. Only comments answering both questions and including an email addy will be considered. One name will be pulled out of the garden hat on Halloween, Thursday October 31.

 

 

~Dawn Marie


Please check out the other participating blogs...

Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon'

Welcome to this week's Sneak Peek. Here's another excerpt from the recently released Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, the second novel in the Highland Gardens series—Scottish historical time travel romance with faeries. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!

Finn continues with the fight, the trial of vigor...

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

Finn breathed deeply, dragging air into his lungs. Oxygen pumped through his veins.

He warded another blow, pushing forward as he did. Archibald stumbled, his chest heaving from the effort.  
 

Taking advantage, Finn released his left hand from the hilt of his sword and struck his opponent in the throat. Staggering backward, Archibald fell to one knee.
 

The crowd roared. Shock registered in the man’s eyes.
 

Finn dropped his sword and bent over, panting. Holy shit. He’d bested Archibald.
 

The other warriors pressed forward. Someone pounded Finn on the back, cheering him. His vision blurred. He thought he might lose his breakfast, pass out.

 

 

For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below.

 

Click here

to join in the fun

and hop along

with Sneak Peek Sunday.

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon'

Welcome to this week's Sneak Peek. Here's another excerpt from the recently released Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, the second novel in the Highland Gardens series—Scottish historical time travel romance with faeries. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!

Elspeth arrives at the field, where Finn is proving his worth to her brother, the clan chief, with a trial of vigor...

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
A Highland Gardens Novel
Bk #2

“Bold attack. Near felled the chief.”

She rose onto the balls of her feet, trying to see, but a broad warrior blocked her view of the action. Each time he moved, flinging his arms with excitement, he forced her to weave in the opposite direction.

“Lady Elspeth. Here.” A young maid tugged her forward to the front of the ogling crowd.

Elspeth wasn’t prepared for the scene unfolding, or for the unexpected emotions raging through her. She stared, mesmerized, white knuckles pressed against her mouth, the ring of steel against steel grating along her spine. Fear leapt into her throat. With every move the men made she tasted her fright.

She prayed for Finn. Guilt brought heat to her cheeks. She never supported her brothers’ opponents.

Why now? Why this man?

  

 

For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below.

Click here

to join in the fun

and hop along

with Sneak Peek Sunday.

~Dawn Marie