Welcome to my home on the web. You may have noted the mountains in the banner are the misty Blue Ridge of North Carolina. Did you know time traveling Highlanders live there? Read about them in the Highland Gardens series. Curious about the big cat? Florida panther~from the Crimson Storm paranormal novel, Sea Panther.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

My Five Favorite Books From My 2017 Reading List

I enjoy writing stories, but I love to read. So I thought it would be fun to start a new blogging tradition with a year-end post about the five books I enjoyed reading most during the year. Since I started this writing journey, the number of books per year has lessened considerably, which makes each read that much more special.
 
This year, I read books from several different categories: romance, of course, from sweet to steamy, historical fiction, and literary fiction. Here are the books I enjoyed most...
 

Rough & Tumble by Rhenna Morgan

 

Live hard, f*ck harder and make their own rules. Those are the cornerstones the six Men of Haven bleed by: taking what they want, always watching each other's backs, and loving the women they claim with unyielding tenderness and fierce passion.
 
A self-made man with his fingers in a variety of successful businesses, Jace Kennedy lives for the challenge. From the start, he sees Vivienne Moore's hidden wild side and knows she's his perfect match, if only he can break it free. Earning this woman's trust is a task unlike any he's faced so far, but Jace didn't get where he is by giving up.

Vivienne's determined to ditch the rough lifestyle she grew up in, even if that means hiding her true self behind a bland socialite veneer. Dragging her party-hound sister out of a club was not how she wanted to ring in the New Year, but Viv knows the drill. Get in, get her sister and get back to the safe, stable life she's built for herself as fast as humanly possible. But Viv's plans are derailed when she meets the club's seriously sexy owner.

Jace is everything Vivienne swore she never wanted, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to see that he loves just as fiercely as he fights. He can walk society's walk and talk society's talk, but when he wants something, he finds a way to get it. He's proud of who he is and where he came from, and he'll be damned if he lets Vivienne go before showing her the safest place of all is in his arms.

Find Rough & Tumble at Amazon.

Skin Deep by Marissa Doyle



After a painful divorce, Garland Durrell looks forward to settling into her home on Cape Cod to make the quilts that are her passion. On the first morning of her new life she finds a man and a small boy washed up on the beach, both badly wounded. Since the town chief of police is strangely reluctant to help, Garland takes on the care of the mysterious pair who don't seem to remember what happened to them--and feels her own heart begin to heal.

Alasdair does remember. He and his son Conn are the last of the ruling family of selkies from the waters around the Cape, locked in a decades-long struggle with an evil that threatens all, selkie and human. He’s not sure if he can trust the lovely, blue-eyed woman who takes them in until he touches one of her quilts and feels the magic she’s sewn into it...and the emotions that he never thought he’d feel again.

But the evil entity that stole Alasdair’s sealskin and left him for dead quickly senses both his presence and Garland’s magic, and is determined to destroy one and possess the other. Only Garland and her quilts, made with a power she barely believes she has, can save them all from destruction—if she can avoid being destroyed first.

Find Skin Deep at Amazon.

Camino Island by John Grisham



A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a secure vault deep below Princeton University’s Firestone Library. Their loot is priceless, but Princeton has insured it for twenty-five million dollars.

Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a prominent dealer in rare books. Very few people know that he occasionally dabbles in the black market of stolen books and manuscripts.

Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer’s block who has recently been laid off from her teaching position. She is approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous offer of money convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends, ideally getting close enough to him to learn his secrets.

But eventually Mercer learns far too much, and there’s trouble in paradise as only John Grisham can deliver it.

Find Camino Island at Amazon.

The Highlander's Crusader Bride by Cathy & DD MacRae



Born in the Holy Land only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father choses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.
Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

Though more than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

Find The Highlander's Crusader Bride at Amazon.

Alex Campbell by Cate Parke



Alex Campbell is a physician, the youngest pediatric oncologist anywhere. She’s brilliant and driven to succeed. Work fulfills her—until she meets Richard Wales and he becomes the dream she believed might never come true.

Richard Wales is the spare, not the heir, with a Navy career to develop. But when he meets Alex Campbell in Heatherton’s bookshop, he discovers he must defy far more than social convention—or risk losing the only woman who ever mattered.

Find Alex Campbell at Amazon.




Wishing you a magical 2018!


~Dawn Marie




Thursday, December 21, 2017

Happy First Day of Winter, Winter Solstice 2017 & Excerpt from Twelvetide by Dawn Marie Hamilton



The Winter Solstice is the day during the year with the fewest hours of sunlight. In 2017, in the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs on December 21 at 11:28 AM EST.

There are many myths about the Winter Solstice and its importance to ancient cultures, especially to the Druids. In the Enchanted Highlands stories, we used one of these myths to weave a collection of three time travel romance tales.

From the Enchanted Highlands comes the first of three tales of time travel romance intertwined with the magic of the season and forever love—Twelvetide: Twelve Nights of Highland Magic.
 
 
 

Excerpt From Chapter Four...

 

“What do you seek?”

The sensation of one’s heart plummeting to the bottom of one’s stomach caused Ashley to spin around, hand clutched over her chest. Psshh. She released a sharp breath. It was only the woman she’d met in the garden as a child. The one who’d looked like the tour guide, yet not. The one who claimed to be a light-bearer. The one who went by the name Aileen.

Though it seemed foolish even to Ashley, she felt compelled to answer the woman’s question. “My destiny.”

“Tall order. Do you ken where that may lead?”

“If I knew, would I be standing here hours before the solstice, in the freezing rain, trying to find a ghost that may or may not exist?”

Too antsy, Ashley hadn’t been able to wait until the morning solstice. Instead of walking to the manor house for dinner, she’d taken a lantern from the cottage and cut across the car park. With fumbling hands, she’d used the key Cael gave her years ago to gain entrance to the locked ancient garden. Not a key to his heart—a key to the garden. The gate had probably been thusly secured since she’d sneaked in as a child.

Not moments after entering the garden, sleety rain began. Omen?

“Probably not.” Aileen rubbed her chin. “Then again…” The woman frowned. “I’m afraid the veil is rather thick this year. So few believers.”

“Believers? What do you mean?”

“Those who embrace magic.”

“What does magic have to do with Cael?”

“Ah, so it’s Caelan you seek. He is braw, is he not?”

Ashley had dreamed of Cael since the age of seven. First as a playmate, then as a co-conspirator, and more recently as a lover. If memory—and dreams—served, he was hot, sexy, and to live for. Long blond hair framed emerald eyes, gorgeous hair tumbled over broad shoulders. Tall. At least, he’d towered over the child she’d been. He stood tall in her fantasies. Her nipples hardened in response to the recollection of the last steamy dream featuring Cael as hero.

“You must believe in magic, in all its forms, to save Caelan from an undeserved fate within the in-between.”

She snapped attention back to Aileen. “Tell me what I must do.”

“Do you believe? Truly believe?”

“In magic? I think I do.”

“Your heart, your soul, your mind must be dedicated. Especially your heart.”

She’d lost her heart to Cael a long time ago. She’d do whatever it took to find him and learn what he meant when he claimed to be her destiny. She prayed he spoke the truth.

“There will be dangers.” Aileen’s earnest features put a knot in Ashley’s already churning stomach.

Ashley nodded. “I must find Cael. I promised.”

“Ach, well, then collect nine leaves from the holly tree.” She pointed to a berry-laden tree at the garden’s edge. “Prick your finger on one of the leaves, leaving behind a droplet of blood. Wrap the leaves in linen and add a teardrop. Tie the cloth with nine knots and tie the ends together in a lover’s knot. Place the packet beneath your pillow tonight and your dreams will come true within this ancient garden at the hour of the solstice.”

   
 





 
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt from the novella Twelvetide: Twelve Nights of Highland Magic.
 

Twelvetide at Amazon.

 

 



Other books from the Enchanted Highlands Holiday Collection:

Stars and Stones
By April Holthaus
 
Once Upon a Winter Solstice
By Victoria Zak


~Dawn Marie




Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Saint Nicholas' Day Giveaway

Since today is Saint Nicholas' Day, I have a giveaway going on over on my FB Author page. Click on the picture below to enter...





~Dawn Marie

Friday, December 1, 2017

Planner Hop and Fairy Inspired Bullet Coloring Journal Giveaway

Hi! I haven't participated in a blog hop in ages and this one is somewhat different from the book related hops and giveaways I've joined in the past. This blog hop is all about using planners to help manage your time, tasks, and appointments whether it be a traditional day/week/month planner, a bullet journal, or some other such planning system.

During a lengthy corporate career I was addicted to using a Franklin Planner.

Love the *feel* of leather.

Wait! Get your mind off the image of the hot Fae warrior with the butt-hugging leather pants, muscled thighs gripping the saddle of a magnificent black steed. That's a character from my next book. Although that sexy image increases my heart rate in the best of ways, I'm referring to the leather binder protecting my planner pages.

This binder and its contents traveled across the US, to Europe, and to Asia, helping me juggle the details of my professional and personal life. My life was in that binder! Heaven forbid it had ever been stolen. Although, that was probably less likely to have happened than having your deets stolen from the internet.

Always keep your planner/journal secure.

I used the monthly calendar tabs for an overview of my schedule and the daily planner to manage tasks and record notes.


Image from franklinplanner.fcorgp.com
 


Notes from meetings, conversations, inspiration.

Each morning began with a few moments to prioritize tasks for the day and review notes from the previous day. In the evening, I reviewed accomplishments and posted forward incomplete tasks.
 
 
I also maintained a projects section. Each tab for a different project containing notes specific to that project. In the back of the binder, I kept a business card holder and a contacts' phone/email list for easy access. With a grueling travel schedule, the planner kept both my corporate and personal life organized.
 
Now, some planners use all sorts of extras (stickers, washi tape, etc.) to personalize their planners. Other than using either the seasonal or botanical pages, I didn't have time for embellishment, or so I believed... 

Fast forward.

In 2013, I released my first Indie published romance novel, Just Beyond the Garden Gate, the first in a time travel series rife with fae creatures. I've been managing things using a regular calendar and a composition notebook. Things like blog tours, appearances, giveaways, etc. Unfortunately my work space has also become cluttered with lists and sticky notes.

Although this method has seemed to work over the last several years, juggling details has become more difficult with the continually changing nature of the industry.

I've recently tried something new to me and more creative. A bullet journal. As a bonus, the one I found incorporates the joy of coloring (some believe coloring reduces stress) and the inspiration of faeries into the management of thoughts and ideas and time management.

The Fairy Inspiration Coloring Journal designed by fantasy artist Selina Fenech.



With the dot grid,  the pages can be designed as needed...


For example a grid to track the progress of my next book. Or the dots can be used to create a monthly calendar, write task lists and other lists, and make notes.

To learn more about bullet journaling, do an internet search. There is a lot of information out there on the internet.

In the end, I may go back to using the Franklin Planner for the business end of my writing career and the bullet journal for the creative side of writing a book. Only time will tell.

Giveaway (US Addresses Only):

**Giveaway is closed to entries.**




Thank you for stopping by the blog and checking out my post. If you would like a chance to win a paperback version of the Fairy Inspired bullet style coloring journal designed by fantasy artist Selina Fenech, leave a comment below along with an email address. Winner must have a US address due to the cost of shipping out of country. If you are uncomfortable leaving an email address here on the blog, email your comment(s) to author@DawnMarieHamilton.com. Giveaway runs from December 1st through December 15th. Winner will be announced on or around December 19th.

What are your thoughts on traditional planners and bullet journals? Do you use one or the other? How do you use them?




Thank you to Anna at Herding Cats & Burning Soup and Lauren at Shooting Stars Mag for hosting this blog hop.  Be sure to visit their blogs, and check out the links below for other planner posts offering inspiration and more giveaways.


Hop along to see other bloggers' posts:





~Dawn Marie

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Name Caitrina's Fae Horse Contest

 
If you've read the books in the Highland Gardens series, you may recall that Caitrina rides a white stallion. The fae horse is mentioned in a couple of the books, but never by name. I think the stallion needs a name for the next book in the series, Just His Fae Kiss, especially since the tale is about Caitrina and Douglas.

So I need your help. I'm running a contest over on my Facebook author page, Dawn Marie Hamilton, to find a name for Caitrina's steed. Consider heading over there and entering the contest pinned to the top of the page. I sure will appreciate your help.

The contest will run through December 13th. Good luck!

Dawn Marie's Facebook Author Page

 

~Dawn Marie

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina Escapes From Tir-nan-óg - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 
 
Since I'm working on Just His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's storyI'm continuing to share excerpts from the other books in the Highland Gardens series featuring them. This excerpt follows the one from two weeks ago from when Caitrina was held prisoner by the faerie queen in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...
 
 


Caitrina hesitated. How could she betray Douglas? She had to. Besides, they didn’t really have a relationship. He only thought so because he was human. She needed to use Gabriel and one of his woman to escape.

Before she lost her nerve, she swung her hips in an erotic belly dance, ripping the gauzy, lavender strips of her gossamer garments one by, ever so slowly, one. When the last piece of fabric fell, Gabriel reeled her into his body, lifted her, and carried her to the poolside, chaise lounge.

When his fingers caressed her inner thigh, she pretended he was Douglas.

She couldn’t do this. She stayed his hand.

“Perhaps we could enjoy a threesome.” Caitrina placed a persuasion spell on the words.

His eyes flared. “I will summon Briganna.”

The beautiful lesser faerie, trained to sexually please, appeared beside Gabriel and they both joined Caitrina on the wide chase. With a kiss to each of their lips, Caitrina planted a sleep spell and slipped from the palace using Briganna’s glamour. As much as she wanted to stay in Tir-nan-óg, she couldn’t.

She needed to complete the match quickly, before the queen became aware of her escape. It was essential for Caitrina to find and silence that meddling MacLachlan brownie. Stop him before he exerted more harm.

Cloaked in Scottish glamour, she stilled her mind and sought Munn. She inhaled a deep breath, seeking composure, and sent her feelings into the mortal realm. Where would be the most likely place to find Munn?
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday and Goodreads Giveaway: Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton


 
 
Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story and I have a Goodreads giveaway ending today for Just Wait For Me, I thought it would be fun to share the prologue, featuring Caitrina, from Just Wait For Me
 
 
9 September, 1513
Near the village of Branxton in northern England

The king is dead.

Anguish tore from her halfling soul with a fae scream that reverberated over the field of devastation like rolling thunder. Silence ensued. Men frozen in fear.

Caitrina dropped to her knees beside the redheaded warrior and ran gentle fingers along the bloodied curve of his handsome face. Damn Oonagh! Damn the Fae Queen! She’d refused to allow Caitrina to intervene in the politics of the mortals and prevent this tragedy.

Now, the king lay dead, fatally wounded by an arrow and a bill. Be damned the English and their nasty weapon—the bill, a staff mounted with a hooked chopping blade and pointed projections. The Scots hadn’t stood a chance against the onslaught on the slippery, hilly terrain with their cumbersome pikes.

Heartbroken, she cradled the man to her breast. Such greatness lost. Tears spilled unchecked onto his precious face. Too late. Even the magic tears of a Sithichean princess couldn’t revive the king.

“Caitrina! Let us be away from here.” The brùnaidh, the Maclachlan Clan brownie, fussed at her back. “We must remove Stephen from the field before the English learn he lives and plunge a bill into his chest.”

She ignored the wee man. How would the Scots forge forward without their beloved king—with only a bairn and the sister of the despised English monarch to guide them?

“If we lose Stephen you will never regain your rightful place.”

Aye. She must deal with Oonagh and the stupid matchmaking challenge. Caitrina released James from her embrace and eased him to the ground. “Sleep in peace, oh, greatest king.”

The metallic tang of blood fouled the air. She rose and moved through the death and destruction. Oonagh had tricked her. Led her to believe after three matches she’d be free to return and live in Tir-nan-Og, the beloved faerie paradise, land o’ heart’s desire. But Oonagh had refused to reveal which match was the third and final. The one that would free Caitrina from servitude to the Fae Queen.

Caitrina and Munn had expended considerable energy on a third match only to learn Archibald and Isobell were the wrong couple. Therefore, one match remained to perform.

“Needs be we hurry!” Munn sidestepped one of the petrified English knights.

They found Stephen’s prone form not far from that of his king. Caitrina rolled him over and took stock of his injuries. Thanks be to Danu, the blond warrior would live. She cloaked the three of them in fae mist and whisked them away on the fetid breeze to the healing caves of the Gray Women.

The battlefield returned to morbid activity—an agony of pain.
 
 
Today, September 27, 2017, is the last day to enter the Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Just Wait For Me.



Goodreads Book Giveaway


Just Wait for Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Just Wait for Me

by Dawn Marie Hamilton


Giveaway ends September 27, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.


Enter Giveaway


 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Wait For Me', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina Plots an Escape From Tir-nan-óg - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton


 
 
Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from when Caitrina was held prisoner by the faerie queen in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...
 
 

Most of Caitrina’s endless life, she performed impossibly difficult tasks at the dictate of the faerie queen with the hope of regaining her royal status. To once again live and play amongst the other faeries in paradise, in Tir-nan-óg, was her heart’s greatest desire.

Dammit, she’d been so close with Laurie and the MacLachlan.

Once they mated, she could move on to the second match of the queen’s three-match challenge. Then the third. Too bad Oonagh interfered.

Caitrina skimmed a hand along the length of a rich velvet curtain. Here she was, ensconced in luxury at the palace within Tir-nan-óg, on the whim of the queen.

But as a prisoner.

At least she was alone. Oonagh had left the palace to meet her consort for merrymaking at a distant faerie pageant. Had the queen not realized Caitrina would plot escape?

Caitrina paced the confines of the chamber, indifferent to its splendor. Lost in thought, she stopped before a crystal table and ran her fingers through the collection of sapphires displayed in a cut glass bowl. Outside, on the veranda, one of Oonagh’s boy toys strutted across the tile to the pool—nude—and dove in. He emerged to his waist a few steps from Caitrina, wet muscles on his packed chest glistening in golden sunlight. Her mind whirled furiously and she settled on a cunning plan.

With a thought, she changed her glamour to that of a veiled harem girl and stepped from the queen’s boudoir, through the curtains, onto the warm tile. She smiled with her eyes to entice the lesser faerie. She wouldn’t think of Douglas while she seduced her prey.

“Gabriel,” she purred.

Desire flashed in her quarry’s green eyes and with feline grace, he leapt from the water. She read his intention to dry himself with a thought and shook her head.

“I like you wet.” Her tone was a husky come-hither invitation.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina gets rid of Munn - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton


 
 
Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from Just Beyond the Garden Gate...
 
 



Caitrina hovered at the edge of the wood, cloaked in the glamour of invisibility. She raised her arms over head in a languid stretch until her spine aligned with a soft crack. It felt so good to have shed the gardener glamour. Posing as a human in the twenty-first century was taxing beyond measure.

She ran tactile fingers over her silk gown, relishing its soft luxury and drew in the fragrance of fir with bliss. Magic hummed. The verdant forest nearly crackled with her power. Her smile widened as sparks ignited and flashed between the intended couple.

The plan progressed as intended. She clapped her hands, more pleased than she’d been since forced to leave the shores of her beloved faerie paradise Tir-nan-Óg—land o’ heart’s desire—centuries ago. She would outwit the queen and win the first part of the challenge.

Easy as snapping her fingers. Almost.

When Laurie ran after the MacLachlan chief, Caitrina purred like a feline who’d caught its prey. Satisfaction shimmered within her mind, but then she thought about Oonagh and her stomach clenched. The High Queen of the Fae believed the challenge would force Caitrina into an eternity of servitude. She curled her hands into fists. No way would she let that happen.

A change in atmospheric pressure prickled over her skin. Sensing Munn nearby, she stilled, closed her eyes, and summoned her image with a mere thought. Without a whisper of sound, her form emerged and took shape. Inhaling sharply, she spun to face the meddlesome brownie.

The wee man slowly approached, even though his expression twisted into a portrait of fear. Stubborn brùnaidh.

“What mischief caused thee?” he demanded. “Where be the old chief? His lady?”

Caitrina stepped in close and frowned at the fool. She needed to get him out of the way before he endangered the completion of her tasks.

Although she smelled his terror, he held his ground and returned her glare. “Be gone! You dinnae belong here. Cease darkening MacLachlan lands.

“’Tis none of your concern.”

“Aye, ’tis. You toy with the young chief.”

“You’ll not interfere.” With a flick of her wrist, she cast him far away.

His image blinked out on a horrified scream.

Caitrina smiled, brushed some residual dust from her gown, dissolved into a passing plume of mist, and rode the breeze toward Castle Lachlan and her pawns.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - The Ceilidh - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton


 
 
Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from the ceilidh at the Whispering Pines Inn from Just Beyond the Garden Gate...
 
 


“Hello.”

Laurie jumped with a gasp, disturbing the people standing around her. They stared with disapproval, a finger to their lips, signaling for quiet. Caitrina rolled her eyes, inclined her head toward the foyer and walked out of the parlor. Laurie followed, somewhat disappointed to miss the rest of the tale.

“You startled me.” She smiled. “Wow, you look wonderful.”

Caitrina had traded her dirty work clothes for a gauzy, emerald green silk dress that molded to her tall, slender frame. Around her shoulders, she wore a sash of green and purple tartan with shimmering golden threads. Pinned at her shoulder was a gold brooch intricately crafted with thistle designs and amethyst gemstones. Her rich hair, usually hidden under her floppy garden hat, fell loose past her shoulders to her waist, the auburn strands on fire with highlights that glistened in the candlelight.

“You look like the princess Mr. MacNaughton describes in his story.”

Caitrina shrugged. “You look nice too, but something’s missing.”

She opened her hand to show Laurie an exquisitely crafted Celtic brooch of silver, decorated with intertwining animals and spiral filigrees, adorned with six small moonstones. She pinned it to Laurie’s stole at the shoulder. “There. Perfect.”

Appreciating its fine artistry, Laurie brushed her fingers over the brooch. Moisture filled her eyes. “You are sweet, but I can’t wear this. It must be a priceless antique.”

“Douglas told me you were admiring the jewelry at his shop. He thought you might like to borrow the brooch for the evening.”

“Must be worth a fortune. What if I lose it?”

Caitrina glanced away. “’Tis a mere reproduction.”

Laurie didn’t believe her. She knew jewelry and was positive this piece was very old and extremely valuable, but the last thing she wanted to do was insult her new friend. She’d wear the brooch for the evening and be extra careful not to lose it.

With a mischievous grin, Caitrina dragged her into the dining room where the furniture was pushed to the side. A fiddler played and couples danced. Someone handed her a glass of wine, only for Douglas MacKinnon to take it away and place it on a nearby table as he pulled her onto the dance floor where he taught her the intricate steps. After that, she danced with Iain until he handed her off to Teddy, who in turn handed her off to another fellow. She giggled with merriment as she whirled around the floor.

The evening flew and when the gathering ended, Douglas and Caitrina walked her home. It was a nice night for a stroll with the full moon shining bright in the clear sky. They took their time, enjoying each other’s company.

At the cottage, Laurie offered them a nightcap, pouring them each a glass of port. They wandered into the garden to enjoy the beautiful evening.

“Do you feel the magic in the air?” Caitrina asked.

Douglas peered at the moonlit sky and chuckled. “Aye, lass. Strong magic.”

Laurie glanced around, feeling a sudden chill.

Caitrina grasped her hand. “Come. I want to show you the foxglove we planted. They’ve flowered. Pink.”

“Pink?” Laurie squeaked.

“Aye, faerie pink.”

Douglas’s eyes narrowed. “What are you up to, Caitrina?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.” She squeezed Laurie’s fingers. “Come on.”

Unease skittered along Laurie’s spine as she walked with Caitrina to the back gate. She frowned when she smelled the now familiar exotic fragrance on her friend. “What the hell?”

A tinkling sound confirmed her fear.

The gate swung open.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Goodreads Giveaway: Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Five signed paperback copies of Just Wait For Me are up for grabs over at Goodreads...



Goodreads Book Giveaway


Just Wait for Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Just Wait for Me

by Dawn Marie Hamilton


Giveaway ends September 27, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.


Enter Giveaway



Have a magical day!


~Dawn Marie

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - Douglas - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton




Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. This week, we meet Douglas for the first time in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...
 
 

The Baked Potato was a storefront vegetarian café located next door to the Celtic Image shop on the main drag of Anderson Creek. Tantalizing aromas greeted them when they stepped into the crowded restaurant. Several customers waited in line at the counter in front of them.

One stood out among the others, not only due to his substantial height, but also for his mode of dress. His handsome six-foot-seven body was clothed in a cream fisherman’s sweater, a red plaid kilt, and around his waist hung a fur sporran with a badger head.

He strode to them and gave Caitrina a cursory glance before smiling at Laurie. “Hello. You must be our new resident. Iain says nice things about you.”

Laurie expected Caitrina to introduce them. When she glanced at her friend, she found her glaring at the guy.

“Douglas MacKinnon,” Caitrina snapped. “Rude as usual.”

His eyes turned cold. “Love, where were you last night? You were supposed to meet me.”

“You assume much. I never agreed to meet you.” Caitrina grabbed Laurie by the arm and pulled her past Douglas to the counter. He chuckled from behind her as she ordered sandwiches and soup from Teddy.

Douglas leaned close to Caitrina, and she stiffened.

“Ach, lass. Why do you fight it? You know we are meant to be together.” Although he whispered the words near Caitrina’s ear, Laurie overheard.

He stepped back and raised his chin. “Talk about rude, Caitrina. Wouldn’t it be polite for you to introduce me to your friend?”

Visibly bristling, she turned to Laurie. “This horny toad owns the Celtic shop next door. Douglas, meet Laurie.”

“Nice to meet you.” Laurie shook his hand.

“My pleasure. As I said before this minx interrupted, Iain speaks highly of you.”

Laurie couldn’t help but notice the yearning in his tawny eyes when he gazed at Caitrina and felt a twinge of longing. Would be nice to have someone look at her that way.

The image of the man in the woods popped into her mind for the umpteenth time. What would it be like to have him desire her the way Douglas obviously wanted Caitrina?

“Come on.” Caitrina took the bag of food from Teddy and again grabbed Laurie by the arm, dragging her out the door. Laurie glanced over her shoulder at Douglas and gave him a finger wave. His hearty laughter boomed as the door shut behind her.

When they returned to the cottage, she walked into the living room, and Caitrina followed with the bag of food.

“My new dining set hasn’t arrived yet from the manufacturer. I hope you don’t mind eating at the coffee table.”

Putting the bag down, Caitrina sat cross-legged on the floor. “This is fine. Do you have any whisky? I could use a stiff drink.”

Laurie chuckled. “I have wine. Would you care for a glass of pinot noir?”

“Most definitely.”

After fetching glasses, the wine and a corkscrew from the kitchen, Laurie opened the bottle. She poured them both a glass and handed one to Caitrina.

“Douglas MacKinnon is attractive, don’t you think?”
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie  

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton



Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens seriesJust His Fae KissCaitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. In Just Beyond the Garden Gate we first meet Caitrina...
 
 
The nearby crunch of gravel made the hairs on her arms stand on end. She snapped her gaze up. At the edge of the secluded garden enclosed within yellow forsythia stood the tall, willowy woman she’d seen earlier at the inn. The woman watched Laurie through intense green eyes set in a face smudged with dirt. She wore grubby work clothes and boots, and an equally grubby wide-brimmed hat.

“Oh, hi.” Laurie smiled and placed the e-reader on the cedar side table. “You startled me.”

The woman continued staring, eyes narrowed.

“I’m Laurie Bernard, a guest at this inn.”

The intruder crossed her arms over her chest. “I ken that.”

“Who are you?” Laurie asked, trying to remain civil.

“Caitrina.”

“Is something wrong?” Laurie didn’t understand the woman’s rude behavior. Who was she? Why was she just standing there, staring?

“You’re sitting in my garden.”

“I see.” But she didn’t. Laurie shifted her weight in the chair, wishing the woman would get to the point or leave so she could finish reading her favorite author’s latest romance novel.

“I’ve many here and about.” The woman waved her arm in an arc. “Do you like gardens? If you do—”

“I do.” Okay, she’d pushed the right button. Laurie loved gardens. Dreamed of having one to care for.

“Then walk along the trail through those woods and you’ll find a special place.”

The trail appeared overgrown. Didn’t look like anyone had walked that way in ages. “Is it safe to walk in the woods alone?”

Caitrina pursed her lips. “If you’d rather not—”

“I didn’t say that. I want to make sure it’s safe to explore alone. I’ve heard there are bears in this area.”

“Bears wouldn’t dare bother you. This land belongs to Himself.”

Himself?” Laurie creased her brow, puzzled by the strange term.

“Iain,” Caitrina said matter-of-factly.

Then she disappeared. Poof. Gone.

“What the—” Laurie clutched her chest over her fiercely-pounding heart. She jerked her gaze around. Where the hell did the woman go?
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 
~Dawn Marie