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.

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