New Distribution Channels for 'Just Within a Highland Mist'

I’ve been doing some more formatting this month. Just Within a Highland Mist, a Highland Gardens novella, the fifth tale in the series is now available at Apple and Kobo in addition to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Fae pixies are meddling with Gregor’s heart…

At the garden archway, he slipped her hand into his and entered first to ensure naught was awry. He’d vowed to keep her safe.

“Oh, this is lovely,” she said as they traversed the path through the garden beds filled with vegetables and herbs to the rose garden, where he seated her on the turf bench, abloom with small, fragrant white flowers. The gentle scent was heady. As was her beauty.

“I owe you an apology,” she said.

He frowned. “Whatever for?”

“For not believing your story about the pixies.”

“I guess ’tis hard to believe in something you have never seen.”

“I saw one last night.”

Her admission made his brows rise. “You did?”

“Yeah. In my room, while I was bathing. Before you came. She wore a purple gown and had sheer lavender wings. Like that one there.” Emily pointed to a dragonfly-like creature perched on a shiny rose leaf.

He held out a hand and the ebony-haired pixie jounced onto his palm.

Tee teehee hee. Tee teehee hee. Tee teehee hee.

The wee creature’s voice tinkled like the sweetest chimes.

“Here is another!” Emily leapt to her feet and held out a hand. A blonde pixie with green wings landed on an outstretched finger. “This one has iridescent peridot wings.”

Gregor brought his hand closer to his face for a better look at the one he held.

Emily did the same with hers. “Hello,” she murmured.

Tee teehee hee. The pixies giggled again, before blowing dust into their faces. Then with more giggles, they flew away, high over the garden wall.

Emily and Gregor sneezed in unison, and then dropped onto the bench, overcome with laughter. Tears of merriment streamed from both their eyes.

“They are so cute,” Emily said, when she sobered.

Just Within a Highland Mist


Now available at:
Apple and KOBO.

Also available at:
Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

 

~Dawn Marie

Severe Weather and New Distribution for ‘Just Wait For Me’

August has brought storms to the area where I live. Every evening, so it seems, lightning flashes across a blackened sky and rolling thunder roars. I remember the earth-shattering sound of thunder when I lived in the mountains, but am surprised how loud it can be at sea level.

As the son of the Queen of the Fae, controlling the elements, especially lightning and thunder, is one of Prince Dugaid’s gifts. He display’s this skill in Just Wait For Me, the fourth tale in the Highland Gardens series.

Dugaid stared at the compromised hidey-hole, a snarl curling his lip. How dare his mother remove her protection from the lost bairns? Oonagh was a beautiful woman, sought after by many a man, both fae and mortal, but she lacked even an iota of motherly tendencies. Had the Fae Queen put the bairns in harm’s way? 

His pointed ears perked at a commotion deeper in the wood. A lad cried out as if in pain. Cloaked in the glamour of invisibility, Dugaid followed the scuffling sounds. 

Two of the woodland bairns huddled together on the ground, faces battered and bruised. Dugaid fisted his hands. No one had the right to hurt children. 

An explosive outburst of nature heralded his anger to the world. Lightning sliced the darkening sky. Thunder reverberated over mountains, hills, and glens. Hail pounded the earth. The pungent smell of ozone sharpened the air, making his nostrils flare. 

Maclay’s gaze shot to the ominous sky, and the man frowned. Returning attention to the third bairn, the one he held by the shoulders, he shook the battered lad. “Tell me!” 

When the bairn didn’t answer, Maclay knuckle-slapped him hard across the face. 

The lad cried out. Blood spewed from a broken nose. 

Red also wept through a rag wrapped around Maclay’s wrist, but didn’t hinder the man from inflicting pain on those weaker. “Tell me what you ken of the lass traveling with MacEwen, unless you wish for more of a thrashing.” 

“Nae. Dinnae hurt me anymore,” the lad pleaded. “She is from the future. ’Tis all I ken.” 

Maclay thrust the lad away, grabbed the backpack from the ground, and strode away from the whimpering bairns. Dugaid’s rage boiled. The storm intensified. One especially jagged streak of vertical lightning pierced the ground at Maclay’s feet. 

The villain leapt back, tossing weight from leg to leg, attempting to find balance as the ground rolled and splintered around him. Spider cracks spread from long narrow slits. Trees and rocks tumbled into deep crevasses. The backpack Jillian had brought through the time gate slipped from Maclay’s nerveless fingers. It tumbled into a fissure, got caught by the strap on a branch, and dangled just within reach. 

He dove to retrieve it, but the earth pitched with a violent shudder. The pack dropped into the hole while the vibration joggled Maclay precariously close to the edge. He crabbed backward scarcely in time. One more quake closed the opening. 

In a flash, Dugaid placed a vanishing blanket over the bairns, making them invisible. 

Maclay stood, paced in a small circle, and punched a fist in the air. “Where are those cursed changelings?” 

Unable to release his frustration on the bairns, the nasty devil strode away from the scene of destruction, muttering obscenities. Dugaid hated allowing the man to leave, but there were certain covenants to which he must adhere. As much as he so desired, he mustn’t kill a human. 

Dugaid waited until the man had traveled a great distance before uncloaking himself and the lads. “Can you all walk?” 

“Aye.” The lad with the mismatched eyes helped the older, pudgy fellow, who’d taken the worst beating, rise to his feet. 

“Hie tail to the Caves of the Gray Women and use the pool to heal your injuries.” 

“Many thanks for coming to our aid,” said the lad with a head too large for his child-sized body. 

“You are verra welcome. Now run along and forget you saw me.” Dugaid watched them leave, chanting a spell of protection to keep them safe. 

Then he, too, vanished, traveling through the nether in search of Caitrina. She would never win the challenge if she didn’t keep her mind on the task at hand. He was more than ready to give her a lengthy scolding.

New Distribution Channels for

Just Wait For Me

 

Now available at:

Apple and Kobo

 

Also available at:

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

~Dawn Marie

Supernatural Birds

After singing its heart out, a wren joins the cardinals, titmice, and chickadees at the feeders. Juncos (also known as snowbirds) swoop in from the mountains and mingle with sparrows and doves foraging within the garden beds. Herons wade in the creek.

Birds--symbols of power and freedom--have often been featured in the mythology and folklore of many countries. From prominent figures in creation stories to messengers of the deities to mediators between humans and the supernatural world, birds represent, strength, love, and wisdom.

Perhaps that is why so many of us enjoy watching birds. Birds have uncanny smarts. If you're lucky, you can observe supernatural bird behaviors in your backyard.

Many birds build elaborate nests without ever getting lessons. They just know how to do it through instinct.

Some birds are born knowing how to navigate by instinct. Hummingbirds hatch during the summer in North America then fly solo a thousand miles or more to their wintering habitat in the tropics, without the guidance of a parent or a flock. In the spring, a hummingbird may return to the place where it began its journey, using its amazing memory. Perhaps you might see one in your backyard hovering around the spot where your sugar feeder previously hung, even though you haven't put the feeder out as of yet. I've seen this occur in my backyard. When I do, I rush to get the cleaned feeder hung. I want to keep the hummers coming to my backyard.


.

Members of the crow family--jays, ravens, magpies, etc.--have incredible memories. They excel at hiding things and then finding them

Green herons dine on small fish. They've been seen dropping pieces of bread or other bait to lure fish to the surface. Amazing. Right?








I enjoy writing birds into my romance stories...

 

From Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, Book 2 in the Highland Gardens series:

She marched across the ridge, her hair blowing in the wind. A loud, rapid kek kek kek kek kek sounded before the whish of wings and the large bird landed on her outstretched arm.

“Trystan, you’ve returned to our mountain. I’m glad to see you, my friend.”

The peregrine falcon murmured close to Caitrina’s ear.

“Ah, you want to feel the sun on your face again. Aye, I imagine the northern tundra was verra cold.”

What happens when a twenty-first century business executive is expected to fulfill a prophecy given at the birth of a sixteenth-century seer? Of course, he must raise his sword in her defense.

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo.

~Dawn Marie


*blog post originally shared at Supernatural Superlatives

#TimeTravelTues #Birthday #Snippet #HEA - Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

“So, Keita. I thought we would celebrate your birthday after you’re completely healed,” Jillian said, wanting the child to have something special to look forward to while recovering from her surgery.

“We are changelings,” Duff said. “No one kens when we were born.”

“You are not changelings,” Stephen said. “You are our bairns as is Malcolm.”

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Birth #Snippet #HEA - Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Disappoint him? "Nae, sweetling. Childbearing is risky. I lost my mother to the fever. And then my wee brother also passed. I would understand completely if you are unwilling to go through birthing a bairn."

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Rise #Snippet - Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

She taunted, hoping to get a rise from him. She’d be waiting ’til the world and all its realms no longer existed.

He remained behind an impassive facade.

Oonagh scrutinized him through narrowed eyes then grasped a crystal pawn from the ebony and ivory chessboard. “What brings you to the palace, Dugaid? You have not bothered to visit your mother in many a decade, preferring to cavort with those of the earth realm. Perhaps you are more of their ilk than fae.”

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Sing #Snippet - Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon by Dawn Marie Hamilton

She took a deep breath and sang, accompanying herself on the lute.

Her voice was that of an angel.

Finn found himself caught in the web she wove with her words, her song a soulful love ballad. Unable to shift his gaze from her, he more than likely smiled like an idiot.

When she finished several enchanting songs, she attempted to coax Archibald to sing along with her. He refused, but Jamie volunteered and together they sang a merrier ditty about four drunken warriors and one sassy wench.

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Fast #Snippet - Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon by Dawn Marie Hamilton

In his anxious state, Munn couldn’t conjure an invisibility glamour. He used the speed spell instead and darted faster than a human eye could see, tripped Elspeth in passing then dashed through the castle gate before Donald reached the couple. He giggled with glee. There was more than one way to bring Elspeth and Finn together. If he must keep tripping one or the other to force them into each other’s arms, so be it. He peeked around the edge of the wall.

They kissed. He howled in delight.

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Heat #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Patrick closed his eyes and growled deep in his throat as desire pooled in his groin. Their kiss, potent and deep, an intoxicating aphrodisiac, became more and more heated. At first, he’d been shocked by the arc of power, but he couldn’t stop himself from claiming what he sensed belonged to him. What started as an unconscious display of dominance became a much more meaningful symbol of possession.

His forceful kiss demanded surrender.


~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Crazy #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Laurie rubbed the furrow lining her forehead and slumped into the sofa cushions. Gah, she must be going crazy. She poured herself another glass of wine and took several quick sips.

Was she hallucinating?

Even with the poor lighting, she found the man fabulously attractive. Scrumptious. He could have walked out of the steamiest romance novel. Intense, dark eyes—if only it had been light enough to see the color—set in a face only the Celtic gods could have molded. The sexy cleft in his chin made her mouth go instantly dry. The mere thought of him left her breathless and achy with need.

Had she really reached out to a stranger? How stupid. What if he was a nutcase?

She flicked her gaze to the dark windows then the locked front door. The house was secure.

A psycho? She hoped not. The man seemed familiar. She felt as though she'd met him before. Though where could that have been?

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

The only explanation for the insanity was Munn. He was a menace.

Spiraling into another fine rage, she leapt from the chair and marched to the door. She tugged, never expecting to find it unlocked, but this time, the door opened. Hurrying along the passageway, she passed two guardsmen deep in discussion. Although they glanced up and nodded when she passed, they didn’t bother to block her way. Confident no one else would attempt to stop her, she quickly made her way down the circular stair, across the courtyard, and through the castle gate. She ran along the path to the garden, blind to everything save her destination.

She found Elspeth sitting in the midst of the frost-dead plants with Alexander.

“Where is that miserable brownie?” Laurie asked. “How do you call a brownie to you?”

Elspeth and Alexander, as one, flipped wide eyes up from the book they read.

“You dinnae,” Elspeth said after a moment. “They appear only when they wish.”

Laurie glared at the horizon, raised her arm and made a fist. “Damn you, little man. I’ll find a way to keep Patrick close to my heart. You’ll not force us apart.”

Queasiness once again rumbled in Laurie’s stomach. Her vision blurred. She clutched her belly and swayed. Was this magic too? Had Munn put a hex on her?

“Laurie!” Elspeth jumped to her feet “What is it? What has befallen you?”

Laurie didn’t have the breath to answer. She stumbled over the gravel path and threw out an arm, reaching for the wall, but it was too far away and she was too weak. She slid to the ground and lost consciousness.

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Laid out in a geometric grid, the castle garden provided a well at the center for irrigation. Heavy wooden planks held the soil in beds, most containing medicinal and culinary herbs and vegetables edged by lavender and white violets. Strawberry plants filled one bed and a large section dedicated to roses lay to the side. Though not yet in bloom, the roses’ shiny new leaves glistened in the sunlight. At the center of the rose garden grew a bench of living plants.

“’Tis a turf bench of chamomile. ’Twill flower soon,” Elspeth said with pride.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. Must be beautiful when in bloom.” Laurie followed Elspeth as they meandered through the garden.

“Most of the seedlings are collected from local fields and woods then planted here. Other plants are brought to me by friends and travelers who visit the castle.”

“What you’ve created here is amazing.”

“Thank you. My love for the garden came from my mother.” Elspeth’s voice saddened. “We spent hours together tending the plants. Since she is gone, I nurture the garden in her memory.”

“What happened to your mother?”

“My father and mother are missing—presumed dead by many—they disappeared three years ago while traveling across our land. After that, Patrick became chief of our clan.”

 

 

~Dawn Marie

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

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 Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story—I'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...

 

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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?

 

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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  

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 series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina 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. 

 

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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

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  

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 series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina 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...

 

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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  

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 series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina 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  

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 series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina 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...

 

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“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  

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

Giveaway ends September 27, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Have a magical day!


~Dawn Marie

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

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina 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...

 

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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