Historical Serenade Pre-order and Giveaway

Historical Serenade: Seven Tales of Romance

I'm excited to announce Highland Serenade: Seven Tales of Romance is available for pre-order. The collection is a collaborative bundle of historical romance and historical time travel stories—from novellas to full-length novels—the stories are offered by  Lane McFarland, April Holthaus, Ria Cantrell, Barbara Bettis, Ruth A. Casie, Karen Muir, and myself.

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In celebration, we're hosting a month-long party on Facebook. Fun, games, and giveaways. Join the party!

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Seven Historical and time travel romance tales filled with danger, deception, revenge, honor and passion spanning the Medieval Highlands through England's Golden Age.

TO LOVE AN IMPOSTOR by Lane McFarland
Disguised as Nicholas Barlow, a ruthless, old businessman during the day, the Flintlock Brigand's leader at night, and Captain Randolf, in between, Nicholas ruins constables who failed to show Bristol's orphans mercy.
Diana Fleming, daughter of Bristol's wealthiest gentry, returns to beg her father for help raising ten orphaned children, but instead discovers her father died because of Nicholas Barlow. Now penniless and desperate, she's determined to destroy the man who murdered her father.

HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS: THE RAVEN by April Holthaus
As the king's personal guard, Eamon MacLeish's loyalty has never been questioned until a mysterious lass seeks an asylum for a crime, she claims she did not commit. Adelyn Scott would welcome death over marriage but had no idea her wish would come true when she discovers her husband's body on the night of their wedding. As Adelyn and Eamon piece together clues surrounding her husband's murder, Eamon must choose between his loyalty or his heart.

CELTIC PERIL by Ria Cantrell
Tom Callum landed a spot with Celtic Storm as the lead singer and front man. When he reaches Scotland, he is drawn to seek his heritage and uncover the mysteries of his past. He is fascinated with a painting of a girl, Jenna Brandham of the Clan MacCollum, who lived more than six hundred years ago. Jenna tugs at his long forgotten memory. Tom will soon be plunged into a world of intrigue, deception and peril. The past and present collide in an adventure that brings danger at every turn. Only love will give Tom the strength he needs to thwart an attempt on King Richard's life. Will Tom be able to survive his leap into the past? Will he be able to survive his return to the present, only to leave his heart behind?

SILVERHAWK by Barbara Bettis
Seeking revenge against his father, Sir Giles kidnaps the man's young betrothed, only to find himself thwarting her repeated escape efforts. Lady Emelin won't let a blasted mercenary destroy her last chance at a home and family, yet when she learns they must track down English traitors, she reluctantly assists. Eluding searchers and enemies alike, Giles and Emelin discover their past goals don't matter; only a future together will do.

THE MAXWELL GHOST by Ruth A. Casie
Traitors, deception, murders and ghosts run rampant at Caerlaverock Castle. Jamie Collins and Laura Reynolds, long-time friends, find their destinies intertwined with hidden passions, but all is in jeopardy when Laura becomes the murderer's next target. Jamie will find he needs some ghostly assistance to save Laura and declare his love. No magic...a love that lasts an eternity.

DAGGER'S DESTINY by Karen Muir
In Medieval England, after Lady Katherine de Grey's family is murdered, she is rescued by a childhood friend, Sir Richard Weston, and they are forced to marry. Richard resents the edict and intends to petition for an annulment. But, Katherine has other plans. With each caress of her dagger, she empowers herself to fight for her destiny. All she has to do is convince her new husband that the woman he truly desires is already his wife.

JUST WITHIN A HIGHLAND MIST by Dawn Marie Hamilton
A trio of pesky pixies have plans for Gregor MacLachlan's heart. While hunting, a wayward shot from his bow nearly hits a strange lass who appears as if by magic. Emily Smith follows a child in her care onto a forbidden mound in the woods and wakes in a strange bed, in a place and time not her own. Can she find love in the arms of the dark-eyed stranger who becomes her champion?

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My contribution to the bundle is the novella Just Within a Highland Mist from the Highland Gardens series. Here is an excerpt...

     
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.

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Enter to win a Kindle Fire during the Historical Serenade: Seven Tales of Romance pre-order celebration. Release Day is March 31st! 

March 1 - March 30

 Enter to Win a Kindle Fire during the

Historical Serenade : Seven Tales of Romance

Pre-order Celebration

**Earn Five Entries**

First pre-order the bundle.

Then fill in the form with your order/transaction number.

PRE-ORDER

Register to win KINDLE FIRE

*No purchase necessary to win. Open to US RESIDENTS ONLY. 

~Dawn Marie

#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

May Day Historical Romance Giveaway

I'm excited to participate in this awesome giveaway hosted by the authors of Romancing Yesteryear. Over fifty books and a Kindle Fire to the winner. Just Wait For Me from the Highland Gardens series is included in the Grand Prize package.

Click on the image below and join the Facebook party, and then click on the learn more button on the pinned post to be taken to Rafflecopter for entry...

Good Luck!

~Dawn Marie

New Release: Just Within a Highland Mist by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Available for Kindle and
Nook at an introductory
 $0.99 until May 3rd.

Fae pixies are meddling with Gregor's heart...

Gregor MacLachlan returns to Castle Lachlan, where he fostered as a green lad, ignoring rumors of fae activity. As a warrior with his cousin’s elite private guard, he hopes to prove to the clan he’s matured and has worth. A trio of pesky pixies have other plans for his heart. While hunting, a wayward shot from his bow nearly hits a strange lass who appears as if by magic.

Emily Smith follows one of the young boys in her care onto a forbidden mound in the woods behind the local garden center’s display garden and wakes in a strange bed, in a place and time not her own. Can she rise above the heartache caused by the untimely death of her fiancé and find love in the arms of the dark-eyed stranger who becomes her champion?

Emily gazed at her new husband with awe. It didn’t matter they were strangers. She sensed there was something special between them, perhaps magical, something that bound them together even though they were from different places. Different times. 

She studied his full lips, anticipating the feel of them against her mouth. She moistened her lips, wanting him more than she would have imagined possible only a few days prior. 

His pupils dilated, and he sucked in a ragged breath. He lifted a loose tendril of her hair and tucked it behind an ear. His calloused fingers brushed along the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. 

Fire and ice. She shivered. A delicious chill tingled over her shoulder blades. Why was he making her wait?

~Dawn Marie

Sneak Peek Sunday #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #9

Continuing from last week, Munn, the MacLachlan clan brownie, is meeting with the fae Caitrina...

Available at Amazon for Kindle
and in trade paperback.
 FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Emerald eyes flared. “How would you ken the mind of the fae queen? You are naught but a wee brownie.”

“Stop calling me wee.” Munn glared at the halfling princess. “The queen requested my help once before.”

“And you made a mess of things.” Tall and willowy like most of her kind, Caitrina looked down her pert nose at him. He leaned forward, hands fisted.

“Did not.”

“Did so.” Caitrina pressed a palm against his chest and pushed. He fell back a step, losing balance, but recovering quickly, glared at the faerie.

She had the gall to smile. “Well, if you are so knowledgeable, who are the pawns in the queen’s game?”


Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #8

Good day. Click HERE for the Winter Wrap-Up blog hop, but I hope you'll read today's sneak peek too.

Munn, the MacLachlan clan brownie, meets with the fae Caitrina...

Available at Amazon for Kindle
and in trade paperback.
 FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Munn whirled onto the Sithichean Sluaigh, the knoll of the fae within the Fir-wood, spinning in tight circles, sucking leaves and other forest debris into the whirlwind surrounding him. Fuel for an all-consuming anger. When the rage petered out, he halted in front of Caitrina in a puff of smoke-infused dust.

The irritating sithiche coughed delicately and, with the flick of a slender wrist, the dust settled on the ground at her feet and dissolved. A wave of a graceful hand, and foliage poked through the velvety green grass, presenting vanilla scented phlox blossoms. Showoff.

She arched an auburn brow and tossed long flowing locks over a shoulder. “What do you want, wee man? Your summons interrupted important machinations.”

“’Tis past time to make the third match.”

Caitrina shrugged. “The queen refuses to reveal the couple’s identities.”

“I ken who they are.” Munn jounced, hardly containing growing excitement.




Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #7

Continuing from last week's sneak peek...Archibald has found the devastating remains of a cattle raid committed against his clan and suspects the neighboring Lamont clan with whom a feud has lasted generations.

Available at Amazon for Kindle
and in trade paperback.
 FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Munn’s throat grinding made Archibald stiffen, certain he wouldn’t care for the brownie’s counsel. “Dinnae lecture, wee man.”

“Said naught.” Munn jumped from the horse and marched about the scorched land. “Nae Campbells.” He sniffed the ground, glanced at the overcast sky, and scrunched his nose in distaste. “Nae Lamont warriors.”

He paced, shaking his head and muttering.

Archibald banged a closed fist on his thigh in quick repetition. “Well? If ’tis not Campbells nor Lamonts, who?”

“Renegades.”

“How do you ken such?”

“Just ken.” Munn wrinkled his nose and sniffed again. “Ach, a female.”



Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #6

Continuing from last week's sneak peek...Archibald has found the devastating remains of a cattle raid committed against his clan and suspects the neighboring Lamont clan with whom a feud has lasted generations.

Available at Amazon for Kindle
and in trade paperback.
 FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Yet the description of the lad and horse resembled that of another lad who’d daringly crossed MacLachlan land a year ago. At the time, they’d thought him a Campbell, but he could have been anyone. No Campbell, to Archibald’s knowledge, possessed dark hair.

Dark hair reminded him of Lamont’s daughter Isobell, his betrothed, missing for the past year, and brought another dagger slice to an already-damaged heart. Their marriage had been meant to bring an end to the feud and peace to the neighboring clans.

“And you, Isobell, let me guess, you wish to wed Archie.”

She nodded. “Aye. With all my heart.”

Patrick and Isobell’s words from so long ago haunted him, driving the breath from his lungs. What happened to harden her heart against him? Her father claimed she ran away so she wouldn’t be required to wed. Why? They’d been in love. Why would she stay hidden? Could it be she wasn’t in hiding—what if something had happened while she’d been out riding?

“Chief?” Duncan’s voice startled Archibald.

He unclenched his fists and shook off the troubling memory. He would fulfill his vow to find her. Just as soon as he punished those who perpetrated the destruction that lay before him. Failure was unacceptable. The clan’s survival depended on success.



Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #5

Continuing from last week's sneak peek...Archibald has found the devastating remains of a cattle raid committed against his clan.

Available at Amazon for 99 cents
until December 1st, or
 FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

“Lamont broke the truce,” Archibald growled, heat flooding his face.

“You cannot be sure ’tis Lamont,” Uncle Donald said. “Could have been Campbell men. Alexander threatened retribution. Should never have angered him by breaking his betrothal to your sister Elspeth.”

One of the injured herdsmen limped forward and dipped his head in respect. “May I speak?”

Archibald nodded though his mind had shifted to strategy.

“There was something odd about one of the reivers—a slight lad who rode a fine beast with more skill than any man I have ever seen. A stallion the color of darkest night. And when the lad’s cap slipped, ach, well, his long hair was like that of a lass and of the darkest night as well.”

Archibald shot a glance at Duncan whose eyebrows rose in question. Could it be the same horse and rider they’d seen last year?



Thanks for stopping by!


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

New Release: Ice Maiden by Miriam Newman

Please join me in welcoming guest author, Miriam Newman...

Pre-order from Amazon
for a December 25th release.

When a simple farm girl attracts the notice of the King’s half brother, it leads to a dazzling world of privilege, intrigue, passion and war.

Read an Excerpt:

Snow lay on the ground. It was only first snow, a taste of winter, but enough to let us follow churned-up prints and splotches of blood down the slope towards the beach. That was where our men had made their stand. I saw that the ships that had brought us supplies had been roped together to make a great floating platform and put out to sea away from the beach to intercept ships coming in. A second line—of men—seemed to have been deployed on the beach. There were bodies there and in the water with more washing up, and a few ships half sunk in the tide, their sails burned. Everything smelled charred.

There were Havacians and Omanis on the beach, helping the injured—ours, at least. If they were Armatican, that was their last dawn. No one would bring them to us for care.

My lord was easy to spot. He was taller even than most Havacians, and he was unhelmeted. I wondered with a sense of exasperation if he had even bothered to shield his head. That man was born for battle. Probably he had enjoyed it. Son of a general indeed. Now I believed it.

Regardless, I went down to him through small hummocks of bodies and battle gear strewn across snow and sand. All of the women were looking for their men, and now I was one of them.

He was flushed with cold and battle fever, still carrying a gory sword that he plunged into the snow as though cleaning it, but he was not. He didn’t want me to see the blood, but I caught his distinct look of victory touching on defiance as he did it. He was what he was, that look said. Take it or leave it.

This now blood-drenched island was not what I had ever envisioned as a home. He was not the man I’d thought of in my dreams. I had never had much time for dreams, anyway, and I wouldn’t now—there was going to be too much work to do. But I thought now I would do it with him.

Pre-order HERE

Meet the Author:

Fantasy poetry driven by myths and legends has been Miriam’s passion for as long as she can remember. She was published in poetry before catching the romance writing bug. She brings that background to her writing along with a lifelong addiction to horses, an 18 year career in various areas of psychiatric social services and many trips to Ireland, where she nurtures her muse. Her published works range from contemporary fantasy romance to fantasy historical, futuristic, science fiction and historical romance. Currently she lives in rural Pennsylvania with a “motley crew” of rescue animals. You can view her books at www.miriamnewman.com.

Do you have questions, for Ms. Newman? Please leave a comment.

Ms. Newman will gift the original book in the series, The King's Daughter, to one commenter. 

Sneak Peek Sunday #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #4

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas has released. Read the prologue HERE. Then continue with this week's Sneak Peek...

Available at Amazon for 99 cents,
 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Voices raised in anger startled a foraging wren. The disparate normalcy within the scene of devastation struck Archibald in the chest, constricting muscle. Legs planted wide, he pounded a fist against his thigh. This had happened too often in the past year.

“Were all the cattle stolen?” he managed to ask through gritted teeth.

“Aye. I have failed you.” The head herdsmen hung his head.

“Nae.” Archibald squeezed the man’s shoulder, offering solace. He couldn’t allow the man to accept fault for his inability as clan chief to protect his people and livestock. Rage choked him, and he swallowed hard. “Fires still burn. They cannot have gotten far.”

He grabbed his reins, anxious to give chase. The horse shied, rearing, sensing his agitation, yet the damn brunaidh remained steady where he stood on the beast's rump. Although a mere three feet tall, the MacLachlan clan brownie possessed oversized hands and feet. Feet that allowed for good balance.

Arms crossed over chest, muscles aquiver, Munn clenched a permanently wrinkled forehead even tighter and eyed the devastation from his superior position. The unusual blue-green of his eyes smoldered. Evidence of the wee man's ire caused Archibald's fury to flame hotter. This was the third raid in a fortnight. If they couldn't capture the thieves and recover the stolen cattle, the clan would be hard-pressed to survive winter.



Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #3

Continuing from last week, here is the third Sneak Peek into my new holiday novella from the Highland Gardens series--Just in Time for a Highland Christmas. Let's meet Isobell...

Available for pre-order
 at Amazon
$0.99 introductory price

The sun set on the horizon. Crimson colors faded to mauve, a beautiful end to the day after its wet and trying start. Isobell Lamont spurred her horse to greater speed. She would escape the dictates of her overbearing father, even if she might die in so doing.

Her aunt in Glasgow would surely hide her, if Isobell avoided capture. Before she reached the burgh, however, she must cross the land of her unwanted MacLachlan betrothed, the hated Campbells, and other clans she didn't ken. She reveled in the knowledge her journey might be fraught with peril. She'd always dreamt of doing something truly adventurous.

The doing is never as grand as the dream. With a shake of the head, she ignored the nagging voice admonishing her and rode into the wind, the scent of fir in the air and an invigorating chill on her cheeks.

After risking discovery by crossing yet another open meadow, she eased the reins and sought the wood. Thank the good Lord the weather had cleared. She coaxed Dealanach Dubh into the shelter of a thick cluster of firs and slid from the stallion's massive back.

“Good lad,” she crooned as she patted his sweaty flank, a horsy odor prickling her nose.

Isobell's stomach rumbled. Should have raided the larder before running off in a rage. Dealanach Dubh could graze on the sparse grasses, but what could she eat? Would she never learn to think before reacting to Da in anger?



Thanks for stopping by!


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 #SPeekSunday: Just in Time for a Highland Christmas #2

Continuing from last week, here is the second Sneak Peek into my new holiday novella from the Highland Gardens series--Just in Time for a Highland Christmas...

Available for pre-order
 at Amazon
$0.99 introductory price

Duncan's aghast expression brought a smile along with a forgotten memory to Archibald. As green lads, he and his twin brother Patrick had dressed in servants’ castoff garments and snuck away from Castle Lachlan for a jaunt in the Fir-wood. They later received a memorable scalping when Da caught them roaming about without escort.

“Must be a Campbell lad unaware of the border to our land. I am sure he will feel his father's disfavor across his backside before this day is through. That is, if he avoids breaking his neck first.”

“Aye. For a fact, Chief.” Duncan laughed. A hearty sound that never failed to cheer Archibald.

Poor lad. Duncan braved his temper on this frustrating journey. He'd owe the man a boon upon their return to Castle Lachlan after they fetched Archibald’s bride. “Let us be on our way, I want my lady ensconced within our keep before winter sets in.”

He reined his horse to the left toward the more traveled trail through the Fir-wood, eager to reach Toward Keep, the stronghold of the Lamonts. Duncan rode at his side as captain while the rest of the Lèine-chneas, his hand chosen guard, followed a short distance behind.

The image of laughing violet eyes urged Archibald to a faster pace. He couldn't wait to hold the raven-haired Isobell in his arms again, inhale her intoxicating scent, caress her ivory skin, and kiss her pouty lips.



Thanks for stopping by!


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