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

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

Excerpt Wednesday - Winged Beasts - Just Within a Highland Mist by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

A sneak peek into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a novella, the fifth tale in the Highland Gardens series...

 

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“Are you sure there aren’t any dragons? He’s orange,” Tevin persisted.

Munn jerked his gaze to the bairn, annoyed by the interruption to his deliberation. He hated the need to think, but he must figure out what to do about the lad. “Who’s orange?”

“The dragon. It is my destiny to slay the orange dragon.”

“I told you. There are nae dragons here.”

“But Allison and Malcolm said—”

Munn held up a hand. “You best forget about dragons and come with me to Castle Lachlan. The chief will ken what to do with you. And I dinnae want to hear any more about the winged beasts.”

Tevin rolled his eyes to the side and curved tight lips into a disgruntled frown, but when Munn started off, the lad fell into step behind him. “What about the little faeries that brought me here? They have wings.”

Munn stopped short, and the bairn slammed into his back. He spun around and righted the lad. “What faeries?”

“I thought they were dragonflies at first, but they’re really cool. They’re girls with wings. They brought me here. There was one with green wings and another with purple and—”

“Whist! Needs be I think.”

Pixies? Why were pixies sifting time? What mischief did the ebony-haired Marcail and her pesky clan ponder?”

 

   

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Just Within a Highland Mist

Amazon : Barnes&Noble

 

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Hope you enjoyed this wee sneak peek into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a Highland Gardens Novella.

 

~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

Just Witin a Highland Mist - Available for Pre-Order

I'm excited to share that 'Just Within a Highland Mist', the new novella from the Highland Gardens series, is available for pre-order at Amazon. This is the 5th tale in the Highland Gardens fantasy time travel series.

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?

~Dawn Marie

Excerpt Wednesday - Pesky Pixies - Just Within a Highland Mist by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

A sneak peek into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a novella, the next tale in the Highland Gardens series...

 

∞∞∞

 

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

“Oh, this is lovely,” Emily 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.

   

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Coming April 27, 2017

 

 

 

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Hope you enjoyed this wee sneak peek into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a Highland Gardens Novella.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday (Sneak Peek) - The Pixie Clan - Just Within a Highland Mist by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

A sneak peek ( an unedited excerpt) into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a novella, the next tale in the Highland Gardens series...

 

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Suddenly a hart wandered from the brush twenty-five yards upwind of Gregor’s spot. The animal hesitated for a moment, mobile ears listening, sensitive nostrils testing odors in the air, then lowered his head and nibbled the tip of a leafy branch. Not just any hart, but a sixteen-point white stag—a mystical beast. Could the animal be real? Gregor closed his eyes; rubbed them. When he looked again, the animal was still there, browsing.

 

Breath quickened; excitement fired his blood.

 

He slowly, very quietly, raised his bow and nocked the arrow, praying he wouldn’t spook the deer. The stag raised his head, ears perked. Eyes on the mark, Gregor drew the arrow steadily back until his right forefinger touched the spot on his jaw perpendicular to his right eye. He glanced along the length of the shaft, his aim perfect.

 

A lavender-winged dragonfly landed on the spine of the arrow just behind the hand that held the grip. One with iridescent green wings landed forward of the handgrip. A third buzzed his ear.

 

Lips curving into an annoyed frown, Gregor held the bow and arrow with one hand and shooed the bugs away with a wave of the other. His luck held. The deer continued to feed. As he prepared a second time for a clear shot, one of the bugs returned and perched on the arrow again. Stuck its tongue out at him. He jutted his head forward to better inspect the—

 

The bothersome creature stood on wee feet. Nae. Couldn’t be. She had wee feet, wee arms and hands, and a curvaceous body draped in an iridescent purple fabric the same color that outlined her lavender diaphanous wings. She raised a dainty hand and tucked an ebony tress behind a pointed ear and smiled at him with rosy lips.

 

“What trickery is this?” he demanded.

 

Tee teehee hee, the pixie tinkled like delicate chimes.

 

The stag skittered, leapt over a thicket, and dashed into a copse of trees.

   

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Coming Winter 2017

 

 

 

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Hope you enjoyed this wee sneak peek into 'Just Within a Highland Mist', a Highland Gardens Novella.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Cover Reveal: Just Within a Highland Mist by Dawn Marie Hamilton

The fifth tale in the Highland Gardens series.

Coming Winter 2017

~Dawn Marie

Excerpt Wednesday: Just Within a Highland Mist (WIP)

I've noticed some authors are posting excerpts on their blogs on Wednesdays to connect with readers. Since I've wanted to get back into blogging, I've decided to add this to my schedule. I'm also posting the occasional snippet from my current WIP (work in progress), Just Within a Highland Mist (A Highland Gardens Novella), over on my Facebook Page. So for today's Excerpt Wednesday we have the first three snippets previously posted on FB.

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Mist snaked over the hills and vales of the Blue Ridge Mountains settling on the Village of Anderson Creek and surrounding woods like a shroud. Emily stumbled through ever-thickening fog, trying to avoid the slap of tree branches obscured by vaporous wisps, fear pressing against a constricted chest. How had she lost the boys?

Malcolm was too bold for a seven-year-old and the year younger Tevin followed his adopted brother into every unfortunate escapade. She’d only turned away for a moment to check her smart phone for a signal—a nonexistent signal—and the boys jumped upon the opportunity to bolt through the woods away from her, brandishing wooden swords more than likely against the beast they claimed to track—an orange dragon.

“Life or death!” The Clan MacLachlan battle cry spat in the distance from the children’s lips hung heavy on the humid air.

Emily raced in the direction she believed the bellow came from and tripped over an aboveground root, losing balance. “#$%&.” She slipped on decaying leaves and banged an elbow on the trunk of an old oak; the jolt of shock lit up her nervous system. “Ouch, ouch, ouch!” She danced around and shook out her tingling arm, then taking a moment to regain composure, leaned her forehead against the rough bark of an old oak and inhaled a deep calming breath. “Please let me find the boys.”

 

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I've created a Pinterest board for Just Within a Highland Mist. I'm adding pins as inspiration strikes. I'd love for you to follow my progress--though it may be slow. 

 

Follow Just Within a Highland Mist on Pinterest.

~Dawn Marie