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

Celebrate the 5oth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with a Sale on the Fantasy Romance ‘Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon’

Wow! July 20th, 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Where did the time go?

The Lunar Module Eagle landed on the moon’s surface at 4:17 p.m. EDT with, if I can believe what I read, less than thirty seconds of fuel remaining. The moon walk took place six hours later.

"…one small step for (a) man,

 one giant leap for mankind."

-Neil Armstrong

I was at girl scout camp in Pennsylvania at the time. We hiked up the hill from the tent sites to the activity center where the counselors had set up a television and we watched the events unfold. ‘Twas exciting. When I returned home from camp, I learned my dad had named our new beagle puppy ‘Moon Shot Duke’. The thought still makes me smile.

I’ve held a special place in my heart for the ‘moon’ ever since.

What are your memories from when Apollo 11 landed on the moon’s surface?

Continue reading for an excerpt from Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon. And then, please share in the comments your memories from the Apollo 11 moon landing. If you were too young or not born at the time, share your thoughts on what you know of the event.

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon…

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple

Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Village of Anderson Creek

Finn inhaled deeply. His lungs filled with fresh mountain air. For the first time in months, he was free of fawning women. Free of the awkward position they put him in.

Patrick’s sword sliced past his face, drawing him from his thoughts. Rain streamed over his bare chest, mixing with sweat. He needed to pay attention. If he weren’t more careful, he’d do a face-plant in the mud.

“You fight like a lass, MacIntyre,” Patrick taunted.

“Hilt is slippery.” Finn cursed under his breath and sought a better grip.

“You must learn to fight under every circumstance. That includes rain. Could save your miserable life someday.”

Grunting, Finn barely ducked the next assault.

Patrick pulled back. “Enough!” He dropped the point of his claymore to the ground and scowled. “’Tis obvious you are not paying attention.”

Trying to catch his breath, Finn gulped air. He glared at his cousin-in-law. “This is supposed to be just for fun.”

“Ach, then. You must try harder to have fun, lad.” Humor lit Patrick’s blue eyes, and he unloosed the leather strip holding back his long chestnut hair. Patrick MacLachlan was a primitive man; to him a workout with the large two-handed sword was child’s play. “At times I forget we live in a modern world.”

Finn shook his head. “You are my fiercest opponent.”

Patrick laughed and placed a hand on Finn’s wet shoulder. “Come. The bairns are at the inn for Rory’s Thursday morning story time. Let us go and warm ourselves by the fire and listen to the old Highlander tell his tales.”

Finn yanked on a soaked t-shirt and followed Patrick across the wet lawn.

About twenty-five eagerly waiting children sat on the plush carpet in the parlor of the Whispering Pines Inn while gossiping moms relaxed on overstuffed floral sofas. A few dads stood nearby, appearing disinterested. Finn knew better. Everyone loved hearing Rory’s stories.

The crackling fire brought much-needed warmth to the dreary mountain morning. Finn joined Patrick at the hearth, hoping his clothes would dry.

Conversation ended when Rory MacNaughton entered from the rear door, his carved walking stick at his side. The elderly gentleman wore dress slacks, a brown tweed jacket with leather patches at the elbows, and a tam covering his white hair. He greeted individuals as he crossed the room and eased onto the tall stool at the center of the parlor. With an age-spotted hand, he motioned for his audience to move closer.

Alert eyes sparkling, Rory glanced at Finn and grinned. One of the men standing nearby snickered. Finn groaned, sure he knew the yarn the storyteller would regale them with.

Taking a deep breath, Rory began…

“The Sithichean, the faeries of the ancient Highlands, had a special affinity for moonstones. Enamored by the pale, lustrous, blue color resembling that of moonlight, they found the best of these unique stones on the shores of their sensuous faerie paradise Tir-nan-Óg—land o’ heart’s desire—having washed ashore on the tides when the sun god and moon maiden were in a particular heavenly harmony.”

Rory leaned forward. “Ye ken this miraculous occurrence happens only once in three, seven-year cycles of the moon…”

He held up an index finger. “Just once in a verra blue moon,” he whispered.

A hush fell across the parlor.

“Handfuls of these precious stones belonged to a beautiful flame-haired faerie with eyes the color and brightness of the most costly emeralds.”

“Caitrina?” a precocious little girl, with red curls and freckles sprinkled across her nose, whispered. Her blond-haired friend giggled, and Rory smiled at the pair.

“She bestowed upon the moonstones magical powers, gifting them to deserving mortals. Some of these charmed stones had the ability to reunite lost lovers. Others gave the bearer the gift of second sight. One especially large gemstone she forged into the hilt of a magnificent Highland claymore, and with a kiss enchanted it with extraordinary power.”

His eyes wide, a boy in front pointed at Finn.

Finn glanced down. He must be a sight, his soaked shirt clinging to his chest and his wet kilt slung low on his hips. He’d grown his hair long and now the knotty, wet strands hung around his shoulders in disarray. Beside him, his sheathed sword leaned against the stone of the fireplace, the large moonstone in its cross-section plain to see.

Rory chuckled, locking gazes with him. With tight lips, Finn shook his head no. He didn’t want the kids to think his sword was the one of which Rory spoke.

“Over the ages, the sword brought many a worthy warrior fame and fortune. That was until the day an evil, dark power used it.” Rory’s voice rose and his pace quickened. “This could not be borne. With green eyes shooting flames of fire, the one who fashioned the splendid weapon cast it far away to vanish in the Sands of Time.”

The storyteller lowered his voice an octave and slowed his speech. “There are those who believe the lost sword of the fae has been found.”

Finn refused to listen to more of the man’s fantasy. He signaled to Patrick he was leaving.

Patrick followed him into the foyer. “Why the rush, lad?”

“My claymore doesn’t have supernatural powers. It’s just an antique sword.”

“Ach, well. Dinnae take offense. Rory means nae insult. He merely wishes for the bairns to believe in a wee bit of magic. Nae harm in that.”

Hope you have a magical day!

~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.

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

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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.

 

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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 - 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.

 

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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 - 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...

 

∞∞∞

 

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  

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina - 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. 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  

Excerpt Wednesday - The Sword Fight - Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon by Dawn Marie Hamilton

This week's except is from the second novel in the Highland Gardens time travel series. Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon. Finn has a sword fight...

 

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Alexander leapt from the stoop and swirled around into a fighting stance, his claymore extended, pointing toward Finn’s eyes. Their gazes locked. Held. Tension escalated.

Finn ran through his mind the hand and foot positions he’d practiced. Mastered. Move by move.

His right hand under the cross guard, his left just above the pommel, he stepped forward with his lead foot into the on-guard position, holding the cross guard at head level and the blade pointing diagonally upward. As they circled, he dropped the blade to a forward position to ward Alexander’s first cut with the flat of his blade. The impacting vibration sizzled over Finn’s bulging arm muscles, and he twisted his wrists to counterstrike.

The crowd surged as Finn and Alexander fought around small obstacles and avoided a loaded cart.

The dance flowed. Finn’s feet slid over the stone paving in patterned moves. He leapt, swinging his hips, giving power to each strike. The cling and clang of steel against steel reverberated in the small courtyard with chops and cuts and wards. Rolling from one blow to another, the zone possessed Finn, thrilled him, until his arms and legs grew weak.

Too late, he realized Alexander’s tactic. The man held back, pretending ineptitude, allowing Finn to tire, and then swooped in on the offensive. An excessively aggressive cut whistled along the edge of Finn’s sword. He lost his balance and stumbled.

The next cut came from the side. Finn rolled his hips back to avoid getting sliced across the belly. A near miss. He barely warded the next blow.

The crowd roared.

Finn would die. Damn. He hadn’t meant for things to end this way.

Alexander’s next chop arced from above. Finn bounded out of the way, laboring to breathe. The force of the downward momentum imbedded the blade into the wooden frame of a water trough. Alexander struggled to free the sword, his chest heaving, giving Finn time to gulp air, catch his breath.

A flash of light on metal distracted him and he reluctantly flicked his gaze away from his opponent, fearing someone else joined the fray. What the hell? Caitrina stood to the side, at the front of gaping warriors, holding Finn’s claymore, its embedded moonstone glowing. She grinned and tossed the sword.

The blade spiraled in slow motion, end over end, through the air.

He jerked his gaze back to Alexander. The man stared at the whirling sword with lust.

Finn read the man’s intent, dropped the borrowed sword he held and lunged for his claymore. Before either he or Alexander grabbed hold, a most beautiful blond woman appeared out of thin air and snatched the spinning sword out of their reach.

She glared at Caitrina. “The mortals must finish without magic.”

 

   

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Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon

Amazon : Barnes&Noble : Apple

 

 

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Hope you enjoyed this wee snippet from Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie

Excerpt Wednesday - The Changelings - Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

This week's except is from my most recent release, the fourth tale (third novel), from the Highland Gardens time travel series. Just Wait For Me. Available as an e-book and in print. Jillian meets the changelings of the wood...

 

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Unnerved by the snap of a twig, Jillian spun around only to stop short and gawk. Four pairs of eyes stared at her from little faces resembling those she’d imagined within the tree. The boys, dressed in tatters, seemed to range in age from eight to twelve.

 

“What the…” she stammered. “Who are you?”

 

The pudgiest and perhaps oldest of the four, with deformed fingers on his right hand, stepped forward; the others huddled behind as if frightened. “We saw you appear from…naught. Be you one of the Sithichean?”

 

The strange little man had asked the same question. Crazy. There were no such beings as faeries.

 

“I’m Jillian O'Donnell. I’m lost.”

 

The child didn’t seem convinced. His bulbous nose scrunched up tight, lips pressed together, and grimaced. “But—”

 

“You dinnae answer his question! Be you one of the Sithichean?” A little girl Jillian hadn’t noticed—a fifth child, no more than six years old—poked a head from behind the others. “You dress funny. Like a lad.”

 

“I’m nothing more than a lost traveler.” Jillian smiled at the little one, trying to hide her shock, hoping not to spook the girl. “I’m dressed for warmth.”

 

The child made a distorted O-shape with a horribly deformed mouth then ducked out of sight. Jillian bit her lip as not to smile at the quick retreat.

 

“Who are you and your friends?” She directed the question to the pudgy fellow who seemed to be the leader of these poor misshapen children.

 

He just stared until he stumbled forward a step. He threw a glare over a shoulder at the other children, who took a tentative step back. “Stop poking me.”

 

The boy with an unusually long nose and wisp of blond hair dangling into rounded hazel eyes raised his chin and pointed at the pudgy lad. “We call him Blaney.”

 

“Yeah, and he’s Cam.” Blaney pointed toward a boy with scars across his forehead and different colored eyes—one bright blue, one dark brown—then to a lad with a head that seemed too large for his child-sized body. “And he’s Mack.” Blaney then nudged the boy who first introduced him. “This daft lad is Duff.”

 

“And what is your name?” Crouching to appear smaller, less threatening, Jillian addressed the little girl.

 

The child lowered her head and scraped a dirty, bare toe in the dirt, muttering into her chest. Though bold with her question before, she now acted shy.

 

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you. I’d like very much to know your name.”

 

A soft moss-green gaze peered at Jillian, melting her heart.

 

“We call her Keita because she is of the wood,” Blaney said.

 

“Keita is a very nice name.” Jillian smiled at the blonde-haired child.

 

The girl giggled and ducked behind one of the boys.

 

This is crazy. Jillian didn’t have time to waste with these ragamuffin children. But the little girl wearing rags on her feet instead of shoes on such a cold morning wrenched her heart. Still… No. She couldn’t get involved. She needed to get unlost, find Kyle, and convince him to forget the rest of the cycling trip and head home.

 

“Do you live nearby?” she asked.

 

The children looked at each other, but didn’t answer.

 

Okay. “Can you direct me to the nearest town?” Jillian posed the question to Blaney.

 

The boy seemed confused. A queasy feeling gnawed at her insides. Perhaps the little man told the truth. Was it possible there were no towns nearby? She hadn’t checked a map before embarking on this vacation. She’d left navigation for the trip up to her brother.

 

“We can take you to someone who can help,” Duff said.

 

“Who?”

 

“The Gray Women.”

 

The other three boys shook their heads vehemently in the negative. Jillian had the feeling meeting the Gray Women wasn’t a good idea.

 

Keita clapped hands in glee. “Aye, aye, let us go to the caves of the Gray Women.”

 

 

    

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Just Wait For Me

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Hope you enjoyed this wee snippet from Just Wait For Me, a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie

Excerpt Wednesday - Gathering of the Clans - Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon by Dawn Marie Hamilton

This week's except is from the second novel in the Highland Gardens time travel series. Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon. Finn attends the gathering of the clans...

 

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Entering the meadow from the wooded camping area, Finn stopped for a moment to take in the view. The spectacle of colorful clan tents impressed, but the sight of Grandfather’s summit as a backdrop to the festival grounds was humbling indeed. The bronze light of the setting sun played across the old man’s features. Nature at her awe-inspiring best.

Finn crossed the running track and found Laurie and Patrick, their baby daughter, and their two, wild toddlers. The twins, Scott and Young Iain, ran around the picnic blanket, playing warrior with wooden swords. They were cute boys, and Finn enjoyed hanging with them. Someday he hoped to have a couple kids of his own.

Geez. He needed to forget his problems and find out what had Laurie so tense when she picked him up at the airport. He feared bad memories had surfaced, and she had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Now wasn’t the right time to ask questions though. Tomorrow he’d sit her down and find out what was going on in her head.

He saw red every time he thought of what was done to her. He unclenched his fists and inhaled a deep, calming breath.

By the time he ate and settled on the blanket, it was almost dark. The torchlight ceremony would soon begin. When Laurie managed to get the boys quieted down, Scott came over and climbed onto Finn’s lap.

“Having fun?”

“Em hmm.” The boy leaned back, and his small body relaxed.

Finn tousled the imp’s blond curls, inhaling the lad’s rough and tumble little-boy scent. Stubby fingers gripped his shirt, and his heart squeezed. He glanced at Laurie holding her daughter, leaning against Patrick, Young Iain curled on his father’s lap. This was what Finn craved, a harmonious family life—here in these mountains.

If only the woman from my dreams was real. He sighed heavily and pushed that impossible wish out of his mind.

Darkness fell and the ceremony began. A deep voice came across the loud speaker, explaining the historic significance of the torch ceremony.

“The saltire cross of Saint Andrew is recognized as Scotland’s ancient symbol. Tonight, we call the clans to rendezvous as our ancestors were once summoned to battle.”

The speaker fell silent…

His voice thundered. “Raise the Clans.”

Chills played along Finn’s spine, as one by one, the resonant voice called the names. “Anderson… Armstrong… Baird… Barcley… Bell… Bruce…” As he called each clan’s name, a representing member crossed the field, carrying a lit torch to add to the fiery cross of flames in the center of the field.

“MacIntyre.”

Finn leapt to his feet, hugging the excited Scott to his chest. Laurie and Patrick joined them along with Young Iain. They all screamed as loud as they could, jumping up and down. They did the same again, a few minutes later, when the call was for Clan MacLachlan.

“Life or Death!” Patrick yelled the MacLachlan battle cry, his fist extended in the air.

After they sat, Scott climbed off Finn’s lap to go to his mother. Finn distinctly felt the loss, a barren place in the center of his chest. He rubbed his palm over the spot. He’d better get himself in-gear and find a woman who could love him. Undoubtedly, the task would be difficult.

The curse he choked on came from deep within the aching void near his heart. He wanted to have children and be young enough to enjoy rough housing with his boys. At thirty-six, he was past the age when he should have started a family, and he wasn’t getting any younger.

He swallowed, targeting his attention on the clan emissaries walking across the field and the rich baritone coming from the loudspeakers.

“Stewart… Sutherland… Turnbull… Wallace… Young.”

“The clans have come once again to celebrate who they are,” the speaker called out when the last torch was set.

The torches burned brightly. The haunting sounds of pipes filled the air.

Finn experienced a sense of belonging he never imagined. A feeling of rightness.

The abundance of twinkling stars overhead added to the magic.

Patrick broke the spell when he nudged Finn while attempting to gather up the twins and their belongings.

“I’ll help you carry this stuff to your car.” Finn bent and picked up the picnic basket.

As they walked along the path toward the parking lot, Laurie grabbed his arm. The beam from his flashlight bobbed crazily across the ground. “I hope you didn’t forget my garden party is tonight at eleven,” she said.

He nodded with a grunt.

“I expect you to be there on time and to still be in costume. And for heaven sakes, please be nice to Jillian.”

Finn groaned, and Patrick snorted.

 

   

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Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon

Amazon : Barnes&Noble : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

Hope you enjoyed this wee snippet from Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie