Welcome to my home on the web. You may have noted the mountains in the banner are the misty Blue Ridge of North Carolina. Did you know time traveling Highlanders live there? Read about them in the Highland Gardens series. Curious about the big cat? Florida panther~from the Crimson Storm paranormal novel, Sea Panther.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

June Full Moon Book Giveaway

June Full Moon


This morning's moon, a supermoon, is at its fullest at 7:32 AM EDT. It is the closest moon to the earth and appears the largest moon in the sky for the year. The next supermoon will be on August 10, 2014.

What is the nickname for the June full moon?

Hint: June's full moon was named by the Algonquin tribes because they believed it signaled the time to gather ripening fruit. 


Full moons are important to the Highland Gardens series. To celebrate the June full moon, I will give away a PDF gift copy of Just Beyond the Garden Gate to two lucky readers, commenting on June 23, 2013 and answering the question:  What is the nickname for the June full moon?

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

A Highland Gardens Novel

Available at Amazon and B&N

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

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Answer the question, "What is the nickname for the June full moon?" in comments with an email addy or email me at dawn (at) dawnmariehamilton (dot) com to be considered for the e-book giveaway.

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~Dawn Marie

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summer Solstice June 21, 2013, 1:04 AM EDT


Sunrise at Stonehenge

The summer solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere when the earth’s axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun. This year that would be today, probably before you read this post, at 1:04 AM EDT on the east coast of the United States and at 5:04 AM UTC. The solstice is a mere moment in time, but we use the term freely to reference the day on which it occurs—the day of the year with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night.

Throughout history, many cultures have recognized the solstice as a sign of fertility and have observed the day with festivals, rituals, or other celebrations. Some pagans thought it a time of magic, a time when evil spirits appeared. They wore garlands of herbs and flowers to ward off evil intent.

Celebrating the solstice may be thought of as a pagan rite by some, yet in our modern times, many celebrate the day in various ways—music festivals, art shows, parties with bonfires, parades, and more. Thousands gather annually at Stonehenge in England to welcome the sunrise. Many years ago, I was fortunate to celebrate in a small town outside of Paris and enjoyed an array of musical events performed throughout the town. We strolled from venue to venue, a glass of wine in hand.

This year, I’ll spend some time in my garden during the morning and in the evening attend a classical concert on the lawn of a local college. How will you celebrate?
 
~Dawn Marie

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop: House Millar

Today I'm visiting with author Aine P. Massie for an inerview at House Millar.  Giveaway: A PDF copy of ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ to one commenter. Come on over for a visit.

~Dawn Marie

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop - Author Anne Lange's Blog

I like to take a tea break during my working day at around three o'clock in the afternoon . Sometimes I enjoy a snack. I'm sharing the recipe for one of my favorite tea time snacks at Anne Lange's blog today. Stop by for Men in Kilts & Cranberry-Walnut Zucchini Bread.

~Dawn Marie

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - Just Beyond the Garden Gate

For this week's Sneak Peek, we'll continue from where we left off last Sunday. Patrick is escorting the strange lass (Laurie), whom he found near the faerie mound, to his castle. For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!

“Not far.” He caught her frown and a glimmer of gold in the moonlight. Why did she wear his stepmother’s brooch? He was tempted to question her, but he’d wait until he secured her in the castle.

Patrick whirled on his heel and started walking, expecting her to continue following. He squeezed his fist tight then uncurled his fingers. Too many questions rattled around in his head. Was she involved with fae magic? Munn claimed the faerie, Caitrina, caused the visions. Was the lass in league with the faerie?
 
They left the trees, finding the sky had cleared. Patrick straightened his shoulders with pride at the sight of Castle Lachlan in the glow of the full moon. The lass would be impressed. He stopped and waited for her to catch up. Disappointment tweaked his pride when she didn’t compliment the fortification of his home. When he grasped her elbow to guide her down the grassy slope, she trembled.

Maybe she wasn’t of his station. Nae. Her garments were too fine not to be. She stared toward the castle, took a step, hesitated, and almost tripped him. He urged her forward with light pressure. She stopped when they neared the beach across the water from the castle.

“Oh. My. God.” Her trembling increased, and when she tried to pull away, he released her arm. “This can’t be for real. Please, tell me that’s not a medieval castle.”

“Medieval? ’Tis my home.”


Click here
to join in the fun
and hop along
with Sneak Peek Sunday.



~Dawn Marie

Friday, June 14, 2013

'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop: Star-Crossed Romance

Yay! It's Friday. Been a long week. Today, I'm visiting with Lynda K Scott at Star-Crossed Romance. I'm talking about foxgloves and faeries and gardens. Stop by if you have a moment. Giveaway: I’ll gift an e-copy of Just Beyond the Garden Gate to a lucky commenter.

~Dawn Marie

Thursday, June 13, 2013

'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop - Books à la Mode

Just Beyond the Garden Gate is featured today at Books à laMode. I had fun being interviewed by Karielle. Stop by if you have a moment. Giveaway: a digital copy of Just Beyond the Garden Gate and a $10 Starbucks gift card.

~Dawn Marie