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When Ash Remains @DenaGarson #RLFblog #PNR #historical
Welcome Dena Garson author of When Ash Remains, a new Native American historical paranormal romance.Why did you write this book?
In truth, because a friend of mine nagged me for years to write it. The secondary reason was because the myths and legends of the Skinwalker fascinated me. I live in Oklahoma so some of those Native American stories seem a little more, well… real.
What is your favorite genre to read?
It depends on my mood – it’s a mix of historical, paranormal, contemporary, fantasy, urban fantasy, and sci-fi romance. That’s probably why I write in so many of those categories!
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
Doctor Who. Not only does he get to travel across the universe(s) but through time. He has seen (experienced) all kinds of people, places, and cultures. And yet he is a protector and has a strong sense of equality and respect for life. I hope that series runs for another 50 years!
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a Steampunk romance as well as a follow up to Mystic’s Touch.
What books will we see from you in coming months?
The Steampunk romance will be part of a box set that comes out later this year. And I’d like to get into a sci-fi romance set that a group has been putting together for later this year. *fingers crossed*
Please tell us about your latest book.
Genre: Native American historical-paranormal
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
A warrior with a mission
There isn’t a buffalo or deer that Kajika cannot take down. So when his cousin is slaughtered he relishes the chance to track down the killer. The trail leads him to a woman with gifts he has trouble believing in. Despite their differences he cannot fight his instinct to protect her from all threats – even those he cannot see. That drive even rivals his desire to explore every inch of her body.
A woman with a destiny
Knowing the spirits will protect her, Ahyoka allows the handsome warrior to take her to be questioned by his chief about the unexplained deaths in their village. He may not believe in her abilities but he is one of the few who doesn’t treat her like something to be feared or shunned. He awakens feelings that make her yearn for things she thought she’d never have. Her biggest fear is that once he learns the full extent of her gifts he will reject her like most of her tribe did.
A killer twisted by hurt and anger
Kajika and Ahyoka must work together to find the one responsible for the string of deaths in and around their villages. Faith, trust, and even a little bit of love will be needed to defeat the killer and right the wrongs committed in the pursuit of power and revenge.Where to buy When Ash Remains
Publisher Dena Garson/Indie
Amazon http://amzn.to/2lwpSH8
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1125772994
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-ash-remains
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1205227715Dena Garson Social Media
Dena Garson is an award winning author of contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance. Her sixth book, Mystic’s Touch, won the 2015 Passionate Plume for Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-Fi as well as the 2015 Reader’s Choice Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy/Time Travel. Ghostly Persuasion finaled in the 2014 Passionate Ink contest and the 2014 Reader’s Choice Award. Your Wild Heart finaled in the 2016 Passionate Ink contest.
When she isn’t writing you can find her at her jewelry workbench playing with beads. She is also a devoted Whovian and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Website http://www.denagarson.com/
Blog http://denagarson.net/
Twitter https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dena.garson.7
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/denagarson7
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58
Newsletter http://eepurl.com/b2TWxv -
Downton Abbey Meets Pride and Prejudice @GingerMonette #RLFblog #historical fiction
Today’s featured book is Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, A WW1 Pride and Prejudice Variation by Ginger MonetteAbout Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes
Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty
from Ashes is a A WW1 Pride and Prejudice Variation.Genre: Historical FictionAuthor: Ginger MonetteBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13Perfect for fans
of Downton Abbey and Jane Austen!Escape to the
era of Downton Abbey and experience all the drama of World War 1 alongside
literature’s iconic Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. You’ll watch
their tender love unfold as they learn to work together and reconcile their
differences at a field hospital only miles from the Front.1916. World War
1 has turned French chateaux into bloody field hospitals, British gentlemen
into lice-infested soldiers, and left Elizabeth Bennet’s life in tatters.Her father is
dead and her home destroyed. Never again will she depend on a man to secure her
future!When an
opportunity arises to advance her dreams of becoming a doctor, she is
elated–until HE arrives….Heartbroken.
Devastated. Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy is left rejected by the woman he loved
and reeling from the slaughter of his men on the battlefield.
“Enough!” Darcy vows. “No more sentimental attachments!”But arriving at
a field hospital to pursue a covert investigation, Darcy discovers his beloved
Elizabeth training with a dashing American doctor and embroiled in an espionage
conspiracy.With only a few
months to expose the plot, Darcy is forced to grapple with his feelings for
Elizabeth while uncovering the truth. Is she indeed innocent? Darcy can only
hope….•Watch video
trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2fUiZdpGI•Darcy’s Hope
has a happy ending but will continue in Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey, coming
Jan 1, 2017. In the sequel, readers will experience the full resolution of the
mystery, and our beloved couple’s love will face a new, tragic test.Buy Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes
Amazon: http://bit.ly/2cy01KFBlogTourAmaUSUniversal link (Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, etc): https://books2read.com/u/47kXOjAbout Ginger Monette
Ginger lives with her family in Charlotte, NC,
where she enjoys dancing on the treadmill, watching period dramas, public
speaking, and reading—a full-length novel every Sunday afternoon.Her WW1 flash fiction piece, Flanders Field
of Grey, won Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s 2015 Picture This grand
prize.Author Social Media
Website: http://GingerMonette.comGoodreads: http://goodreads.com/search?q=ginger+monetteAmazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/Ginger-Monette/e/B00GWZIT0U/ -
Texas Forged by @ciaragold #RLFblog #historical #western
Today’s featured book is Texas Forged by Ciara Gold.About Texas Forged
Genre Historical Western Romance with a touch of paranormalAuthor Ciara GoldBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RBlacksmith, Galin Walker has an uncanny knack for predicting
the weather, but he can’t predict the storm about to invade his heart. Telegrapher,
Aubrey Caine’s search for her absent husband leads her straight into the arms of
a man with a shady past and secrets that haunt him. Together they forge a bond that
will endure the forces of nature and a con man’s cruel swindle.
Texas Forged is a historical western romance that offers a blend of fantasy with
real life events.Amazon http://goo.gl/7Awr1cCiara Gold
Ciara wrote her first “under the bed” book at twenty.
Another fifteen years passed before she bravely attempted another, but she’s been
happily writing ever since. A true Renaissance woman, when she’s not penning lively
stories, she’s reading, sewing, painting, camping, sailing or dancing. At the moment,
she’s currently helping hubby build a cabin so she can add construction worker to
the list as well. A recent empty nester, she and her soul mate currently live on
a modest plot of land surrounded by trees, a pond, an array of wildlife and seven
barn kitties.Website www.ciaragold.com
Blog http://ciaragold.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ciaragold
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ciaragold
Goodreads http://goo.gl/ebcxKR
Amazon Author Page http://goo.gl/oTWhDG -
Diarmaid the Irishman @queenskeys #RLFblog #historical #romance
Donegal Landscape Article by Beppie HarrisonI came late to my love of Ireland
and I can’t explain why Donegal spoke to me so insistently. Maybe it’s the way it’s said. You hear the rhythm of it: DONeegol, sort of
wrapping your tongue around the last L. It’s stuck way out on the end of Ireland,
as far west and north as you can go. It’s a land of peninsulas reaching out
into the cold Atlantic. The largest one is Inishowen, and that’s where I chose
to place the beginning of the second book of Diarmaid the Irishman, because it’s
cold and harsh and has always demanded more from its inhabitants than they
sometimes had to give. Not much grows there. There are the peat fields that
gave the Irish there the material for their sweet-smelling peat fires to warm
their houses—primitive huts for much of their history. The farther east you go
the better the land becomes, and you can grow potatoes and oats. That’s what
the ordinary people lived on, traditionally. Oat porridge cooked over a peat
fire morning and evening, with potatoes for the main meal. Fish, sometimes, if
they were lucky. “Kitchen,” the fish would be called. Anything extra
from potatoes and porridge was kitchen. Sometimes a bit of meat—chicken,
perhaps. Eggs would be a lovely luxury, but eggs were better sold for people
who had no other way to earn coin.A hard place, but a beautiful one
for those of us who don’t need to make a living out ofthe unwilling land.
Spectacular cliffs soar out of the churning ocean, and then, all of a sudden, a
sweep of a golden sand beach. Now tourism is coming to save Donegal, for those
who like a gentle sun and don’t mind icy cold water. There are new roads which
allow you to have a feeling for the land, the low peat fields and the small
stretches of farmland, and there are old ones requiring nerves of steel and
sharp attention as a narrow road winds treacherously around the cliffs with
awe-inspiring views of the ocean battering rocks almost directly below.Then of course there are the
people. In some places they cling to the old ways and even teach their babies
to speak Irish. There are three areas of Gaeltacht in Donegal—designated areas
within which Irish speakers predominate, although the use of Irish is
inevitably dwindling, given the global reach of English. Donegal people are as
Donegal people have always had to be, sturdy and stubborn and set in their
ways. But Irish they still are, which is to say they love to talk in the warmth
of their pubs and are, in their way, welcoming to strangers.The more I learned about Donegal,
the more it seemed to be the perfect place to begin my story of Diarmaid
MacGuinness as a dedicated Irish rebel, red-headed, in a secret organization,
and determined to return the green and pleasant land of Ireland to Irish rule,
in spite of his own inconvenient ties to the Anglo-Irish aristocracy. His
mother had worked for them for years and, unknown to them, he had grown up in
the Big House himself. Caught by unwilling trust, he was half drawn to those
who should be his enemies and half determined to push them and all like them
into the Irish Sea, back to England where they had come from.I love Donegal. But I will always
be a visitor there. Unlike its people, I’ve never had to wrest a living from
its stubborn soil, and so will always be an outsider. Perhaps it’s better that
way.Image credit: Donegal landscape taken by Beppie’s husband
in 2015About Diarmaid the Irishman
It’s 1810. The English have a firm grip on Diarmaid’s
beautiful green Ireland. But Diarmaid McGuiness is determined to make that grip
impossible to maintain. In the first half of this two-volume combination (The
Divided Heart) we meet the reckless, red-haired Irishman as he tries out his
wings as a rebel to follow in his dead father’s footsteps. In the second half
(The Defiant Heart) we find Diarmaid as the determined leader of rebels that he
has become, and the equally fierce, equally red-headed girl whose resolve to
free Ireland is as strong as his own. Their clash leads them into unforeseen
complications and new ambiguous challenges.Genre Historical romance
Author Beppie Harrison
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Publisher Camden Hill Press
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CR6796M/About Beppie Harrison
Beppie Harrison lives in Massachusetts with her English
husband, two slightly addled cats, and an enthusiastic puppy. England with
friends and family is a second home, Ireland a fascination that came later. She
writes books placed in the Regency period, many of them in Ireland. The beauty
of Ireland, its harshness, and the wonderfully garrulous people are close to
her heart.Website http://beppieharrison.com
Blog http://romancingyesteryear.com/Blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/queenskeys
Facebook http://facebook.com/beppieharrison
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/beppieharrison -
Give Your Characters Dimension @ketadiablo #RLFblog #sweetromance
Today’s guest is author Keta Diablo, author of Sky Dreams (Book 3) a sweet historical romance.Give Your Characters Dimension
Let’s talk a little about characters today and why some are
one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional.Have you ever read a review where the reviewer points to
*shallow* characters in the novel? I know I have, and that’s why I feel it’s so
important for writers to allot their characters depth. So what is depth, and
what do you mean by “dimensional” characters?It’s crucial readers understand who the characters are; what
makes them tic, and particularly what the character’s identifying features are?
I’m not necessarily talking about physical features, but consistency and manner
of speech, body language and internal thoughts on how he/she views the world. A
character is not merely a gorgeous person with eyes of blue. He/she is a
composition of many events that has made him/her what they are today.Their emotions are multifaceted and often conflicting. They
could come from troubled backgrounds or perhaps were born with a silver spoon
in their mouth. Whatever the case, in order for readers to understand and
relate to your characters, writers need to delve into their history to make
them likeable and real (or not so likeable in the villain’s case). It’s also
important the readers believe, and can picture, the character existing before
your story even began, thus the history.Shallow characters (one-dimensional) have no real story, no
identifying aspects to their personality. They’re merely walk-ons in your novel
and won’t make lasting impressions. Readers will soon get bored with reading
about someone they can’t identify with or like, and will no doubt put the book
down. This is the last thing we want them to do.Two-dimensional characters might have one identifying trait
or a smidgen of history, but why stop there? Write your characters as if they are
a person you’d love to know, in fact, you’re so fascinated by their thoughts
about life, their opinions, you long to know everything about them, including
their past.If your hero or heroine lacks depth or dimension,
reviewers/readers might refer to them as *cardboard characters* another term
you want to avoid at all costs. This means they’re typical ordinary,
forgettable people who are par for the course in motives and goals. While
writing about them, you might have hinted about a like or dislike they possess,
but there you stopped, leaving the thought underdeveloped without explaining
why they dislike the color purple or why they adore women in hats. What’s the
history behind their abhorrence, fetish or passion?One of the great things about writing is that you, the
author, have control over the portrayals of your characters. Make them bigger
than life; exaggerate their habits, annoyances, likes and dislikes. Make every
aspect about them memorable in the reader’s mind.You won’t regret giving a little dimension to your
characters’ personalities.Here’s an excellent article from The Writing Tools Blogspot
about Writing Character Bios for your stories. Why don’t you try it? http://thewritingtools.blogspot.com/2009/07/character-bios-why-and-how.htmlHappy writing and reading!~ KetaAbout the Book
Title Sky DreamsGenre Sweet Historical RomanceAuthor Keta DiabloBook heat level (based on movie ratings) GIn Sky Tinted Water (Book 1) and Sky Dance (Book 2) you met
Dawson and Rory Finch and shared in the journey of their love. Now, in Sky
Dreams (Book 3), meet their daughter, Haven.In 1893, Haven Morgan is a young widow. Heartbroken and
alone after her husband’s tragic death, she travels to Cobb’s Grove, Minnesota
to teach at the country school.Her curiosity is piqued when she meets the handsome
supervisor of the local lumber mill, Cade Kincannon, but the trauma of her
husband’s death haunts her days and torments her dreams.Can Cade break through the veil of darkness shrouding Haven,
forge a path to her heart and convince her it’s all right to love again?Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0M17K6About the Author
Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States
on six acres of woodland. When she isn’t writing or gardening she loves to
commune with nature. A lifelong animal lover, she also devotes her time and
support to the local animal shelters.Keta’s a best-selling Amazon author who writes in several
genres, including western romance, historical romance, paranormal romance and
the occasional gay romance. Her books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of
the Month and Recommended Read reviews.Author Social Media
Author home http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/ketadiablo
Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/ -
The Highlander’s English Woman @RuthACasie #RLFblog #Historical
“It pulls at my heart with its beauty and purpose. It
represents all I hold dear in a person, if that’s possible, heart, soul and
strength.” Laura Reynolds, The
Highlander’s English WomanI knew I found the right setting
for my medieval ghost story when I saw a picture of Caerlaverock Castle.Reading Caerlaverock’s history I
understood why the Maxwell family fought to hold it and why their enemies had
to destroy it.Caerlaverock Castle is a moated
castle on the southern coast of Scotland in the Dumfries. The unique
equilateral triangular design and beauty of the castle, from the way it’s sited
to its rich history, made Caerlaverock the perfect setting for my stories, The
Maxwell Ghost and The Highlander’s English Woman.There were several original fortifications
that preceded the current castle, a Roman fort on Ward Law Hill and a British
hill fort that was used until 950.The earliest mention of
Caerlaverock is the 1160s, when the lands were granted to the monks of Holm
Cultram Abbey. Sixty years later, in 1220 the lands were granted to Sir John
Maxwell by Alexander II of Scotland.The Maxwell family has owned the
Caerlaverock Castle ever since, but not without some intrigue and adventure.
The clan leader changed allegiances from Scotland to England several times
which resulted in sieges, destruction and rebuilding.John Maxwell began construction of
the first castle at Caerlaverock. A traditional square design with a moat and a
north facing bridge, the building was one of the earliest stone castles built
in Scotland. Archeologists believe that this castle was never completed when it
was abandoned. This castle was built close to the Solway Firth. Built on clay
the wood pilings were not able to bear the weight of the structure. In
addition, the structure couldn’t be kept dry or comfortable. Today, the
foundations and part of a wooden enclosure around it is all that remains.Work began on the new castle, six
hundred feet south of the abandoned structure in 1260.Construction on the new (present)
castle, on a solid rock outcropping and was completed in the 1270s. The castle’s
first occupant was Herbert Maxwell, nephew of Sir John Maxwell.Caerlaverock was the Maxwell
family’s stronghold from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It underwent several
sieges over the centuries and was finally abandoned in 1640. The castle has
been destroyed and rebuilt several times, but retained its triangular plan.In 1299, Maxwell forces from
Caerlaverock Castle attached the English-held Lochmaben Castle. Edward I
retaliated in July 1300 and attacked Caerlaverock with 87 knights and 3,000
men. Eustace Maxwell, the clan chief repelled the English several times. In the
end, the garrison surrendered. King Edward was astounded that only sixty men
held his army off.Caerlaverock Castle remained in
English hands until 1312 when the castle was returned to Sir Eustace Maxwell
who pledged allegiance to the English king, Edward II. Later, Eustace switched
his support to Robert the Bruce and the castle was unsuccessfully attacked by
the English.Because of Caerlaverock’s prime
position on the England-Scottish border and the fear it could fall into the
hands of the English who would have a strong command of the district, Sir
Eustace dismantled the fortress, a sacrifice rewarded by Robert the Bruce.In 1337 the castle was once again
inhabited and once again the Eustace changed sides. About 1355 the castle was
captured by the Scots.The Maxwells regained Caerlaverock
after the Wars of Independence in the mid-14th century. Between 1373
and 1410, Robert Maxwell rebuilt much of the castle. His efforts were continued
by Robert II in the mid-15th century.In 1567, the Maxwells supported
Mary, Queen of Scots and Caerlaverock was once again under siege by the English
in 1570. The Earl of Sussex led the English forces and demolished part of the
castle.In 1593, Lord John Maxwell
repaired the castle for defense against the Johnstones of Annandale with whom
he was feuding.The Wars for Independence were
replaced by wars of religion. In 1634, religious turmoil turned against the
Catholic Maxwells. In 1640 the Protestant Covenanter army attacked Caerlaverock
for thirteen weeks forcing the castle to surrender. The south wall and tower
were demolished and the castle was never repaired or reoccupied.The castle passed by inheritance
to the Herries family and to the Duke of Norforlk. While currently owned by
Lady Mary Mumford’s sister Baroness Herries, since 1946 the castle has been
operated and managed by Historic Scotland. The castle remains the ancestral
home of the Maxwell family.Buy The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton
Legacy)Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXYHNGS/Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-highlanders-english-woman-ruth-a-casie/1125365584?ean=2940157490539About Ruth A. Casie
Ruth has always had stories in her head. Encouraged by family and friends this
ballroom dancing, Sudoku playing, aspiring gourmet has given way to her inner
muse. Now, rather than write marketing and communications for corporate
America, she writes historical fantasies about strong men and empowered women
and how they cope with unexpected challenges. She hopes her stories become your
favorite adventures.Ruth A. Casie Social Media
Website www.RuthACasie.com
Blog http://www.ruthacasie.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/RuthACasie
Facebook www.facebook.com/RuthACasie
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/ruthacasie/
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a1002658357/Ruth-A-Casie/
Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/13GwuQ1
Ruth’s Newsletter Signup: http://www.ruthacasie.com/contact.html
