Where did the Summer Go?

It is still summer here in Raleigh, NC. I can keep the doors and windows open later each day, but we are still seeing temperatures in the mid-eighties. Soon enough we will be complaining of the cold. With floods in some communities and raging fire in others, I take a moment each day to enjoy what I have...a house, a family, and my health.

Schools are back in session. I am looking forward to learning more about the craft of writing at the next in-person meeting with the members of my local Romance Writers of America chapter. Yes, 'seeing' them all on Zoom was okay, but in-person is different.

The group also offers a Zoom link so members who live near the ocean or up in the mountains can join in. North Carolina is a large state and we are the only RWA chapter. Speakers are fantastic and I look forward to each meeting on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Find out more HERE.

In the meantime , I will soon be autographing books at the New Hampshire Highland Games in Lincoln, NH and you can get info and directions HERE. 

Autumn starts September 22nd so enjoy every minute of summer that you can!

On Winning an Award - Smiling!

I was pleasantly surprised during my local Romance Writers of America chapter's Zoom meeting. They announced the 2021 winner of the Christine Hyatt Award. Named for a founder of our chapter, it is awarded to a member of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers whose membership has helped the chapter in some way.

i was very surprised and pleased to receive this honor! As a writer, belonging to a group of writers such as HCRW makes writing alone at my desk easier. I look forward to the monthly meetings, but we also keep in contact via emails and social media. I look forward to returning to in-person meetings!

I received two plaques. One is the annual award and the other describes all I have done for the chapter over the years, including my reign as its president several years ago. I also was given a lovely bracelet and was taken to lunch by two volunteers. Thank you to all the members of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers for thinking of my and what I have accomplished as a member.

Are you a writer or wondering how to get more help from other writers? Consider joining RWA and HCRW. We would love to help you grow!

...and check out all my books HERE

Home Again = Another Giveaway!

Now that my travels are  at an end for the time being,

here is the Giveaway I promised all my readers...

This assortment of goodies from the 2017 Romance Writers of America annual conference includes the following, all in a tote bag from author Viv Lorret:

*Family Tree by Susan Wiggs & Luggage Tag

*Hate to Want You autographed by Alisha Rai

*Angel Unleashed by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

*Sample Books & Pen from Caitlyn Willows

*Plaid Notebook from Janice Maynard

*Notes, Tea, Lip Balm, Candy & Pen from Viv Lorret

*Butterscotch candies

*Shimmer: The Beginning autographed by ME and my latest release, With Every Heartbeat, also autographed

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You may enter using one or all of these methods (You NEVER have to do them all!)

Terms & Conditions

No purchase necessary.  Due to shipping costs, International winners will receive an ebook from Nancy's backlist. All entrants agree to me adding their names & emails to my Newsletter list, and will be eligible for future GIVEAWAYS. Info will NOT be shared.

Where THIS Romance Author Went To Learn!

Nancy & Donna Steele @ Rita Awards

I am back from the RWA Annual Conference at the Dolphin and Swan Hotel Complex in Orlando. I attended workshops, panels, and award ceremonies inside the hotel, appreciating the air conditioning. I did dip my toes in one of their beautiful pools, and heard...bagpipe music!!! Amy Atwell (of Author EMS) hosted a poolside party for folks who did not tour the Disney parks. Donna Steele and I stopped by to say hi and listen to the band.

I gave away about a dozen copies of my new book, Shimmer: The Beginning, as well as tiny bags of shimmering silver jelly beans packaged with my book cover. All I can do is pray everyone who reads it will leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, their blogs, etc. Reviews are like gold to an author.

Never fear! I am giving away 5 autographed copies at Goodreads (ends August 13th... see the sign-up link on the blog) 

A few lucky people, whose names I find on my newsletter list, will also win my book. Not currently on my newsletter list? Sign-up HERE 

A little later this month, I will be giving away a bucket-load of Conference Stash, so watch for that Rafflecopter Giveaway, coming very soon.

Preview of The Melting, Book One - The Infection by Donna Steele

Please welcome author Donna Steele, who shares some exciting news! 

Thanks so much, Nancy for having me here today! I am so excited. The first book in my Melting series – The Infection – is coming out June 3. This is a story very close to my heart and I've loved writing it. The first book would be considered science fiction but the story morphs into paranormal as the series progresses. I've played with this idea for ages, years even and getting to share it finally is a dream come true. 

A little morbid maybe, but I've always loved those stories of the end of the world and the day after – The Hammer of God by Larry Niven, On the Beach by Nevil Shute and of course The Stand by Stephen King. I love the way the characters cope and move on (or don't as the case may be). I also love to incorporate green and sustainability into my stories, and I was able to do both here.

I'll be giving an ARC to one lucky commenter today.

David and Amanda feel like old friends now and I enjoy visiting with them. Book two is completed and will be sent off shortly, and three is well underway. Thought I'd share an excerpt with you today –

Book 1 -

      Amanda was late again. She really needed to work on her time management skills. She slipped her key into David's door to let herself in. His car sat out front but he was often in the shower when she arrived, which saved them both a lot of time in getting naked. She wanted to laugh at the wicked grin she could feel on her face.

      He was at the door before she could open it fully and he did not look happy. In fact, he looked upset and could there be a little fear? "David?"

      "Could I meet you—" David began but a female voice interrupted.

      "You're not going to let your little friend in?"

      Amanda heard the uber-confident female voice. Was this the famous Phyllis? It had to be for him to look this uncomfortable. She and David had not talked about Phyllis after the first time they'd been together. David had obviously not wanted to discuss her. Amanda knew instinctively this was the woman she had not sent any thank you note.

      David closed his eyes, but opened them at the feel on her hand on his. "It's okay. I want to meet her."

      He seemed to attempt to relax and took a deep look into her eyes, then he stepped back.

      Amanda moved forward before the other woman could, her hand out. "Hello, I'm Amanda Sutton." Ah, it was the brunette from the cocktail party.

      "Phyllis Lawrence, an old friend of David's." She shook Amanda's hand firmly, eyeing her. There seemed to be a look of recognition in her eyes. She obviously noted when Amanda lay her purse casually on the table in a familiar manner.

      "Please, why don't we all sit down?" Amanda moved to the couch, acting as hostess and saw David quickly assume a bland expression, though his eyes were smiling. "Would you like something to drink?" She offered to Phyllis.

      The woman seemed unhappy with her. Amanda was a little surprised herself at her chutzpah. But it felt good and right. She and David were together, more together than anyone had ever been in her life. David had her back and Phyllis seemed more than a little uncertain at the way things were moving.

      Reluctantly Phyllis took a seat in the chair as David perched on the arm of the couch, beside and above Amanda. Phyllis's eyes narrowed.

      Amanda waited. One thing she had learned from her father was the power of silence. Women didn't like it and tried to fill it up. As his "son" she had done her best to emulate that kind of thing.  It seemed to be working.

      Phyllis finally spoke, though her annoyance at being the one to break the silence obviously bothered her. "How long have you two been seeing each other? I haven't heard David mention you."

      "A little while. We met at some dull function on campus and escaped together." She smiled up at him and his hand lightly squeezed her shoulder.

      "Have you known David long?" One of those conversations, so Amanda might as well jump on in. She already knew the answer.

      "Yes. We've been friends for years. He was only a lecturer when we met."

      Amanda smiled. "A lot of things have changed. Tenure and full professorship."

      Phyllis's smile diminished, she'd heard what had really been said. "Well, I guess I need to be on my way. I only stopped by to see if David was free for an art show tonight."

      David, already rising to get the door, spoke. "Sorry. I'm sure it would have been fun, but we do have plans," Amanda smiled and allowed the other woman to stand above her. The looming didn't bother Amanda at all. She saw clearly when Phyllis noted her easy confidence.

      "Well, it was good seeing you." Phyllis gave David's cheek a quick kiss and she left the apartment.

      With what looked like disgust on his face, David shut the door and joined her on the couch, his head hanging. Amanda wiped the bright red lipstick from his cheek and he followed suit, to ensure every bit of the color was totally obliterated.

Even though Donna's book isn't coming out until June, you can get a taste of her wonderful writing by downloading her other books. i just finished reading Wraith's Heart. I didn't think a ghost story could bring me to tears, but this was awesome!-Nancy Lee 

More about Donna Steele

Women strong enough for love.

I write science fiction , paranormal and women’s fiction romance eBooks about women coming into their

strength and having the courage to find and accept love. As an empty nester with my beloved best friend and husband (who actually encourages this mad passion of mine) I write all the time – whether or not I have a pen or keyboard handy.

Ever since I learned to read—from Superman Comics, Dick, Jane and Sally held no appeal—I’ve wanted to write. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn me and I’ve read them all.  There just needed to be a little more romance in them. I finally got up the courage and I’m delighted that I’m able to share these stories with you.

My premiere novel, a science fiction romance – Rth Rising – was released on March 3, 2012 through Rebel Ink Press. My paranormal romance eBooks Learning Trust, and Wraith’s Heart  are now available at all eBook sellers. Wraith’s Heart  and Learning Trust are now also available in paperback through Amazon.

My small town romance novels – Homecoming, Welcome Home, Red Shoes, Nowhere for Christmas and Dance Partner  are available at all eBook vendors. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

You can find a listing of all my books HERE

Keep in touch with Donna:

Website     Facebook     Amazon Author Page

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER:

BN100!

Leave your contact info, as well, so we can reach our winner!

Go sailing with ‘Sea Panther’ by Dawn Marie Hamilton

I am happy to announce that fellow author, Dawn Marie Hamilton, has released a book I was able to read in its infancy. We were members of a critique group, and we enjoyed the opportunity to read other authors' ideas. To see Sea Panther published, is great!

Thanks, Nancy, for having me as a guest today.

Inspiration comes to writers in unexpected ways. We must always be open to the stimulus around us. The musings for Sea Panther began while I was sailboat shopping with my husband.

What does sailing have to do with a Scottish inspired paranormal romance?

Kimberly, the heroine in Sea Panther, swore never to sail again, feeling responsible for her father’s death in a sailing accident. But after losing everything, and learning she might be pursued by a hit man, she answers a crew wanted ad placed by the captain of Sea Panther, a ninety foot yacht sailing south to Florida and the Caribbean.

What she doesn’t know is that the sexy Scottish captain, who she can’t help being attracted to, is a cursed, three-hundred year old vampire that shifts into a Florida panther.

The adventure takes Kimberly and Robert to many port-of-calls while sparks of desire fly between them. From Cape May to Chesapeake City to Annapolis to New Bern to Charleston to Florida. Kimberly desperate to escape a hit man. Robert desperate to find a cure for the curse. Both desperately falling in love. Then they set sail for a trip into the Bermuda Triangle and through time to Jamaica 1715, where they face Robert’s past—pirates and a voodoo priestess—before finding their happily-ever-after.

It was such a blast doing the research for the sailing portions of the book, which paralleled my husband’s quest to find a sailboat. Going to boat shows was great fun, especially the sailboat show in Annapolis.

I used this sailboat layout as the plan for the black-hulled Sea Panther. Night Thrill, the second, smaller sailboat in the story came from memory, from the many boats we looked at during boat shows. And the descriptions of the boats in 1715 came mostly from my imagination and the memory of restored historical boats I’ve toured over the years.

Have you found inspiration in an unexpected way? Do you have a favorite sailing romance? Leave a comment on this post for a chance at a gift e-copy of Sea Panther. Please leave an email addy so I can contact you if your name should be pulled from the sailor’s hat.

Nancy asked me to reveal three things you might not know about me…

1.       I wanted to be a ballerina, but ended up in a corporate career instead.

2.       I’ve traveled to every state in the US except Alaska and Hawaii.

3.       I’m not sure how I’ll handle sailing—will I get seasick?--when my husband finally finds his dream boat.

Blurb for Sea Panther:

Can love mend a fractured soul?

After evading arrest for Jacobite activities, Scottish nobleman Robert MacLachlan turns privateer. A Caribbean Voodoo priestess curses him to an eternal existence as a vampire shifter torn between the dual natures of a Florida panther and an immortal blood-thirsting man. For centuries, he seeks to reverse the black magic whilst maintaining his honor. Cruising the twenty-first century Atlantic, he becomes shorthanded to sail his 90-foot yacht, Sea Panther. The last thing he wants is a female crewmember and the call of her blood.

Although she swore never to sail again after her father died in a sailing accident, Kimberly Scot answers the captain's crew wanted ad to escape a hit man. She's lost everything, her fiancé, her job, and most of her money, along with money belonging to her ex-clients. A taste of Kimberly's blood convinces Robert she is the one woman who can claim the panther's heart. To break the curse, they travel back in time to where it all began—Jamaica 1715.

Excerpt from Sea Panther:

Her eyes glimmered with recognition, and she smiled. “Captain MacLachlan?”

“Aye.” Robert waved toward a chair. “Sit.”

He clenched his jaw. Was it his voice that sounded so gruff? Just as well, he didn’t want to give encouragement.

She dropped into the chair. A perplexed expression played on perfect features.

“What is your name?” he asked.

“I…I’m sorry.” She jumped up and reached out a hand. “Kimberly Scot.”

“Robert MacLachlan, Captain of Sea Panther.”

He hesitated before shaking her hand. Would her touch produce the same effect as on their last meeting? He tightened control on the vampire and the panther, and grasped the slender hand.

Zap.

Her eyes widened.

He yanked his arm away and extinguished the unwanted flame of lust. This woman meant trouble.

“Sit,” he barked.

Though her hands trembled, she did as directed.

He trembled too. Needing time to rein in the chaotic emotions, he poured wine into two goblets from the bottle on the wet bar. He handed her one, careful not to make physical contact again. “I own this establishment. The wine is excellent.”

“Thank you,” she said and accepted the glass.

He grunted. God, he was being rude.

He paced a few feet away. Far enough not to reach for her. The lingering sensation from their brief handshake made him edgy. The pulse at her neck called to the vampire. The panther, demanding his mate, fought against bonds to which Robert tethered the animal. Robert forced control. “You want to crew on Sea Panther?”

Uncertainty flickered in her eyes. Was she afraid?

Aye. He smelled trepidation. Although it was best she fear him, the thought didn’t sit well. A strong need to protect his mate blasted his frontal lobe. Damn panther.

She held his stare. Finally, she answered, “Yes.”

“Why do you want to crew for me?”

Sea Panther is available at:

Amazon – Amazon UK – Barnes & Noble – Apple

Although I love writing about vampire shifters, I also enjoy writing about time traveling Highlanders and mischievous faeries. I’m currently working on Book 3 in the Highland Gardens series, Just Wait for Me. Look for it this fall.

More About the Author:

Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she’s cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks of Southern Maryland with her husband.

You can find more information about Dawn Marie and Sea Panther at:

Blog – Twitter – Facebook – Goodreads

Nancy Lee Badger SHARES The LOVE with...Sarra Cannon

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Blog Giveaway
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ON ONE OF THE
5 BLOGS I LOVE!

TODAY: Sarra Cannon

What can I say about author Sarra Cannon? That she was one of the first of our local chapter of RWA to try self-publishing? That she sold thousands of books in a short amount of time, then took the time to teach the ins and outs of self-publishing to others? Yep, she's the one. On her blog you can see that she gives workshops and shares the knowledge she learned about this self-publishing process, and shares it so we can do it too! She is the reason I tried my hand at it by self-publishing Dragon in the Mist. Guess what? It sold AND won an award! I cannot thank here enough for giving me help, ideas, and a boot in the a** to try it. Learn more when you

CLICK HERE

 Also, her Peachtree High Young Adult Series was a total pleasure to read. She takes the angst of high school and twists the paranormal throughout the novels, and reels you in!

I am sure she would love to hear comments about what YOU like about the books, her covers, or her blog. To win a prize (one of my e-books) you simply have to leave a comment. No requirements; no questions; no puzzles to solve. I am simply 

SHARING THE LOVE!

ALL WINNERS (there will be 5)

Will be Chosen February 14th

which just happens to be

VALENTINE'S DAY

See what a mean about LOVE? It's addictive, and I fill my stories with romance, sensuality, relationships, and a little twisted paranormal so prepare to suspend belief! You can see all my books by clicking the BOOKS tab above.



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Nancy Lee Badger SHARES The LOVE with...Elena Dillon

SHARE THE LOVE

Blog Giveaway

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Elena Dillon
ONE OF THE

5 BLOGS I LOVE!

I met this 'California Girl' at an east coast writer's conference. Yep, she flew clear across the country to experience her first conference, and we hit it off. Since that meeting, we have kept up with our writing goals, and when she published her first two YA (young adult) novels, I fell in love with her writing. 

Elena Dillon doesn't really have a blog but her website is beautiful and her young adult novels are fantastic.

CLICK HERE

to see what I love about this author's blog. Some of her BOOK TITLES are fantastic.. Her first book, BREATHE, is an award winning novel! I am sure she would love to hear comments about

what YOU like about the book, the cover, or her site.

Also, a little birdy told me that besides this book being available in ebook and print, it is also out as an AUDIO BOOK!





To win a prize (one of my e-books) you simply have to leave a comment. No requirements; no questions; no puzzles to solve. I am simply by

SHARING THE LOVE!

ALL WINNERS (there will be 5)

Will be Chosen February 14th

which just happens to be

VALENTINE'S DAY

See what a mean about LOVE? It's addictive, and I fill my stories with romance, sensuality, relationships, and a little twisted paranormal so prepare to suspend belief! You can see all my books by clicking the BOOKS tab above. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nancy Lee Badger SHARES the LOVE with...Terry Spear

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5 BLOGS I LOVE!

TODAY: Terry Spear Shifters

Terry has been a Godsend when it comes to understanding this whole writing process. She runs a Yahoo group called

 Selling Your Novel Idea

She will answer my questions promptly and in a way that gives me hope that my books will sell better and better. She is a fellow author and a member of RWA. I grew to know her through her wolf-shifter series, but we really hit it off when she combined Highlanders and wolves. She is currently working on Vikings! Yum!

Also, her next release, SILENCE OF THE WOLF, is available for pre-order and she would love to hear comments about what YOU like about the cover or her blog. Please take a moment to check out her blog: 

Terry Spear's Shifters Blog

To win a prize (one of my e-books) you simply have to leave a comment. No requirements; no questions; no puzzles to solve. I am simply 

SHARING THE LOVE!

ALL WINNERS (there will be 5)

Will be Chosen February 14th

which just happens to be

VALENTINE'S DAY

See what a mean about LOVE? It's addictive, and I fill my stories with romance, sensuality, relationships, and a little twisted paranormal so prepare to suspend belief! You can see all my books by clicking the BOOKS tab above.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nancy Lee Badger SHARES the LOVE with...Donna Steele

SHARE THE LOVE

Blog Giveaway

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ON ONE OF THE

5 BLOGS I LOVE!

TODAY: Donna Steele Stories Blog

Donna is a Southern Belle, and a fellow author. I am in her fan club! She is a member of my local chapter of RWA, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, so even though we live hours from each other, I look forward to seeing her monthly. We have also suffered quietly as roommates at both the Romance Writers of America National Conference, and the GRW Moonlight and Magnolias Conference.

Donna Steele Stories Blog
Click HERE

to see what I love about this author's blog. Some of her BOOK TITLES are fantastic and one lucky commenter might WIN something!

Also, her latest release, DANCE PARTNER, is out and she would love to hear comments about what YOU like about the book, the cover, or her blog.

To win a prize (one of my e-books) you simply have to leave a comment. No requirements; no questions; no puzzles to solve. I am simply 

SHARING THE LOVE!

ALL WINNERS (there will be 5)

Will be Chosen February 14th

which just happens to be

VALENTINE'S DAY

See what I mean about LOVE? It's addictive, and I fill my stories with romance, sensuality, relationships, and a little twisted paranormal so prepare to suspend belief! You can see all my books by clicking the BOOKS tab above.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Heart of the Matter-an Ebook of Tips for Writing your Novel

Who do you go to for answers to your most pressing writing and publishing questions?

It’s an exciting time to dive into publishing. But writing can still be a confusing and even a lonely job. What if you had an experienced published author friend that you could call on at a moment’s notice with questions from “How do I get my characters to sound different from each other?” to “Can I expect my publisher to do that for me?”

Written by authors for authors, Heart of the Matter includes advice, anecdotes and information gathered through the hard-won experience of members of the Heart of Carolina chapter of Romance Writers of America. From the exciting beginning of your writing project to its triumphant end, this collection covers everything from the tricky creative challenges that can arise in your work-in-progress to the toughest decisions a published author has to make. Top names in the industry — including Sabrina Jefferies, Bob Meyer, Katharine Ashe, Deb Marlow, Ava Stone, Virginia Kantra and many more — share with you their secrets for smoothing out the rough spots and taking your writing career on the path to success.

Heart of the Matter is a great resource for ideas, inspiration, and practical advice. A must-have for your craft shelf.

For authors in all stages of their careers, HEART of the MATTER offers 40 articles of instruction, guidance, and encouragement from the multi-published and talented authors from Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

With contributions by: Katharine Ashe, Nancy Lee Badger, Lisa Creech Bledsoe, Melinda Collins, Caren Crane, Andrea Dalling, Jennifer Delamere, Sonja Foust, Mari Freeman, Lilly Gayle, Sherri Hollister, Constance Hussey, KD James, Sabrina Jeffries, Samantha Kane, Virginia Kantra, Summer Kinard, Erin Knightley, Gina Lamm, Jennifer Lohmann, Elizabeth Martal, Bob Mayer, Heather McCollum, Hannah Meredith, Rebekkah Niles, Kate Parker, Lena Pierce, Emilie Rose, Reese Ryan, Laura Simcox, Ava Stone,Carol A. Strickland, Judy Teel, Andrea J. Wenger, and Sarah Winn.

*check out my 'pearls of wisdom' in chapters 31 and 35!

 Heart of the Matter buy links:

AMAZON    NOOK    Smashwords

Write From the Heart by Cynthia Owens

Please Welcome author Cynthia Owens as she shares how she writes...from the heart.

Nancy: Please explain this subject.

We’ve all read it, or heard it at writing conferences. Any writer, whether a beginner or a multi-published author, has heard those words before: “Write from the heart. Write what calls to you, write what tugs at your soul.”

The words are true.

At least, they’re true for me. All of my books are about the things that have touched me deeply.

My first novel, In Sunshine or in Shadow, is about a place and a people that are close to my heart – Ireland and the Irish. I’ve been in love with all things Irish ever since I can remember, and when I settled down to write seriously, I didn’t even have to think about it. I had to write about Ireland. And since the Irish are known to be survivors, I wrote about Ballycashel, a tiny the west-of-Ireland village, and its survivors of famine and tyranny.

Today I’m still writing stories from the heart. Keeper of the Light, my new release from Highland Press, is a prime example.

When I first conceived The Wild Geese Series, I knew the heroes would be Irish. Five boys who met on a coffin ship grew up together in the New York City of immigrants and crime, and survived to fight in the American Civil War. Originally, I’d planned for each of their stories to take place in New York City.

Then I met Cathal Donnelly…

A story teller and a singer of songs, a dreamer of dreams, Cathal has a rebellious streak and a deep bitterness born in the far-off days of Ireland’s Great Hunger. A restless man, he’s never been able to settle down, and after the assassination of President Lincoln, he becomes involved with the Fenians, whose goal is to free Ireland from the British yoke.
That’s when I decided Cathal had to become involved in the plot to invade Canada.

And that’s when I decided the story would be set on a fictitious island, just off the coast of New Brunswick.

I thought long and hard about using this setting. I wasn’t sure if Canada might not seem to “foreign” to appeal to readers (I’d been criticized about this before). But the pull of the story was too strong, and eventually I decided I had to listen to my heart.

And I couldn’t be happier about the way the story turned out. Not only was I able to showcase some of my favorite things – Irish history and mythology – but I was able to tell the story of a little-known but vitally important piece of Canadian history, one that resonates even today.
Heck, I even threw in a ghost for good measure.

Nancy: What’s next for you?

It’s been an absolutely amazing year for me. Since December of 2012, I’ve had three books released: Playing For Keeps (Book III of The Claddagh Series), and the first two books of the Wild Geese Series, Deceptive Hearts in July and Keeper of the Light in October! I’ve hardly had a chance to take a breath!

But…in the meantime, Book III of the Wild Geese Series, My Dark Rose, is on my editor’s desk right now. My Dark Rose is Dary Greely’s story. Tragedy has left this easy-going but ever loyal man bereft, but a beautiful black-haired Irish rose with the voice of an angel just might be able to heal his heart. And for those of you who are fans of my Claddagh Series, don’t worry. There are many more stories for the people of Ballycashel on tap. Right now I’m working on Everlasting, Shannon Flynn’s story, and Wishes of the Heart, Tom O’Brien’s story. I couldn’t leave the people of Ballycashel, whom I dearly love, behind.

BOOK BLURB

…Like the Wild Geese of Old Ireland, five boys grew to manhood despite hunger, war, and the mean streets of New York…

She was everything he despised…but he didn’t know it

Cathal Donnelly washed up on the shores of an Atlantic island one stormy night, with no memory of who he was or why he was there. But is his lovely rescuer his salvation…or his doom?

She dreamed of a very different life

Laura Bainbridge has spent her entire life on tiny Turtle Island, but she dreams of a Season in London and a presentation to Queen Victoria. Can a handsome Irish stranger with a golden tongue and a disturbing past change her heart and convince her to stay?

As Cathal’s memory slowly returns, both he and Laura must come to grips with his painful past…and fight for a future free of hatred and loss.

Nancy: Will you share an excerpt?

He moaned again, but made no further response. A cloud skimmed across the moon and away again, leaving her with an unimpeded view of his sleeping face. She caught her breath.

He was beautiful.

His skin was fair but for the nasty gash at his temple. A livid scrape slashed across one high cheekbone. His long black curls flopped wetly over his forehead, and Laura fought the urge to brush them back…

His brows were long, dark slashes against the pallor of his high forehead, the two vertical lines between them the only sign of his conflict. A soft moan spilled from his full lips, making her wonder what it might be like to be kissed by that oh-so-masculine mouth.

Her fascinated gaze roved over the freckles sprinkled across his long straight nose, the tiny dent in his chin that surely must deepen into a cleft when he smiled. He shifted restlessly, drawing her gaze to the broad shoulders encased in white wool, down the long body and along his well-muscled legs. His hands were large and square, calloused and bleeding. One of them clutched a canvas bag in a death grip.

“They’re coming for us.” His deep voice vibrated with raw anguish. “We’ve got to…get out of here. Now!” He tried to rise, but fell back with a helpless half-groan.

How can my readers buy your book?  

Amazon    Kindle    Barnes and Noble

Nook    Smashwords    Chapters 

The Book Depository    Booksamillion  

Foyle’s    Powell’s Books

 

More about the author

I believe I was destined to be interested in history. One of my distant ancestors, Thomas Aubert, reportedly sailed up the St. Lawrence River to discover Canada some 26 years before Jacques Cartier’s 1534 voyage. Another relative was a 17^thCentury “King’s Girl,” one of a group of young unmarried girls sent to New France (now the province of  Quebec) as brides for the habitants (settlers) there.

Author Cynthia Owens

My passion for reading made me long to write books like e ones I enjoyed, and I tried penning sequels to my favorite Nancy Drew mysteries. Later, fancying myself a female version of Andrew Lloyd Weber, I drafted a musical set in Paris during WWII.

A former journalist and lifelong Celtophile, I enjoyed a previous career as a reporter/editor for a small chain of community newspapers before returning to my first love, romantic fiction. My stories usually include an Irish setting, hero or heroine, and sometimes all three. I’m the author of The Claddagh Series, historical romances set in Ireland and beyond. The first three books in The Claddagh Series, In Sunshine or in Shadow, Coming Home, and Playing For Keeps, are all available from Highland Press. Deceptive Hearts, the first book in The Wild Geese Series, has just been released, and Book II, Keeper of the Light, will be released in October, 2013.

I am a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. A lifelong resident of Montreal, Canada, I still live there with my own Celtic hero and our two teenaged children.

You can find more information about Cynthia Owens

and my book Keeper of the Light, by visiting:

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