It is with the
greatest of pleasures that I welcome the fabulous Mary Morgan back onto the
blog to tell us about her inspirations behind her latest book…
A Magical
Highland Solstice
By
Mary Morgan
Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love
destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never
take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he
finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks
everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time.
Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After
winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested
her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost
path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the
temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time.
Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together
two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the
lovers forever?
Author’s Inspiration
When I agreed
to write an inspirational post for Mary Anne’s blog, I never dreamed of coming
to a complete creative halt! I’m the lady they nicknamed “Mary Christmas” when
I worked for Borders Books. Regardless of the hectic time of year, I kept the
spirit alive inside of me and for others.
However, a
week ago, sheer exhaustion settled within me. My sixth book, A MAGICAL HIGHLAND
SOLSTICE, was days away from releasing out into the world. At the time, I was
working on numerous holiday posts and attempting to finish my next story before
the deadline. Of course, I had to factor in normal everyday situations, as well.
When it came time to pen the post for this blog, I found I had nothing left to
give.
Yet, on a cold,
clear Saturday morning, I paused. While making my bed, warm sunlight streamed
in, and I let my shoulders relax. Then, I took in a deep breath and released it
slowly. I realized my “well” of inspiration was empty, because I didn’t take
any time to enjoy the moment—to smell the crisp, clean scent of my pine wreath or
savor a freshly baked sugar cookie.
I was on a
perpetual merry-go-round, and it was time to jump off!
My days are
still filled with massive lists and a looming deadline. Nevertheless, if I’m
going to write about the joys of the season, I must also experience them fully.
I’ve learned to pause, take a breath, and
smile. ‘Tis the season of hope, joy, and love—three special ingredients I’ve
included within A MAGICAL HIGHLAND SOLSTICE.
Excerpt
Giving her no
time to protest, he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her up onto Fingal.
When he mounted his horse and settled behind her, Cormac felt her body stiffen
as he placed an arm around her waist. He leaned next to her ear. Her mass of
curls brushed his face, and he inhaled her scent—one of different spices. Lust
instantly surged forth, powerful and intense. “Relax,” he urged in a hoarse
voice. Though he found it difficult to do so himself.
He felt her
tremble, but she nodded. Giving a tug on the reins, they moved up the path.
With each steady trot, her
body swayed and Cormac tried to focus on the road. The castle.
Fighting in the lists. Bathing in the icy waters of the loch. Anything, but the soft curves of the
lass’s body pressing against his own. What was wrong with him? He prided himself on being a man always in control of his emotions—especially his lustful ones. Yet, now he found himself confused, tongue-tied, and his gut twisted into knots.
So deep in his
thoughts, he did not notice Fingal veering off the
main road until the lass let out a giggle. She had the most musical sound, and he found himself smiling. Guiding his horse back to the path, he could hear his men doing their best to contain themselves. A glance back confirmed William was coughing loudly and Gordon trying his best not to fall off his horse.
“I swear
Fingal, I am tempted to trade ye in for another horse. Ye must be going blind, or worse, old.”
His horse let
out a large snort.
Eve clicked her
tongue in disapproval. “For shame, Mr. Murray. How
cruel. I think he’s a kind animal. Perhaps it’s
the man holding the reins who can’t see clearly the path in front of him?”
The lass was quick with the wit, he mused. “I dinnae ken your word, but
ye may call me Cormac.” He leaned near her
again. “And I can assure ye, I am nae blind, nor old.”
Purchase Links
About the author
Award-winning
Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern
California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels
to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these
countries and vows to return.
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
Useful Links
Thank you, Mary Anne, for hosting me today. Always a pleasure visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteHey Mary! Pause, take a breath and smile. Yep, running on empty is a feeling I realized over the weekend. Didn't even get all the inside Christmas Decorations put up. I did make my deadline for A Warlock's Secrets and am awaiting edits. Whirlwind year wouldn't you say? Take time to enjoy the Holiday Season, it'll be gone before you know it. Pssst... made my second reservation for the 2017 camping season last night. It'll be here before you know it! LOL Breath and relax my friend!
ReplyDeleteI love that you're enjoying the walk, Mary. And you still have the bubbly, Christmas spirit all year round. Just reading your posts makes me smile :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me today, Mary Anne. Loved visiting with you. :)
ReplyDelete