#HistoricalRomance author, Anna Campbell, is talking about the inspiration behind her fabulous book — The Highlander’s Christmas Quest #Christmas @AnnaCampbelloz

The Inspiration Behind

 The Highlander’s Christmas Quest

By Anna Campbell

Hi Mary Anne! Thank you for having me as your guest on The Coffee Pot Book Club. I always love visiting your blog and meeting your readers.

Releasing a Christmas story has become a bit of a tradition for me. I’ve written a Christmas romance every year since The Winter Wife in 2012. In 2016, I even did two Christmas stories!

This year’s seasonal offering is part of my Lairds Most Likely series, so it’s brimming with gallant Highlanders and scenery you can sink your teeth into. The Highlander’s Christmas Quest is a follow-up to September’s book, The Highlander’s Defiant Captive, and feeds into book 7 in the series, The Highlander’s Rescued Maiden, which will come out in 2020. Of course, like all my stories, this new one can be read as a stand-alone.

When I originally started the lairds series, it was going to be three books set in the Regency, but as the world of the series has expanded and become more complex, I found myself wondering about the ancestors of my valiant heroes and heroines. So this year, I’ve moved back in time for Defiant Captive, which is set in 1699, and for Christmas Quest, which is set in 1728.

There’s a very good reason for this sudden flirtation with new time periods. In May this year, I was lucky enough to visit the gorgeous and remote Scottish island of Canna, part of the Small Isles group, south of the Isle of Skye. I discovered a beautiful bluebell-covered landscape that made me feel as if I’d come home. I’ve included a few pictures in this blog so you can get some idea of the charms of this little speck of Hebridean green.

A piece of local history about a captive lady inspired an idea for a story in my Scottish series – but it definitely wasn’t a Regency. As a result, three new instalments have now joined the Lairds Most Likely saga, all featuring doughty men and headstrong women from earlier ages.

The Highlander’s Christmas Quest is set on Canna, although the isle is called Askaval in the story. I needed something to lead up to the events in The Highlander’s Rescued Maiden which is my captive lady story. In THCQ, my hero Dougal sets out to rescue Fair Ellen of the Isles, trapped in her tower, but finds himself waylaid by love and shenanigans when a storm brings him ashore on Askaval/Canna. Now the stage is set for Ellen and her hero in the future book, and in the meantime, I got to have a lovely time with an imaginary Christmas in one of my favourite places. Win/win!

Giveaway

I’ve got a download of The Highlander’s Christmas Quest to give away today. International. All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog to be in the draw.

As there’s a fairytale element to this latest story, let’s talk myths and legends. Do you have a favorite myth, legend or fairytale? I think mine would have to be Beauty and the Beast which links back to the Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid. What about you?

Giveaway Rules

• Leave your answer in the comments at the bottom of this post.

• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm BST on December 28th.

You must be 18 or older to enter.

• Giveaway is only open Internationally.

•Only one entry per household.

• All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

•Winners will be announced in the comments.

• Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

The Highlander’s Christmas Quest

By Anna Campbell

She’s found the man for her, but he has no plans to stay on her island. Perhaps it’s time to try a little sabotage!

Scotland. 1725. The moment she sees handsome Dougal Drummond, Kirsty Macbain tumbles headlong into love. A chance storm a few days before Christmas has blown the gallant Highlander off-course to her father’s isle of Askaval, but once he’s repaired his boat, Dougal is determined to continue on his way. His bright blue eyes are firmly fixed on valiant deeds and a distant horizon. What does he care for a smart-mouthed, independent lassie who forms no part of his plans for his future?

Kirsty is convinced that if only she can keep Dougal on Askaval, he’ll see how perfect they are together. With his boat out of action, he’s trapped in her company. Some surreptitious midnight destruction with a drill and a hammer might help true love to win out. On the other hand, if Dougal discovers what she’s been up to, there will be the devil to pay.

Will this madcap Christmas deliver Kirsty’s heart’s desire – or will her scheming see Dougal sailing away to a life without her?

Pick up your copy of

The Highlander’s Christmas Quest

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon AU • iBooks • Kobo

Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell is an Australian historical romance writer. She’s published 11 multi award-winning novels for Avon and Grand Central, and 24 books as an independent author. Her books have been translated into 23 languages. She’s currently working on a series featuring roguish Highland heroes, called the Lairds Most Likely. The Laird's Willful Lass, The Laird's Christmas Kiss, The Highlander’s Lost Lady, The Highlander’s Defiant Captive, and The Highlander’s Christmas Quest are now out. Look out for The Highlander’s English Bride early in 2020.

Connect with Anna: Website • Facebook • Twitter • BookBub.