Romance Reviews From Library Journal

Thought you would enjoy this mix of romance reviews from Library Journal.

Ronan Sinclare Contest

Just a reminder that my blog is now on my new website so go there and find out all about Ronan's contest.

Ronan's Book Cover & Website Changes

Ronan's book cover has been posted to my new website. Check it out and let me know what you think. You will now find my blog directly on my website and for all those who follow it you will need to ad the change. There's more to be added to the site, but for those who have been asking for a book list, it's now there, just look across the top and you'll find the tab for it. This website will enable me to make changes more easily and all by myself (a nerve-racking thought, but I'm getting the hang of it... I think!). Let me know what you think of the site, but remember it's not done yet, so it's a good time to make any helpful suggestions.
I'm also presently working on that special contest I mentioned and will be posting the particulars soon.
Enjoy the weekend! It's supposed to rain here in Jersey, but that's all right by me, since I'll be busy editing the first book in my Warrior King series.
Remember this blog spot will soon disappear and I'll be blogging straight from my website. So make sure to remember to go there to find out what's going on!

Highlander's Forbidden Bride

You'll find Ronan's book cover posted on my website soon. I love it. Hope you do too! And you'll find more changes coming to my website. I'll keep you posted about both.
And it won't be long before I tell you all about the special contest I have planned for Ronan's book Highlander's Forbidden Bride, the last book in the Sinclare Brothers' series.
But fear not, I have another four books series I've already started writing... the Warrior King series.
Lots more going on as well and will let you know as it all unfolds!

Contest Winners!

Here are the winners of The Angel And The Highlander Contest.
Carolyn Hughes is the winner of the journal, pen and signed copy of The Angel And The Highlander. Plus she'll receive a few bookmarks of some of my previous books.
The following five are winners of signed copies of The Angel And The Highlander. They also will receive a few bookmarks of some of my previous books.
Camelia Williams
Laura Badmone
Ron Brown who entered for his girlfriend Ruth. How thoughtful is that!
Debra Guyette
Eva Minaskanian

Congrats to them all. And a special thank you to all who signed up for the contest.

And watch for Ronan's contest coming soon. It's an extra special one you're not going to want to miss!

Two Days Left To Sign Up For Contest

If you haven't signed up for the contest you have two days left to do so. I'll be announcing the winners on Thursday, July 30th. What can you win? One person will win a beautiful journal and pen plus a signed copy of The Angel And The Highlander. Plus five other winners will also receive a signed copy of the book. Also going to be adding in some bookmarks from some of my previous books.
It's not too late. Sign up today!
Good luck to everyone.

Contest Ending Contest Starting

Ten days left to enter The Angel And The Highlander contest. I'll be posting the winners here on my blog on July 30th. After that it's all about Ronan, and to celebrate his homecoming I'm cooking up a special contest. The poor fellow deserves it. He's been through a lot, but then so has the woman he's fallen in love with.
Those who have signed up for Ronan Alerts will automatically get news before it appears here on my blog and that includes the Ronan contest news. So if you want to be one of the first to know about it just leave a note in the message box or e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com and tell me that you want to be added to the Ronan Alert list.
Also for those on facebook drop by my Donna Fletcher fan page and check it out and see what other fans are saying. I love hearing from all of you!
Hope everyone is having some great summer fun. I'm off to enjoy some time in the pool with family, especially my grandson (4 1/2 yrs. old) & granddaughter (4 yrs. old). Hero and heroine in the makings!

Great Review

Check out this great review by Robin at NOR (Night Owl Romance) for The Angel and The Highlander.
Still settling in, which means I have more boxes to unpack than I thought. And finishing the first book in a new series. Tell you more about it soon.
Also planning a special contest for Ronan's book Highlander's Forbidden Bride. Read about it soon right here on my blog!
At the end of July I'll be posting the winner for my present contest. Still time to sign up for it. Send an e-mail to donna@donnafletcher.com or leave a message in the comment box.
Hope every one's having a great summer and enjoying some great reads!

Contest Reminder

Don't forget to enter my contest that runs until July 29, 2009. You don't have to visit Eye of Romance to do so (where the contest started). Just send me an e-mail at donna@donnafletcher.com with contest in the message box.
And here is what what six lucky people can win:
Top prize: a beautiful journal and pen and an autographed copy of The Angel and The Highlander.
Five other people will win autographed copies of The Angel and The Highlander.
So come on and take a chance.
Also watch out for a special contest coming soon for Ronan's book Highlander's Forbidden Bride.

Settling In

The move is over and I'm settling in, though I'm still buried in boxes. It seems like I just unpack one and two more boxes pop up, but that's what happens when you take everything out of storage. Naturally, when I open the boxes containing books I can't help but peruse them. It's like being reunited with long lost friends. Then of course I make a stack of books I must read again and before I know it, I haven't gotten very far unpacking.
So now all boxes marked books have been placed in my writing room to be opened when I'm finally done with all the other boxes. It isn't easy and sometimes I falter and give into the urge to open just one book box, but I'm doing better.
I'm also busy working on my warrior series, which you'll learn more about soon.
Ronan's alert list is growing in leaps and bounds, so if you'd like to be added to it just drop me a note at donna@donnafletcher.com. You'll receive an alert when Ronan's book, Highlander's Forbidden Bride, has a firm release date before it's announced on my website, and you'll also receive a reminder the day it's in stores. And keep checking my website. The book cover will be posted soon.
Now back to the boxes!

Moving!

I'm in the middle of moving so my blog will be on hold for...? I hope only a week or so. Please have patience I will return, though I may still be buried in boxes. Until then happy reading!

Busy Days & Ronan's Book

There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day for me lately. I'm not only busy working on my new Warrior King series and doing the line edits on Ronan's book, but I'm also house hunting. And that doesn't count the tons of daily things that need tending.
I did, however, wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has e-mailed me to let me know how much they have enjoyed Lachlan's book, The Angel And The Highlander. But the BIG question was... when would Ronan's book be available?
Right now Ronan's book Highlander's Forbidden Bride has a tentative release date of January 2010. If that should change, I will let everyone know. If you'd like to receive an advanced notice, simply e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com and tell me you want to be placed on my mailing list.
Again, thanks to all who have e-mailed me. I do enjoy hearing from you.

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing mothers everywhere a happy
and loving Mother's Day!

Contest

I'm doing some publicity over at Eye On Romance and it includes a contest. To see what you can win just click here and once at the site scroll down to The Angel And The Highlander. You can enter from there or e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com. You can also enter from here, my blog. Just leave contest and e-mail info in the comment box.
There will be six winners, top winner receiving the biggest prize and five others winning autographed copies of The Angel And The Highlander. And the contest runs until the end of July.
So have a peek and take a chance. Good luck to everyone!

The Angel And The Highlander In Stores Today!

Read all about Lachlan Sinclare, the third brother in the Sinclare series, in The Angel And The Highlander in stores everywhere today!
Happy Reading!

Conference, Beach Weather & Pirates

My friend and I had a great time at the ASJA Conference. While it was primarily for non-fiction writers, I gained a lot of info on the social media realm. Things sure have changed since I started writing romance, and I must admit I like much of it. Years ago I got letters from fans and I wrote back. Now I get e-mails and it's so much easier and faster for me to answer my fans and for them to get in touch with me. I even love blogging, since it allows me to not only keep my fans updated on my books, but allows me to interact with all of you. I appreciate the sharing and comments. It makes writing a less lonely profession.
Now while I did enjoy the sessions I went to, knowing it was a gorgeous, eighty plus degrees outside (we were reminded by the speakers) got my imagination churning. I couldn't help thinking about the beach and once I had the vision of the beach in my head, the next thing I knew there was a pirate ship in the distance. Then lo and behold, not one, but three pirates introduced themselves to me and the next thing I knew I had an idea for a pirate trilogy.
So while taking notes on social networking I was also scribbling away about three pirates, (lord, are they sexy) who insisted on being heard. Now mind you I am already deeply involved in my next Highlander series, which I've called the Warrior King Series and those handsome Highlanders certainly do have my full attention, though not yesterday. The pirates captured me and that was that. I've written only one pirate book, The Buccaneer, and I had the grandest time writing it. I always wanted to write another, yet somehow I got caught up in Highlanders.
So please, drop a message in the comment box and let me know if you would like me to write a pirate trilogy.

ASAJ Conference

Tomorrow I'm off to the city with a friend to attend the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference starting early Saturday morning. It's an organization of independent nonfiction writers. I attended one a few years ago and enjoyed it, and being the conference is on nonfiction writing it gives me a different prospective on the craft. As with any writers' conference there are different workshops to choose from and I've found some interesting ones I plan to attend.
I'll let you know all about it when I get back, but I was wondering... is anyone interested in nonfiction writing? I have a friend who does travel articles, though she isn't paid to travel. She writes about her family vacations and never fails to make a sale. Another friend sells health articles, though she never worked in the health field. She's always had a deep interest in all areas of health and loves research. She's found some weird, yet interesting things to write about.
So how about it, anyone interested in writing nonfiction?

The Death Of Books, Or Is It?

Recently I've been reading numerous articles on people debating and bemoaning the demise of print books versus the rise of electronic books, while others insist readership is on a fast decline.
With millions addicted to the written word, I'd say readers are here to stay. The format and presentation of it may change with time, but then change is inevitable. Nothing remains the same forever. However remember it's the written word itself that's important. As long as it is always available to all that's what counts.
Do I prefer print books versus electronic books? Yes, I do. I love the feel of a book in my hands, placing a bookmark between the pages to await my return and finally making it part of my library to enjoy over and over again, or passing it on to other book addicts to enjoy.
I also think about how great it would be to have a Kindle and download a bunch of books. Imagine the convenience when traveling, not to mention storage. In the end I believe it will all sort itself out, to the disappointment of some and the satisfaction of others. But always remember it's the demise of the written word that should remain our main concern.
I'll leave you with a quote from a true book addict... Erasmus. "When I get a little money I buy books, and if any is left I buy food and clothes."
How do you feel about print books versus electronic books?

The Angel and The Highlander

I can't believe that next week The Angel and The Highlander will be in bookstores. When I started the Sinclare brothers' series I enjoyed getting to know Lachlan, but then he wasn't a man you could ignore. He was the charmer of the four brothers, the one the women found irresistible and the one who had no plans of marrying anytime soon. He enjoyed his single life and watching the problems his two brothers, Cavan and Artair faced when falling in love, he determined that love wasn't for him, he was sure of it.
So naturally, I pondered what type of woman would best suit him, who would be the one who would change his mind. As I got to know Lachlan better, I soon realized it wasn't so much the woman, but love itself that would change his thoughts. Of course I couldn't make it easy for him. He faces all sorts of obstacles and even when he thinks everything is all right, he discovers nothing is what he thought it was. Lachlan has to work to keep hold of the woman he loves and let me tell you he doesn't give up. He actually makes a decision no one expects him to make. He's a true hero.
And of course I didn't forget Ronan, the youngest of the Sinclare brothers, who has yet to return home. You'll find out more about what's going on with him, and perhaps you can figure out what's keeping him from coming home, if you haven't already.
I'll be reminding everyone again about The Angel and The Highlander's release, after all Lachlan wouldn't want you to miss his story.

Home Again

After a few days of visiting my granddaughter and babysitting my grandson, I'm home again. And after playing pirates, coloring, making snakes out of play doh, doing puzzles, reading some great books (Walter The Farting Dog is hilarious), trying to make sense of the game Mousetrap, playing soccer and climbing trees, I required a little downtime. So I spent an entire day watching movies. And as in books, so in movies, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and I must tell you I enjoyed every single hero.
Here's the movies that had me laughing, crying, sighing and on the edge of my seat. None disappointed and all worked wonders for my downtime.
I started with a comedy, Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell. It's about a hotel handyman who gets stuck watching his niece and nephew and to his surprise discovers that the bedtime stories they share with him come true. It's funny and heartwarming and Adam Sandler's character is a hero in more ways than one. Fools Rush In was next with Matthew Perry and Salma Hayak. I've seen this before but it's a favorite of mine. It's a truly a feel good movie and I love how love triumphs over the skeptic character Perry plays. And some of the scenes are just hilarious, while others can bring tears to your eyes and then there's the sigh factor. Now I couldn't let the day pass without a Johnny Depp movie and I chose Chocolat. Vianne Rocher does a remarkable job in portraying a woman who arrives in a French village, opens a chocolate shop and changes many lives including her own. It's a beautiful story I never grow tired of watching. The last movie a friend gave me and I thoroughly enjoyed. It was different from the others. Outlander with James Caviezel and Sophia Myles had me enthralled from the very beginning. An alien ship crash lands in ancient Norway during the Viking reign and inadvertently unleashes a bloodthirsty creature called the Moorwen. After first being accused of destroying an entire village, the local Vikings realize they need the stranger's help to combat the creature. There's so much more to the story and characters, you won't want to miss, including love.
That concludes my downtime day. What do you do when you need downtime?

To Write or Not To Write

I love writing romance. So why is it that I find other things that must suddenly be done before I get my butt in the chair to write? And why is it that once I am writing I don't want to stop? It's sought of a catch 22 situation, or damned if I do and damned if I don't. An age-old question asked by all writers one time or another, and one with no definitive answer. Though I sometimes wonder if I actually feel guilty about doing something I love, and therefore, I feel that I have no right to enjoy myself. So naturally I force myself to do the necessary or boring chores before I can reward myself.
Then of course there is also the problem of people thinking you don't REALLY work when you're home writing. I continue to remind myself not to answer the phone, let the machine pick up, but there's something about a ringing phone I just can't ignore. My writing friends will ask are you busy and if I tell them I'm writing, they always say I'll let you go, give me a call when you're free to talk. Some of my family do the same, and then there are those that don't and continue to do so no matter how many times you tell them. But I am learning and using caller ID to my advantage.
So to write or not to write is not really the question, since I always get my butt in the chair and write. I suppose the question truly is do I ALLOW myself to write or not to write. Do I shed the guilt and allow myself to enjoy my work? Do I tell those pesky people who don't think I REALLY work that I'm busy with a hot hunky Highlander and I much prefer spending time with him than talking on the phone?
As I said, I love writing romance. I love creating characters and bringing them to life and seeing what will happen to them, for they never fail to surprise me with a twist or turn until finally love conquers all. And that's another great thing about writing romance, you know it's going to end happily ever after.
So after writing this blog, I definitely have the writing itch and while there are other things that need doing,I'm going to scratch that itch and write and... not feel guilty for enjoying myself.
I invite you to do the same... don't feel guilty for doing something you enjoy.
Take a moment and let me know what you're doing that you enjoy. It will help me and countless others feel less guilty!

Flower Symbolism

A busy weekend ahead baking, buying chocolate bunnies, coloring eggs, putting together Easter baskets (don't forget the jelly beans) and buying flowers. You can drive down almost any road in Jersey this weekend and you'll find someone selling flowers from the back of a truck, or a roadside stand. You'll find your usual assortment of Easter flowers and people. There'll be kids bouncing out of cars, eager to pick flowers for mom and grandma, and then there are the husbands anxious to find something special for their wives and something nice for their mothers. I get a kick out of seeing the men who buy bunches of flowers, since they're not sure who'll be at the family gathering and they don't want to be caught short, bless their souls.
Being it's Friday and you have a little time and thought to put into your choice of flowers, I thought it would be a good idea to let you know the meaning of popular Easter flowers. This way you can give a specific flower to a specific person, for a specific reason, and also flower symbolism can make for a great conversation. Daffodils (my favorite) means I'm happy when I'm with you. Tulips expresses your love. Calla Lily means you're beautiful. Hyacinth is pure happiness. Iris signifies meaningful friendship and hope. Orchid means your thoughtful and loving. Pansy let's someone know 'you are on my mind.'
Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Imagination

Where would a writer be without imagination? Where would anyone be without it? I'm always amazed when someone tells me they have no imagination. Imagination never leaves you, you leave it.
Think about when you were a child and the games you made up, the hours you spent with your toys. Even playing video games takes imagination. It takes imagining yourself part of that game to succeed or enjoy it. And then there are your daydreams. Where do you think they're conjured up? You're imagination lets you be anything you want to be. Why do you think Halloween has gained in popularity? Grownups can be kids once again and dress up in any costume they want and no one will laugh, unless the costume is funny. And then there's the books we read. How often do you imagine yourself one of the characters? You face the perils and passion along with the heroine and for awhile escape. What a great way to get away from it all.
One person who had a fantastic imagination was Walt Disney. And you have to admit that when you go to one of his theme parks, and just like the commercial, you turn into a kid again. But, hey, imagination let's you be whatever you want, or as Disney himself said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
I love calling on my imagination and I'm thrilled when it calls on me. It takes me places I've never been and helps me create characters that fast become good friends. Why did I choose to blog about imagination today? I imagine it's because too many people of late have been insisting that they have no imagination. I know that their imaginations are probably poking and prodding them, trying desperately to get their attention. And even when it shows up, they don't recognize it as such. So I want to let everyone know not to ignore their imagination. It's crying out to you, embrace and remember Disney's words. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

Sneak Peek

If you'd like to take a sneak peek read of the third book in the Sinclare brothers' series, The Angel and The Highlander, then pop on over to Avon's Love Gives Back. And after you're done getting a taste of Lachlan, you can read Return of the Rogue in its entirety there, though time is limited, so don't waste a moment.
Each month Avon offers new releases for sneak peeks and the authors choose a back list title to make available to their readers. I chose Return of the Rogue so that those who haven't read the first book in the Sinclare brothers' series would have the opportunity to meet the brothers from the beginning. And if you're new to the series, Artair's story Under The Highlander's Spell follows Return of the Rogue. The four book series ends with the youngest of the Sinclare brothers, Ronan. His book Highlander's Forbidden Bride has a tentative release date of January 2010.
It seems like only yesterday the Sinclare brothers introduced themselves to me and I began telling their stories. I loved being involved in their lives and cheered as each one found love. And I looked forward to bringing Ronan home to his family. I can't say I have a favorite brother, since all four have distinct personalities that I found more than simply appealing. They are each special in their own way.
So hurry and go read the sneak peek and see what Lachlan, the charmer of the four brothers is up to.

Romance Books & The Recession

It seems that romance books are experiencing "recession-busting sales" according to a Canadian article. People want to feel good and what better way than to read a book with a guaranteed happy ending. But romance books are so much more than simply a happy ending. It takes good characterization, a range of emotions and a strong plot to get to that happy ending.
Ask any avid romance reader why she reads a romance and by the time she's done telling you, you'll hurry to the store to buy one... one she recommended.
And while most believe it's only women who read romances, they'd be wrong. I was doing a book signing with two other romance authors in a mall bookstore when a man walked up and asked which one of us was Donna Fletcher. I raised my hand and smiled. He told me that he loved my books and read them on the bus on his way to work. I was stunned, not only that he read them, but read them on the bus to work. And, yes, he bought my book. He made my day and he hasn't been the only male romance reader I have had the pleasure to met.
There's tons of great books out there to read and tons of great authors, but there's something extra special about romance books. Once you fall in love with them, there's no turning away. You're hooked and I must admit, it's not a bad addiction, not bad at all.

Share a Book

My son Marc wrote a great blog about his daughter and comic books. How they're meant to entertain and enjoy, and not merely be read and stuck safely away in a protective plastic cover and box. Oddly enough, it got me to thinking about readers and their books. It's nice to keep books on a shelf, sitting there looking pretty, or collecting dust until we're ready to take them down and read them again. But how often do we actually reread them?
Books are meant to be shared and, like an unspoken rule, readers know that and do just that...they share. My sister and I, plus two friends, trade books and when we're all done with them, the one woman takes them to her mother's retirement home for more people to enjoy.
Naturally, I have my keepers as do the other women, but without sharing books I would never get to read so many. I believe any avid reader would agree with me. And any bibliophile just couldn't possibly afford to buy all the books she wants to read.
I visited with a romance readers' group and part of their meeting involved the group dividing up books to share. They each enthusiastically recommended the books they had brought and they just as enthusiastically scooped them up. Some books even had a waiting list.
You might think being a writer I would think differently about sharing books, but not true. Many readers who contact me tell me that it was through a friend who shared a book of mine with them that they first learned about me. They then went on to buy my other books and recommend them to others.
Sharing books work not only for readers, but writers as well. So share a book or two today and spread the joy of reading.

Buried in Writing

The last few days have seen me buried in writing. Sometimes you get on a writing streak and can't stop. It's a productive time and naturally you don't want to interrupt it. So you lock yourself away and write. You don't eat right or fuss over your appearance. You basically stick your nose to your computer and work, work, work.
Then suddenly you realize, or someone kindly reminds you, that you've lost all track of time (actually days) and you look in the mirror and scream OMG! Who is that crazed, sleepless woman staring back at me?
Sanity sets in and you think of the countless phone messages that will need returning, not to mention the tons of e-mails, and of course letting everyone know, yes, I am alive! With little fanfare, you emerge from your creative mist and once again become part of life. But always lurking is that desire to return to the mist and become lost in the world you have created.

Characters of the Week

Lucian Darcmoor, or as he's referred to in The Buccaneer, Captain Lucifer, is a favorite character of mine. I've had the pleasure of revisiting him since I'm getting the book ready to be made available as an e-book. A handsome man besieged with justifiable anger, he captures the daughter of the man he perceives as his enemy. He intends to take his revenge out on her, thus making his foe suffer. Catherine, however, has a different plan in mind. One that not only drives the captain crazy, but has him losing his heart to a very special woman. And as cliched as it might be I had to have a scene where he holds her tight and swings on a rope from one ship to another. He just wouldn't be a pirate if he didn't do that. Then there's the rescue scene. I recall writing it and thinking how would Captain Lucifer save the woman he loved. The answer was simple. He wouldn't let anything stop him from reaching her even if it meant marching straight into into the hands of his enemy.

Other characters I want to mention are from a book I'm reading and one I've already read.
I'm having a delightful time reading Murder by the Slice by Livia J. Washburn. I adore the main character Phyllis Newsom, a retired middle school teacher. Between trying not to interfere with her son Mike's, a Parker County sheriff's deputy, investigations and in constant baking competition with her best friend Carolyn Wilbarger and finding herself attracted to her new boarder Sam Fletcher (great last name) she's got her hands full. Phyllis is one of those no nonsense characters with a big heart who you never grow tired reading about.

And then there's Maggie O'Neil from The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt. I get a kick out of Maggie who has some trouble adjusting to her new found abilities as an empath. Her new boss Felicity Dow, a proclaimed witch guides and helps her adapt. But Maggie's Catholic guilt keeps getting in the way, not to mention her family. You can't help but love, laugh and cheer for Maggie, and of course continue to read her adventures. A great character and series if you like magic.


That's this week's cast of characters. Look for more next week and happy reading!

Hodge Podge

A hodge podge. A bit of this and a bit of that?
I've been at my computer all week doing what writers do... write. Even when I'm not writing my books I'm usually writing something. This week I was asked by two friends to write two letters who needed help in specific and important areas. I got them done in no time.
And then there's my journal writing. I write in it with great enthusiasm either very early in the morning or very late at night. I don't dump my frustrations or such in it, that's not it's purpose. To me it's a place where I can go beyond the ordinary and feel comfortable. It's a trusting companion and I always look forward to spending time within its pages. Another important journal to me is my dream journal. I experience the greatest dreams and I have come to see how dreams help and guide in daily life, while some turn out to be prophetic. There's a good dream site if you're interested in lucid dreaming. Oh, and need I forget my blog, which I do enjoy writing.
In between all this writing there's other things to be done, not to mention making time for reading. It's crazy that I spend the majority of my day with the written word and when I sit to relax I return to it in books. Though I do have my knitting projects. I'm working on a lovely spring/summer shawl in muted, peaches, greens and rose colors. And there's the throw I'm working on now for some time, though it's more like a blanket and I will be doing embroidery on it when the knitting part is done.
I can't forget the Easter hat I put together for my granddaughter. I made it to accompany her Fancy Nancy stuff. It's white with a wide brim. I added to that a plastic, multi-colored jewel necklace that fit the rim perfectly, fluffy white bows and purple checkered hair clips finished the dazzling bonnet.
I will admit that I escaped the confines of home a few hours one day this week. And where do you think I went? Where else? The bookstore, though it wasn't a long visit since I had to go to the post office and food store.
And today? No doubt I'll write, but first my flowerpots need cleaning and I need to take my spring wind chimes out. And then I have to get started searching for a place, since it's come time for me to move. As I said, a hodge podge of things that's going on. What's your hodge podge like?

Scottish Heather

During my writing session today I wrote about my heroine who stops to collect sprigs of heather. I often recall my trip to Scotland when I'm writing my Celtic historical romances. And one of the most memorable sights was the endless sea of heather that carpeted the hillsides. Heather is often referred to, and most appropriately, in the Scottish Highlands as "The Carpet of the Highlands."
The wild plant has been around since ancient times and its uses varied widely. Heather was used in bed stuffing, floor rushes, basket making, walls, roof thatch, brooms and it was weaved into some fences. It was also used in tea and ale. Then of course there were the medicinal uses ranging from treating nerves and depression to coughs and countless more that I'm sure were lost through the ages. While I have seen only purple heather, I learned there are other colors including orange, grey-green, yellow and the rare white, which was thought to possess magical powers.
Whether myth or truth, there is a story about the fabled heather ale. It seemed that the ancient Pictish Kings and the eldest son were the only ones who possessed the secret recipe of the divine drink. When the final battle took place between the Picts and Scots, it has been told that when the Pictish King and his eldest son were the only ones left, the Scots demanded to know the secret recipe. The king, fearing his son would break under torture and reveal it, told the Scottish warrior to kill his son first and then he would tell him the recipe. After his son was dead, the Pictish King refused to breath a word about the famous heather ale and its tasty secret died with him.
Robert Louis Stevenson even wrote about it in From Heather Ale, A Galloway Legend.
From the bonny bells of heather,
They brewed a drink longsyne,
Was sweeter far than honey,
Was stronger far than wine.
I can't write about the Scottish Highlands without mentioning the wild heather. And today when my heroine suddenly stopped in her tracks, I knew why. She couldn't resist the heather growing on the hillside, even though she was shackled to a warrior Highlander she barely knew and the king's soldiers were after them. She had to have a sprig or two of heather. And how did my hero react? That you''ll have to wait to find out!

Spring!

Spring is in the air today, though it's not official for two days. But don't tell my flower pots, buds have already popped through the soil eager for the warm sunshine. I can see into the small cropping of woods beyond the terrace, the stirrings of crocus and daffodils inching their way past the leaves on the ground, happy they will bloom before the trees burst full with leaves and hides their beautiful colors from me.
The birds will soon build their nests stealing bits and pieces from my flower pots, though I don't mind the little felons since their antics are quite entertaining. As is the liveliness of the squirrels that race up and down the trees playfully after each other, though get down to business when it's nest-building time.
The plump groundhogs surprise me with their speed and busyness. And the chipmunks are a delight to watch. While I agree hawks are beautiful, I prefer them to stay away from my little woods and dine elsewhere. Sometimes I need to convince them with the wave of a broomstick in their direction, if they're perched on a nearby branch.
What else grows and blooms in the spring? Why love of course, and it doesn't matter if it is a new love or renewing love. The wondrous feeling flits in the air bouncing along with no regard to destination. When it hits you, you know it. There's just no denying it. Your smile is wider, your step lighter and your days brighter.
So be on the lookout. You can never tell when love is going to flit around and land on you.
Happy spring!

Erin Go Bragh!

Happy St. Pat's Day to all.

Here's a great St. Pat's Day website where you can find out all about the history of this special day and even some great Irish recipes.

Enjoy the day!

Character of the Day

Many of you have written to me regarding the character Bethane. She first appeared in Under The Highlander's Spell. She's Zia's (heroine) grandmother and she returns in the last two Sinclare brothers' books. A wise healer and intuitive by nature, Bethane patiently heals and guides those in need.

Most of your comments (and there were more than I ever expected) were pleased, overjoyed, relieved, grateful, about time (to name a few) that an older woman was portrayed with intelligence. And not needy, dependent, bad-tempered, toothless, or whatever other cliche that befalls the older woman.

It made me think of the many book titles that read... It' Not Your Grandmother's Knitting, Cooking, Sewing, etc., while it should read... It's Not Your Grandmother's Grandmother Anymore. Older woman, and I can't say what age you're suddenly dubbed with the misnomer since it seems that each age group moves old age further away from themselves, are in a class all their own. Let's face it, we all inevitably grow old, but it doesn't mean we have to fit the standard image.

That was why Bethane came to be. To me she epitomized an ageless woman. She faced and survived a husband's passing, a daughter who dies giving birth and the task of raising a child in her advancing years. Then there's her work as a healer and leader of a village she established. Not to mention teaching, so that her healing knowledge would continue with the women who chose to follow her path.

Was she a woman before her time? I believe women such as Bethane lived and thrived. They were the women who not only paved the way for those who followed, but opened it. While eventually women are believed to reach the crone years of their lives, I believe Bethane is the epitome of the crone. Not the withered old woman, but the ageless beauty who embraces life and fully lives it, tragedies and all.

Don't miss Bethane's wisdom, especially in the last book of the Sinclare brothers' series, Highlander's Forbidden Bride.

Today's Happenings

First let me announce the winners of the two, autographed copies of the Marshal Tyme Diaries, since yesterday got away from me and I never posted them. Congrats to Patti Nevins and D. Campbell, who happens to love Old West Marshals as much as I do!

The reason I got sidetracked yesterday was because book club catalogs arrived in the mail on Saturday and I was too busy to get to them until Sunday. As soon as I sat down with them I knew that was it. In no time I was lost reading through both, folding down corners, starring the books that I felt I just couldn't do without and placing question marks next to those I wasn't sure about. Then came the arduous task of trying to decide which ones I could buy, since I couldn't reasonably afford all my choices.

Now mind you I have a stack of books TBR but when I get book catalogues it's like letting a kid free in a toy store. I'll take one of everything. And it's not as if I never go to the bookstore. I'm there at least once a week and usually with my sister. We're partners in crime when there, since neither of us can resist books. Though we do trade books, which makes our TBR piles that much larger.

Recently I read an Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor. I couldn't get enough of the village of Ballybucklebo and the young Doctor Barry Laverty who has an assistantship under Dr. Finegal Flahertie O'Reilly, a wise and funny character. So when I saw the second book in the series, An Irish Country Doctor, I knew I had to get it.

Then I spotted a book by Robert Moss, The Secret History of Dreaming. Since I'm fascinated by dreams, and Moss being one of the best authors on the subject, it was a must have.

I love cooking with herbs and while I already have several books on the subject, I believe you can't have too many. So when Reader's Digest The Complete Book of Herbs caught my eye I knew it would be added to the must have list. How could I resist when it combines cooking, crafting and healing with herbs.

There were many other books I wanted, but I stopped myself and for a very good reason. Tomorrow my sister and I go to the bookstore and there's some romances and mysteries on my must have list. I'll share them with you soon, but how about doing the same? I've found some great books from friends who have shared their must have list. So, come on, share your must have list. Let others know what books you simply can't live without.

Marshal Tyme - Win A Copy!

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but there's something to be said for the Marshals of the Old West. He was a man of honor who upheld the law in lawless towns, even if it meant his death. You could count on his stoic personality with barely a smile cracking his lips, and he was always respectful to the ladies - whether saloon girls or schoolmarms.

So when my son Marc created Marshal Tyme as a short for the back of his Adam Zero comic books, I fell in love with the character. Here was the tall, slender marshal of the Old West with handle bar moustache, Stetson pulled down low, the weathered duster and completing him; the steadfast, honorable nature. But there's one thing different about this one. This marshal is in charge of the 1850-1900, American Southwest timeline. His job? Bring justice to travelers journeying out of their time. Think alien robots in the Old West.

Now to not only my joy, but also for others who fell in love with the old time Marshal, his three stories are available all in one comic, The Marshal Tyme Diaries. If you have kids that like comics or are a fan of them yourself, check out Marshal Tyme.

Marshal Tyme is a character you don't want to miss and to help celebrate this special occasion I'm giving away two autographed Marshal Tyme comics to two lucky winners!

To win just leave your e-mail address in the message box or e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com and put WIN in the message box.

I'll announce the winner on Sunday. Good luck to all!

Late Night Movies

Have you ever been unable to sleep and out of desperation, boredom and of course sleeplessness you resort to watching a late night movie you may have otherwise skipped over? And then something strange happens. You become engrossed in it, ever so much that you now cannot, absolutely, positively go to sleep until you see how it ends.

It happened to me the other night, not the first time and I'm sure not the last. I came across a werewolf movie, not always a good choice late at night and alone. But the title caught my interest, Blood and Chocolate, and I was soon caught up in the story.

It takes place in present day Romania, Bucharest to be exact, the heroine (Agnes Bruckner) a chocolate maker by day and at night when she hunts, a beautiful wolf. The hero (Hugh Dancy) is a graphic novel illustrator and strangely enough he draws werewolves. Add a villain (Olivier Martinez) a not-so-nice werewolf and you have a basic paranormal romance story and who can resist that?

I love to see how love manages to conquer fear, though not miraculously or instantly. It's a process not always understood by either the hero or heroine, but then isn't that how love works? You do things you would never expect to do and damned if you know why.

I enjoyed this movie. It was one of those late night satisfying movies that allowed me to finally fall asleep believing that all was right in the world and love conquered all.
Curious, I did some research on it (the writer in me) I discovered that the movie is based on Annette Curtis Klause's 1999 young adult novel and now I'm going to have to read it.
It's funny how late night movies always seem to turn out to be gems you accidentally find. Does anyone have a late night movie gem to recommend?

New Series & More

With two books, The Angel and The Highlander & Highlander's Forbidden Bride, to go before the Sinclare brothers' series finishes, I wasn't surprised when new characters began introducing themselves. It started with one outrageously bold and insistent Scottish warrior. He introduced me to his three friends, who were raised together like brothers and who guard a deadly secret.
I'm thrilled to announce that Avon purchased the first two books in the four book series.
The four warriors separate on a necessary mission and unexpectedly fall in love (but then when does love ever announce itself?) in most unusual ways. The secret the four warriors share threatens not only the trust of the women they love, but love itself. I can't wait to get to know them all better.
I'll reveal more about the series in the coming months, but right now I'm excited that next month Lachlan's book, The Angel and The Highlander, will be in stores April 28th. The charmer of the Sinclare brothers is about to do something he had yet planned on... fall in love. And the woman who steals his heart is far from what he expects and this time it isn't his charm that can work magic, but love.
Then, of course, there's more to learn about Ronan, the youngest brother who has yet to return home. Where is he? What keeps him from coming home? Could it be a woman? Love? Revenge? You'll be hearing more from the Sinclare family as their stories all come together.
Oh! There's also a menacing warlock demanding to be heard. So I'll see what he has to say.
And to all those out there caught in this late winter storm, stay safe and keep warm.

Contest Winner

Congrats to grand finale winner Ginny Wells! And a big thank you to all who took part in the contests. Look for more contests coming soon!

Final Week of February Contests

It's been fun celebrating the month of romance with weekly contests. For the grand finale you can win an autographed copy of not only The Angel & The Highlander the third book in the Sinclare brothers' series, but the whole series; Return of The Rogue, Under The Highlander's Spell, The Angel & The Highlander and Highlander's Forbidden Bride. The last two books being mailed to you as soon as they become available to me.
To take a chance leave your e-mail address in the comment box or e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com with contest in the message box.
This won't be the last monthly contest. Look for another soon.
Thanks for the enthusiastic response to February's Month of Romance Contests and good luck to all!

Contest Winner

Congrats to this week's contest winner Cheri2628. Monday is the fourth and final week of February's Month of Contests. You don't want to miss taking a chance to win the last grand prize! So check back here on Monday and see what you can win.

Week Three Feb. Contest

This week you can win an autographed copy of The Highlander's Bride plus a cover flat of The Angel & The Highlander. Leave your e-mail address in the comment box or e-mail me privately at donna@donnafletcher.com and make sure to put contest in the message box. Good luck to all and the winner will be announced Saturday.

Contest Winner

Congrats to this week's contest winner Deanna Bostick. Don't forget to check back Monday to see what you can win for the third week's contest.
Good luck to all and Happy Valentine's Day!

Week Two Feb. Contest

This week take a chance to win an autographed copy of The Bewitching Twin plus an autographed cover flat of The Angel & The Highlander. Just put contest in the comment box with your e-mail address or as many of you chose to do e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com. I'll post the winner on Saturday (Valentine's Day). Good luck to everyone!
Here's a brief excerpt from The Bewitching Twin...
"I have need of you."
"Define this need," Aliss said sharply before losing confidence.
"Your skills. They are necessary to my clan."
"Tell me more," she said hesitantly, daring to hope that was all he wanted of her.
"Illness has ravaged my clan. Old and young alike are dying and some are not affected at all. It is as if the heavens pick and choose who will be spared. Your skill as a healer is known and I need it to help save my people."
"Then I wish to make a trade," Aliss said, knowing full well she would never deny the ill the benefit of her knowledge.
He smirked. "You think to bargain with me when you sit here on my ship, as my prisoner?"
The reason for her abduction could also be the solution. Excited, she spoke with haste. "I have something you want, my skills; you have something I want, my freedom. I will trade you one for the other. As soon as I heal your people, you will return me home. It is a fair and reasonable bargain."
"You must heal my people," he said as if confirming his acquiescence.
She nodded and repeated, "Then you will take me home."
He gave a quick nod and moved closer.
His imposing size and the fierce wolf head made her wish that she could fade into the corner behind her, but then that would be retreating, and she could almost hear her twin sister scolding her for cowering. Fiona's rebuke would be clear; show the enemy a weakness and you give him a weapon.
"Then we have a bargain," she said with bravado.
A glint surfaced in his eyes and for a moment, Aliss expected him to smile, but he did not.
"How do you know you can trust me?"
"I ask the same of you."
His icy stare froze her.
"Do not think to play games with my peoples' lives."
The mere suggestion that she would use her healing skills to do harm turned her fiery hot and melted away her fear. "How dare you even suggest that!"
He nearly plastered his nose to hers. "I dare anything when it comes to the protection of my people."
"Like kidnapping a helpless healer?"
He glared at her. "You are far from helpless."
His compliment startled her.
"You will heal my people," he said sternly and stood.
"You will return me home." Her words were meant to seal their bargain and she could only pray that he was a warrior true to his word.

Contest Winner!

Congratulations to Pamela Smith the winner of this week's contest!
Monday I'll be posting the second week contest, so stop back and sign up to win...?
You'll find out Monday!
Have a great weekend everyone!

February Contests

Behold, February is here but not spring according to Punxsutawney Phil (Happy Groundhog Day). But what the heck, it's the month of romance. Hearts, flowers, chocolates and more chocolates! So to celebrate romance I'm going to hold weekly contests this month. Each Monday, four in all, I'll post the contest on my blog and the winner will be announced that Saturday.
To enter just leave your name and email address in the comment box or if you prefer email me at donna@donnafletcher.com. This week the prize is an autographed copy of Return of the Rogue and an autographed cover flat of Lachlan's book The Angel & The Highlander.
Good luck to everyone and happy romance month!

Recipes & Mysteries

Taking a break from edits and proposals, I turned to sorting through recipes I've collected (and I continue to collect). I admit I haven't tried them all, but I'm working my way through them. It got me to thinking of a mystery book I read, and enjoyed, years ago that had recipes in it. While I couldn't recall the author's name, I knew I could find food mysteries at Amazon and sure enough I did.
Here are some scrumptious (couldn't resist) mysteries to try.
Sweet Revenge
(Goldy Culinary Mysteries Book 14)
Diane Mott Davidson

Cooking Up Murder
(A Cooking Class Mystery)
Miranda Bliss

On What Grounds
(Coffeehouse Mysteries No. 1)
Cleo Coyle

The Chocolate Jewel Case
(Chocoholic Mysteries No. 7)
JoAnna Carl

Key Lime Pie Murder
(Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes No. 9)
Joanne Fluke
Ms. Fluke's book titles are mouthwatering: Cherry Cheesecake Murder, Peach Cobbler Murder, Carrot Cake Murder, Fudge Cupcake Murder.

Can anyone else recommend a food mystery book?

Highlander's Forbidden Bride

Ronan's book has a title... Highlander's Forbidden Bride. A very fitting title for his tale and the last book in the Sinclare brothers series. I can't believe I'm about to start the edits on Ronan's book. It brings me that much closer to it being finished and me saying good-bye to the Sinclares. I have so enjoyed sharing their lives.
I shouldn't get melancholy too soon. After all, Lachlan and Alyce have their story to tell and it's an exciting one. You wouldn't expect anything less from a charmer like Lachlan.
So while I'm beginning the finishing touches to Ronan's story, get set for Lachlan's. He won't disappoint. He may be a charmer, but he knows how to love! Of course, Alyce teaches him a thing or two, and he doesn't mind the lessons.
Oh, for the spring, flowers blooming, love in the air and the release of Lachlan and Alyce's book The Angel and The Highlander!

The Shadow Knows

Check out my son's new favorite video for The Shadow Knows starring none other than my delightful granddaughter!

http://adamzero1.blogspot.com/

A Big Thanks To Terra

I had a fun time blogging and meeting so many wonderful romance readers at http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/ yesterday, and so did the Sinclare brothers. They were delighted to see how many women were interested in their stories. Thanks much to everyone who stopped by!

Guest Blogging Today

I'm blogging today at http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/ stop by, visit and take a chance to win Return of the Rogue, Under the Highlander's Spell and the cover of Lachlan's book The Angel and The Highlander, due in stores April 28, 2009.

Back Again

I was away for a week visiting with my four year old grandson. We were very busy playing cars, drawing and his favorite... the invisibility blanket. We sit under a particular blanket and no one knows we're there, except rabbit, squirrel and bird who gather around us. We also did a lot of reading. I'm always buying him books. His favorite at the moment is Bad Dog Marley and I believe I now know it by heart. He thinks the part where Marley drinks out of the toilet is hilarious. He's such a cutie, I just love him a bunch.
Unfortunately, he had a head cold and gave it to me as a parting gift, along with his hugs and kisses. But I must admit that it gives me a reasonable excuse to spend time resting, which means hot tea and a book.
I will, however, be guest blogging on Wednesday. You have to love the Internet. You can keep a speaking engagement of sorts sick or not. I'll let you know all the particulars on Wednesday.
Right now though, I'm going to enjoy that hot tea and book.

San Francisco Surrender

San Francisco Surrender was the first book I sold. I can't begin to tell you what I thrill it was to see it on a shelf in the bookstore. It wasn't supposed to be available yet, but I checked the romance section anyway and there it was. I can honestly say that my legs grew weak when I spotted it. And yes I bought more than one!
Almost twenty years later with the rights returned tome, I decided to do light revisions and offer it as an e-book. I'm pleased and proud to announce that San Francisco Surrender is now available on Kindle at Amazon.
Also a very special thanks to talented artist, Michael Di Pascale for creating the new cover. He went beyond my expectations in bringing the Dragon and the Serpent to life.
I have enjoyed revisiting these special characters and refreshing their love story. So take a stroll with me down memory lane.
San Francisco 1873, Barbary Coast
Drunken men being shanghaied, robberies common place, prostitution available at every turn and clipper ships arriving daily keeps the Barbary Coast an exciting and dangerous place, and one not easy to survive.
Presently, a thief known as the Serpent is leaving his stinging mark along the wharf. He robs from the rich blokes who frequent the area in pursuit of the prostitutes and leaves a damaging mark so close to their manhoods that they all fall faint at the sensation of his blade slicing so near to their family jewels.
One man in particular is not at all pleased with the trouble the thief is causing and he is approached by other concerned citizens to see to the demise of the Serpent. After all it should be easy for a man known as the Dragon to do in the Serpent.
Sebastian Blood takes on the task but is furious when under disguise as a drunken fool he tastes the sting of the Serpent. He swears to make the thief pay.
But the Serpent is none other then a young woman Victoria, disguised as the lad Vic and turned thief out of necessity. Her younger sister Beth is extremely ill and needs constant medical attention. When it becomes too dangerous for Vic to continue the role as the Serpent, she does the only thing she can... she seeks employment with the Dragon. He in turn feels for the lad and his dire situation so he takes Vic and his sister in and that's when the fun and love begins.