A Highland Emerald
Blurb:
Aine MacLean is forced into an arranged marriage with
Sir William, Chief of Clan Munro, yet her heart belongs to a handsome young
warrior in her father’s guard. She must leave Durant Castle, the home of her
birth on the Isle of Mull, and travel across Scotland in a perilous journey to
her husband’s home on Cromarty Firth. William agrees to a year and day of
handfasting, giving Aine an opportunity to accept him and his clan. He promises
her the protection of Clan Munro, however, Aine experiences kidnapping,
pirates, and almost loses her life in the River Moriston. She doubts the
sincerity of William’s promises and decides to return to Durant Castle when the
handfasting ends. William determines to win Aine’s heart. Will the brave knight
triumph in his fight for the bonnie lass?
A Highland Emerald is the third book in the
award-winning Highland Treasures series. It tells the story of Aine MacLean and
William Munro, and is the prequel to A Highland Pearl.
Excerpt:
Isle of Mull
Scotland, 1486
My father sat in his usual chair in front of the
crackling fire, staring at the flame with dim eyes and a fur robe wrapped
around his broad shoulders, the deerhound curled at his feet.
“Where are you going, Aine?” he asked with his back
turned toward the stone, spiral staircase where I stood. “Come, sit with me for
awhile.”
I pushed the arisaid from my shoulders, letting it
drop to the floor, then stepped over the wrap. Making my way to the stool where
my mother's embroidery frame stood, I took a seat and watched the flame.
Without turning his head, my father, Lachlan Og
MacLean, eighth chief and fourth Laird of Durant Castle, asked, “Where are you
going?”
“How did you ken 'twas I?” He never ceased to amaze
me with his uncanny knowledge of events
around him although his eyes, so dimmed by injury, saw very little.
“I heard the rustle of your skirts.” He extended his
hand for me, so I rose and hugged his neck.
He smiled, embracing my arms. “And I ken your scent,
lass. ‘Tis so like your mither's. You use the same scented soap as she.”
“Aye, but from so far away and with the smell of
burning wood and dog in your nostril's?”
“Your odor is a different pleasantry among the usual
burning wood and dog. It stands out in my memory as does the pleasant odor of
your mither.” He smiled broadly, showing still straight, white teeth beneath a
greying beard. I could almost feel his penetrating gaze upon me as in the days
before his sight was taken in battle. He asked, “Where are you going this dreary
night?”
“Here, Da. To sit beside you and talk of the feast on
the morrow.”
“Don't try to deceive me, lass. I heard the sound of
your arisaid dropping to the floor. You are planning a tryst, I feel certain.”
His dimmed gaze pierced through to the depths of my soul. “I could see the turn
of your head toward him each time he spoke at the evening meal.” A line formed
between his brows and a shadow darkened his face. “You are to marry the Munro.”
“I dinna love William Munro.” My voice began to rise,
and I struggled to control the cry climbing from the depths of my heart. “I
wanna marry him, Da. You promised I could wed for love, not convenience.” The
cry emerged from my lips. I buried my head on his shoulder and sobbed.
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
The desire to write historical fiction has long been
a passion with Brenda B. Taylor. Since elementary school, she has written
stories in her spare time. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson
State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State
University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD from Texas A&M University,
College Station, Texas; then worked as a teacher and administrator in the Texas
Public School system. Only after retirement could she fulfill the dream of
publication.
Brenda and
her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending
time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith
Ministry, Inc. She crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary
people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a
variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase
and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart
of the reader as it did hers in the writing.
Author Contact Information:
Facebook Post:
A Highland Emerald, Book Three in the Highland Treasures series, is now on pre-order at most ebook
vendors. Reserve your copy now to be downloaded to your ereader on September
26. Find vendor links here: www.brendabtaylor.com/a-highland-emerald
Twitter:
A Highland Emerald, Book 3 Highland Treasures series,
available for pre-order http://www.brendabtaylor.com/a-highland-emerald/ via
@rayburnlady #RRBC #TheTwelve
1 comment:
Thanks for having me as your guest.
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