CONGRATULATIONS
to THREE Winners of
by Margaret Mallory
Lady Vampire, Anita Y and Judy H please email me with your mailing info for Hachette.
CONGRATULATIONS
by Stephen R. Lawhead
CONGRATULATIONS
to the Winner of
Showing posts with label The Guardian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Guardian. Show all posts
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Winners of The Gaurdian, Winner of Hood and Winner of Fancy Pants
Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways.
Vidisha - Please email me with your address and let me know if you want any bookmarks.
CONGRATULATIONS
Beverly - Please email with your address and let me know if you want any bookmarks.
CONGRATULATIONS
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Q&A Interview with Margaret Mallory, Author of The Guardian
Please join me in welcoming Margaret Mallory today at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.
1Q. When you do a series do you have each book plotted out before you start the first one or do the subsequent books flow from the first book?
2Q When researching a book, have you ever found anything "hands on" or unusual required?
3Q. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this time period?
4Q Is any of your writing from personal experiences or is it completely imagination?
5Q. Do your characters live with you or haunt your dreams as you write?
1Q. When you do a series do you have each book plotted out before you start the first one or do the subsequent books flow from the first book?
MM: I didn’t know I would get published when I wrote Knight of Desire
and wrote it with no plan for a series. Fortunately, there was a great secondary character who emerged in that book and then in Knight of Pleasure
who begged for his own book and became the obvious choice for the next hero.
and wrote it with no plan for a series. Fortunately, there was a great secondary character who emerged in that book and then in Knight of Pleasure who begged for his own book and became the obvious choice for the next hero. That worked out well, but when I started this new series, I wanted to have it more planned out. I did character sketches of all four heroes and heroines and their basic relationship conflicts. Over the series, I’ll have each hero accomplish an important step toward securing their imperiled clan. I wish I could say I have the plot worked out for all four books, but I don’t!
2Q When researching a book, have you ever found anything "hands on" or unusual required?
MM: I was lucky to be able to visit Scotland last summer. It made a big difference to see the castles and countryside I was writing about in this series. I also found places that I hadn’t planned to include in my books but decided I had to work in.
I wanted to see Stirling Castle, in particular, to find out if the scenes I set there in THE GUARDIAN
would work. Was the outer close as big as it looked in pictures? Would my heroine be breathless after running across it?
I wanted to see Stirling Castle, in particular, to find out if the scenes I set there in THE GUARDIAN
would work. Was the outer close as big as it looked in pictures? Would my heroine be breathless after running across it? 3Q. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this time period?
MM: I prefer my men wielding swords, so that helped set my time period.
For a historical backdrop, I look for a time of conflict and great change. I decided to set my series in the wake of the Scots devastating defeat to Henry VIII’s forces in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden. Thousands of Scots were killed, including the Scottish king and many nobles and chieftains. I have my four heroes fighting in France at the time, and they return to find their clan in peril, their king and chieftain dead, and everything changed.
For a historical backdrop, I look for a time of conflict and great change. I decided to set my series in the wake of the Scots devastating defeat to Henry VIII’s forces in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden. Thousands of Scots were killed, including the Scottish king and many nobles and chieftains. I have my four heroes fighting in France at the time, and they return to find their clan in peril, their king and chieftain dead, and everything changed.
4Q Is any of your writing from personal experiences or is it completely imagination?
MM: I definitely drew on my personal experience in portraying Sìleas as a funny-looking, late-blooming, thirteen-year-old in chapter 1. It gave me great satisfaction to make this ugly duckling blossom into a beauty who knocks the hero’s socks off when he returns five years later.
5Q. Do your characters live with you or haunt your dreams as you write?
MM: They are pretty much my life. ;) Sometimes I can’t get to sleep because I’m thinking about them. I keep a tablet on the bathroom counter so I can write things down and get back to sleep.
Book Review and Giveaway Three Copies: The Guardian by Margaret Mallory
A rugged highlander left a tomboy wife and returns to a beauty.
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Product Description
THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK IFour fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.
PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.
As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.
Review: This is a solid Highlander romance.
The story opens introducing the four handsome and devilish highlanders - Ian, Alex, Duncan and Conner - as boys. As a youth Ian’s kindness made him the protector of the little red-haired waif, Sileas. When Sileas was a scrawny 13 year old she ran away from her step-da who was preparing to marry her to his brutish son, Agnus MacKinnon. Ian only seeks to help her, but is forced to marry her. The MacDonald clan leader is more concerned with securing Sileas’ inheritance, Knock Castle, than he is with the comfort of the angry Ian or humiliated Sileas.
The young warriors return five years later to find their clan decimated by the battle of Flodden and a no good uncle of Conner’s, Hugh, claiming the Chieftain position. The young men must keep Conner safe while they garner the votes for him to become Chieftain.
Ian is set on ridding himself of his unwanted wife...until he is struck speechless by the young beauty whom he barely recognizes. Sileas waits while Ian hugs his mother and brother but all he does is stare at her. Sileas had always loved Ian but had not planned to trap him in marriage. Although she has waited for him to return and claim her as his wife she feels rejected once again.
Ian’s family has become her family but it looks like she must find somewhere else to go. Fortunately there is a neighbor, Gordon, who loves her and wants her if she will give up on Ian.
Ian is busy with his friends planning how to secure Sileas’ inheritance. They believe such a move will show the rest of the MacDonald clan that Conner is the right man to be their leader. Hearing of thier plans from Gordon, Sileas sees this as a show that the land is more important to Ian than she is.
Before the young men can attack Knock Castle, Sileas runs off to seek an annulment from the Queen. Ian and his friends chase after Sileas who has no idea the dangers she may face at court. No sooner do they return home then treachery strikes. While Ian gets his injured friends to safety Sileas is kidnaped. Will Ian ever get to prove to Sileas that he truly desires her for herself? Will Conner survive to confront Hugh for the Chieftain vote?
These are likeable characters - I especially like Sileas who turned from a tomboy to a beautiful helpmate. The storyline is filled with action and conflict while the romance is warm. Ms. Mallory’s stories are solidly reliable entertainment.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting;
This is required for entry.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
2. For two extra entries, comment on the Author Q&A.
3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
4. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
- Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Forever (May 1, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 044657516X
- ISBN-13: 978-0446575164
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Product Description
THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK IFour fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.
PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.
As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.
Review: This is a solid Highlander romance.
The story opens introducing the four handsome and devilish highlanders - Ian, Alex, Duncan and Conner - as boys. As a youth Ian’s kindness made him the protector of the little red-haired waif, Sileas. When Sileas was a scrawny 13 year old she ran away from her step-da who was preparing to marry her to his brutish son, Agnus MacKinnon. Ian only seeks to help her, but is forced to marry her. The MacDonald clan leader is more concerned with securing Sileas’ inheritance, Knock Castle, than he is with the comfort of the angry Ian or humiliated Sileas.
The young warriors return five years later to find their clan decimated by the battle of Flodden and a no good uncle of Conner’s, Hugh, claiming the Chieftain position. The young men must keep Conner safe while they garner the votes for him to become Chieftain.
Ian is set on ridding himself of his unwanted wife...until he is struck speechless by the young beauty whom he barely recognizes. Sileas waits while Ian hugs his mother and brother but all he does is stare at her. Sileas had always loved Ian but had not planned to trap him in marriage. Although she has waited for him to return and claim her as his wife she feels rejected once again.
Ian’s family has become her family but it looks like she must find somewhere else to go. Fortunately there is a neighbor, Gordon, who loves her and wants her if she will give up on Ian.
Ian is busy with his friends planning how to secure Sileas’ inheritance. They believe such a move will show the rest of the MacDonald clan that Conner is the right man to be their leader. Hearing of thier plans from Gordon, Sileas sees this as a show that the land is more important to Ian than she is.
Before the young men can attack Knock Castle, Sileas runs off to seek an annulment from the Queen. Ian and his friends chase after Sileas who has no idea the dangers she may face at court. No sooner do they return home then treachery strikes. While Ian gets his injured friends to safety Sileas is kidnaped. Will Ian ever get to prove to Sileas that he truly desires her for herself? Will Conner survive to confront Hugh for the Chieftain vote?
These are likeable characters - I especially like Sileas who turned from a tomboy to a beautiful helpmate. The storyline is filled with action and conflict while the romance is warm. Ms. Mallory’s stories are solidly reliable entertainment.
Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and for providing THREE copies for giveaway.
1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting;
This is required for entry.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
2. For two extra entries, comment on the Author Q&A.
3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
4. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* Limit one win per household.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 27, 2011. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Blog Tour: The Guardian by Margaret Mallory May 2-13
Join me this coming Wednesday for Review, Author Q&A and Giveaway of The Guardian (Return of the Highlanders) by Margaret Mallory.
THE GUARDIAN Slideshow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62127626@N05/sets/72157626579087308/
Posting Date Tour Participation Blog URL
Mon. May 2 Feature, Giveaway http://thebooktree.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway Lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://onebookshy.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway www.thebookgirl.net
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://bodicerippernovels.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway www.mgpblog.com
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://simplystacie.net
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Feature, Giveaway www.sosaloha.blogspot.com
Tues. May 3 Review, Giveaway rexrobotreviews.com
Tues. May 3 Review, Q&A novelreaction.com
Tues. May 3 Giveaway http://brokenteepee.com
Tues. May 3 Giveaway http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com
Tues. May 3 Review http://michellesramblins.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 5 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://www.urbangirlreader.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Feature, Giveaway, Q&A www.seductivemusings.blogspot.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://bookofsecretsblog.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Giveaway http://j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com
Sat. May 7 Feature, Giveaway http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com
Sun. May 8 Giveaway, Q&A http://happilyeverafterthoughts.blogspot.com
Sun. May 8 Review, Giveaway http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com
Mon. May 9 Review, Giveaway http://www.saveyspender.com
Mon. May 9 Feature, Giveaway http://myhouseofbooks.blogspot.com
Mon. May 9 Review, Giveaway http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/
Tues. May 10 Review, Giveaway http://www.startingfreshnyc.com
Tues. May 10 Review, Giveaway http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com
Wed. May 11 Feature, Giveaway http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com
Wed. May 11 Review, Feature, Giveaway, Q&A http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway www.bookwormygirl.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway www.reviewsbymolly.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/
by Margaret Mallory.Margaret's Sites:
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:Posting Date Tour Participation Blog URL
Mon. May 2 Feature, Giveaway http://thebooktree.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway Lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://onebookshy.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway www.thebookgirl.net
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://bodicerippernovels.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway www.mgpblog.com
Mon. May 2 Giveaway http://simplystacie.net
Mon. May 2 Review, Giveaway http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
Mon. May 2 Review, Feature, Giveaway www.sosaloha.blogspot.com
Tues. May 3 Review, Giveaway rexrobotreviews.com
Tues. May 3 Review, Q&A novelreaction.com
Tues. May 3 Giveaway http://brokenteepee.com
Tues. May 3 Giveaway http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com
Tues. May 3 Review http://michellesramblins.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 5 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://www.urbangirlreader.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Feature, Giveaway, Q&A www.seductivemusings.blogspot.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://bookofsecretsblog.com
Fri. May 6 Review, Giveaway http://j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com
Sat. May 7 Feature, Giveaway http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com
Sun. May 8 Giveaway, Q&A http://happilyeverafterthoughts.blogspot.com
Sun. May 8 Review, Giveaway http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com
Mon. May 9 Review, Giveaway http://www.saveyspender.com
Mon. May 9 Feature, Giveaway http://myhouseofbooks.blogspot.com
Mon. May 9 Review, Giveaway http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/
Tues. May 10 Review, Giveaway http://www.startingfreshnyc.com
Tues. May 10 Review, Giveaway http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com
Wed. May 11 Feature, Giveaway http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com
Wed. May 11 Review, Feature, Giveaway, Q&A http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com
Thurs. May 12 Review, Giveaway, Q&A http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway www.bookwormygirl.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway www.reviewsbymolly.com
Fri. May 13 Review, Giveaway http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/
Fri. May 13 Review http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/
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