Howdy y'all! Crystal here and I've got a new guest for you to meet. Brenda B Taylor is a 2012 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist and the author of a new historical romance filled with Scottish flair. (cue collective "awww")
Welcome to Stitches Thru Time,
Brenda. Tell us a bit about yourself.
The desire to write historical fiction has long been my
passion. Since elementary school, I wrote stories in my spare time, the first
being a horse story while a student in the third grade. I earned three degrees and
worked as a public school teacher and administrator. Only after retirement did
I fulfill the dream of publication.
Congratulations on your
newest release! Tell us a bit about your A Highland Ruby.
She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she
loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass forced Gavin
Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an
adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to
make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora's betrothed,
Iain MacKay, and Gavin's brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew
needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain
MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to
make crucial decisions.
Where did you get the
inspiration for your book?
Through genealogy research, I discovered my
Scottish roots and heritage. My ancestor, Duncan Munro, immigrated from
Scotland to North Carolina in the early 1800’s. He married, then moved his
family to Alabama. After the Civil War, his son immigrated to Louisiana where
the son’s daughter met and married my great-grandfather. I traveled to Scotland
three times in search of my Scots family and found them in the Highlands. While
in Scotland, I toured the seat of Clan Munro, Foulis Castle, and the land of
Ferindonald. Ferindonald means, “the land of Donald”. Donald, ancestor of the
Munros, ventured to Scotland from Ireland as a mercenary soldier to assist King
Malcolm in fighting Viking invaders. After visiting Scotland, the Highland Treasures series was born.
Wow! What a treat to visit a place that holds so much history for you and your family. I'm sure your book holds more than just Scottish history. What do you hope folks will take away from your story?
My desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart
of the reader as it touched my heart in the writing. I want readers to enjoy my
books, engage with the characters, become enmeshed in the story, and generally
be enthusiastic supporters and fans.
Don't we all. ;)
Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
I have several favorite scenes, but will choose one to share.
Gavin had to literally fight for Flora’s love. Her betrothed, Ian MacKay, did
not let her go easily.
“Aye, Flora my love, I was in nae danger from the mon. He
fights like a dandy, no’ a warrior. I’m only glad he said to the death instead
of first blood.” Gavin gave her a squeeze, lifted her face to his, placed his
hand on the back of her head, drawing her to him, and kissed her hard and
passionately. With all the emotions from the depths of a bursting heart rising
to her lips, she returned his loving kiss.
Lifting her lips from his, she said, “My heart canna lose you
again. ‘Twould break into a thousand pieces, and I would die for certain.”
“You’ll ne’er lose me. I’m yours forever,” he said with another
kiss before Lady Murchison cleared her throat.
Thanks for the peek. What do you plan to work on next?
I plan a novella entitled, A Love for All Seasons, in the
Highland Treasures series. The novella is a prequel to A Highland Pearl, the
first book of the series.
Where can readers connect with you? Where can readers buy your book(s)?
Author Contact Information:
A
Highland Ruby Buy Links:
Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?
My husband and I make our home in beautiful East
Texas where we enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and
working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. I craft stories about the
extraordinary lives of ordinary people in my favorite place overlooking bird
feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. I also enjoy
traveling, photography, and genealogical research.
Now is definitely a good time for bird watching in our neck of the woods. Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Brenda.
Folks, do you enjoy Scottish stories? How about genealogical research? Bird watching? Let's continue this sit-down with some chit-chat. :)
The desire to write historical fiction has long been my
passion. Since elementary school, I wrote stories in my spare time, the first
being a horse story while a student in the third grade. I earned three degrees and
worked as a public school teacher and administrator. Only after retirement did
I fulfill the dream of publication.
My bird watching seems to consist of watching the birds around here eating my pecans, grapes, strawberries etc
ReplyDeleteMy mother has done a lot of research re the family history. She has chased up all sorts of documents and given us all copies. It's fabulous.
How could you not love Scottish stories?
Thanks for visiting, Mary. Sometimes the crows and squirrels take over the bird feeders, and we have to chase them away, but we have some beautiful birds around the feeders. I love watching them.
DeleteI've spent hours in front of a microfilm machine to view census reports, etc. I haven't gotten back into geology since then, but you're making me want to!
ReplyDeleteNow with online genealogy sites, the research is much easier. Good luck with your endeavors.
DeleteMy uncle did most of the research for my Dad's family but I have done genealogical work for some of our library patrons. Thanks for an enjoyable Saturds post.
ReplyDeleteConnie
Thank you for visiting, Connie. I plan to research more branches of our family, because genealogy is replete with stories.
DeleteThanks for hosting me on your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteI love great historical romances of most kinds. Congratulations on your book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki. I enjoy researching and writing historical romances.
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