Saturday, March 12, 2016

Sit-Down with Brenda B Taylor

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. :)

9 comments:

  1. My bird watching seems to consist of watching the birds around here eating my pecans, grapes, strawberries etc

    My 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?

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    1. 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.

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  2. I'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!

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    1. Now with online genealogy sites, the research is much easier. Good luck with your endeavors.

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  3. My 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.
    Connie

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Connie. I plan to research more branches of our family, because genealogy is replete with stories.

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  4. Thanks for hosting me on your lovely blog.

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  5. I love great historical romances of most kinds. Congratulations on your book!

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    1. Thanks Vicki. I enjoy researching and writing historical romances.

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