Lost Spirits of the Battlefield...

On this final day of our "Spirit of the Knight" Book Tour and Giveaway, I want everyone to know how much fun I've had while visiting the various blogs. My hostesses have been so sweet, they have asked me some interesting questions, and they made me feel welcome. So many friends--those I've had for quite a while as well as some new ones--dropped by and said hello. Thank you all for your support and all of your sweet comments! I am really excited to see just who it is that wins our prizes, including the beautiful print, "Prayer For The Fallen," by the very, very talented artist, Shandra Kay!



My very last stop takes me to Brooke Blogs where I share one of my very own, personal ghost encounters! I hope that one more time, you'll take a few minutes, stop by and say hello... (not to mention doing so will give you one more chance to win!)


Now, for those who read "Angels of Mons," penned by my beloved husband, I thought I'd present the following...

The Battle of Braddock Down...

Here, on the 19^th day of January, in the year 1643, the Royalist forces under Sir Ralph Hopton engaged the Parliamentarian army in battle. Hopton's forces prevailed. Even though 350 plus years have passed since that infamous day, they say the sound of galloping hooves made by phantom horses can still be heard racing across the battlefield.

The Battle of Hastings...

What's Cooking inside a Medieval Kitchen...

With but one week left to go on our Spirit of the Knight Book Tour and Giveaway I thought we would explore what the medieval cooks might have served our garrison of ghostly knights!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The medieval kitchen inside the Nanstein Castle, by Anaconda74

So, what's cooking inside a Medieval Kitchen? All kinds of things, actually, and some of the cuisine on the medieval menu just might surprise you. During the middle ages, and via the crusades, exotic spices became far more accessible to good cooks throughout all of Europe. Spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, coriander, mustard and ginger, just to name a few. Now, instead of cooking with just what they grew in their gardens, our medieval chefs could brew up a bit of excitement in the kitchen. 

Spirit of the Knight Book Tour and Giveaway is winding down...

With just a few week left to go, I thought I would take this opportunity to offer one final excerpt from the story. Enjoy!

 

Spirit of the Knight

At that moment, he had an overwhelming desire to make her acquaintance and ask the questions that plagued him. Yet, caution warned that she might flee the castle altogether if he manifested his form. Such happened often enough through the endless days following his death. But then again, that had been his objective with all uninvited guests. Though he could find no logical reason to support the need, he found he didn’t want this particular woman to go, at least not yet.

Spirit of the Knight Character Interview, Part Two...

My "Spirit of the Knight" Book Tour Stop, as we enter the month of August, takes me to Writers and Authors.  I hope you'll take a minute, stop by, and share your thoughts!

Next week, August 11th, I'll be stopping at Queen of All She Reads!

Beautiful Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands

Warning! Just as in our previous interview, there are some spoilers ahead, so don't read the answer if you don't want to know!

With more questions still on the table, we continue with our Spirit of the Knight character Interview.  Since we began our questions last week with Sir Cailen, I think it only fitting we begin this session with Mariah.

Mariah smiles. "All right, I'm ready!"

SUMMER FUN Amazon Gift Card Giveway!

Interrupting our Spirit of the Knight Book Tour (briefly) to bring you a bit of SUMMER FUN! The lovely Shauna Wheelwright of "I love to Read and Review Books" gathered some of her favorite authors (ahem) for an Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! All you have to do for your chance to win is log in and enter! Wishing you all the best of luck!

What would you do with a 

$175 Amazon Gift Card?

Interviewing the Characters from Spirit of the Knight!

You'll find me at two stops this week as we wrap up the month of July in our Spirit of the Knight book tour and giveaway. Please drop by and say hello for another chance to win our fun prizes!

1. Booklover Sue asks questions and I answer!
2. Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock leaves you with a five fang Review...you can't ask for better than that!

Warning! There are some spoilers ahead, so don't read the answer if you don't want to know!

For the past several weeks, a lot of questions for Cailen, Mariah, and the Knights have trickled in (thank you all very much for participating, it really warms my heart). So, I thought it time to get some of them answered!

Eilean Castle by Remi Mathis

All right Sir Cailen Braithnock, we have some questions for you. Are you ready?

"Aye, ready and waitin'..."

Tammy wants to know if you wanted to follow Mariah to the pub when she met Evan for dinner or were you content to wait for her return?

"Ye dinnae know how badly I wanted to follow. I must confess I had this overwhelmin' need to keep a close eye on Evan after his intentions concernin' Murriah became obvious. Nonetheless, I felt it would be discourteous to go when she didn't extend me an invitation."

The Excerpt that Inspired the Portrait...

As we reach the halfway point in our July blog stops, I though I'd share one of the excerpts from "Spirit of the Knight," that inspired the marvelous art print offered in our giveaway and created by the amazing artist, Shandra Kay!

Enjoy!

Prayer for the Fallen

More arrows pierced through his armor, they continued to pierce him until he could no longer feel them enter his body. Still, he fought on with the intent of sending to the devil himself, as many archers as he could. An enemy rushed straight at him. Cailen pivoted and raised his sword for the kill. But just as he thrust his weapon into his opponent’s heart, the man raced straight through his body as though he didn’t exist. His intended victim somehow ended up right behind him to engage another.

Stunned over the occurrence, he whipped around. Naught but death and devastation littered the grassy field. Most of his battalion lay dead on the bloodied soil, Lord Robert Bruce and the Earl of Mar among them. He noticed the strangeness then.

Something didn’t feel right. He touched his body in various places. The muscles, skin, and bone felt solid enough beneath his fingers. Yet, just as he placed his hand against his chest seeking the beat of his heart, he spied his mortal body prone at his feet. Eyes, which no
longer blinked, stared up at the morning sky. A hand, which would never again engage an enemy, clung to his sword. He knelt next to his mortal remains in quiet despair. A steady hand aimed for the arrow that pierced his heart and ended his mortal life. He couldn’t grasp it, no matter how hard he tried.

“Cailen…”

He hesitated for a moment and then turned to face a bewildered Duncan. His friend of many years placed a hand of comfort upon his shoulder. Unable to speak, he gazed into his eyes and shook his head.

“I think we’re dead,” Duncan whispered.

 ~~~~~~~~~                                   

Now, don't forget to drop by this Week's Blog stops! Visit both for another chance to win our fun collection of prizes!

The Wispy, Women in White at Tretower Castle...

In giving a nod to the ghostly lasses residing alongside Sir Cailen Braithnock, (though the poor man doesn't have a clue...) I thought we'd take another look at a haunted castle in Wales that many say is home to several ethereal ladies.

At the turn of the 11th century, there arose in the kingdom of Powys, in Crickhowel, a motte-and-bailey castle known as Tretower. At this time, a Norman knight by the name of John Picard built the structure using earth and timber. By the middle of the 12th century, a member of the family built a stone keep on the motte, replacing the timber defenses.  History records that six generations of Picard's descendants lived and died here. 

Tretower Castle Photographer: Andrew Lewis

Then, in or around the year 1540, Sir William Herbert, connected to the Picards by marriage, gave the castle to his half-brother Sir Roger Vaughn. Roger subsequently built Tretower Court, and on its grounds, one of our wispy white ladies is said to wander. Many believe she is the spirit of Sir Roger Vaughan’s wife.

The Haunted Moor of Culloden...

I suppose we can't speak of spectral knights and castles inhabited by ghosts without mentioning a haunted battlefield or two, if even briefly...

Culloden Moor by Mike Pennington

And what is more appropriate to begin our July "Spirit of the Knight" book tour guest blogs than the highly revered, greatly respected, Culloden Moor, near Inverness. Here, amidst the heavy rain on this boggy day of April 16th, in the year 1746, government troops decimated every man comprising Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebel forces. These forces were made up of brave Scotsmen from clans such as the Frasers, the Stuarts and the MacDonalds, who wanted nothing more than to see a Stuart return to the throne. Fate would not will it so. Even after the bloody battle concluded, the work of death did not. The slaughter continued until every man loyal to Prince Charlie died. It took but 40 minutes.

Now they say, on each anniversary of this brutal battle, the army fights yet again. The clanking of swords, battle cries, and the moans of the wounded are heard echoing throughout the moor. Witnesses often report seeing a tall man dressed in a tartan. He is obviously distraught and just before he disappears he is heard to whisper, "defeated..."

Another story often retold is that of a woman who, over six decades ago, spied a tartan lying atop one of the graves. She said that when she peeked beneath it, she saw the ghostly form of a seriously wounded soldier. I couldn't help but wonder if he asked for or even wanted her help?

One of the more sorrowful legends of Culloden Moor is the silence that prevails over the battle site. Birds will not sing here, nor will the heather, which grows abundantly nearby, cover the graves of the Jacobites.

Given its history, I'm not so sure I'd have the heart to visit Culloden... Would you?

An Interview with Talented Artist, Shandra Kay....

As far as guest blogs go, we have a "bye" this week in our "Spirit of the Knight" book tour (now available in both ebook and print, for those who were asking). Nonetheless, I still wanted to provide a place for your comments and tweets, and give you another opportunity to win our marvelous prizes (we can't have too many of those, can we now). Therefore, I thought this last Monday in June the perfect opportunity to Interview the very awesome, talented, Shandra Kay.

Now, just in case you didn't know, she is the artist who created "Prayer for the Fallen," the highly coveted, main prize in our current giveaway! (Breathtaking, I know! I have already ordered my very own copy and I can't wait to have it in my hot little hands!)

Prayer for the Fallen

Those who have followed my blogs and book tours during the past couple of years know that I have used Shandra's talents often. She created the exquisite necklaces for the "Spirit of the Revolution" and "Van Locken's Witch" book tours, as well as the gorgeous cover for "Van Locken's Witch." She also created all of the art work and put together the book trailers for "Shadow of the Witte Wieven" and "Spirit of the Rebellion."

Hauntingly Beautiful Kilchurn Castle...

How about a wee bit of romance and history concerning Kilchurn Castle as we focus on the "Spirit of the Knight"?

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland Photochrom Print Collection circa 1890

Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, is credited with building a five-story tower house and a protective perimeter wall on the peninsula of Loch Awe, way back in the year 1440. Now even though it's officially recorded that Sir Colin--also known as the Black Knight of Rhodes for his prowess during the crusades--built the castle, legend states otherwise. Tradition tell us that his lady, Margaret, oversaw the construction of the magnificent tower during her husband's seven-year absence.

The Otherworldly Occupants of the Tower of London...

Spirit of the Knight Book Tour Continues with the ghosts that haunt the Tower of London...

Construction on the Tower of London began 944 years ago under the direction of William the Conqueror, after he won the Battle of Hastings. Soon after the victory, he sent an advanced guard into the city of London with orders to build him a fortress. By 1100, the majestic White Tower dominated the skyline. One hundred and seventy-five years later (give or take a few) Edward I would build St. Thomas's Tower as well as the watergate known today as Traitor's gate.

With almost a century's worth of tumultuous history, often whispered sightings of a ghost or two, shouldn't surprise anyone.

 By Sharkoon24 

Of all the ghosts haunting the towers, the young sons of  King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Edward V and his brother Richard, the Duke of York, are in my opinion, the most tragic. After their father's death in 1483, the boys, then aged 12 and 9 respectively, were taken to the tower by their uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Though Richard had been appointed to care for the boys and prepare Edward for his coronation as king,the Duke seized the throne for himself --and--the boys disappeared.

The Ghosts of Brodick Castle...

With "Spirit of the Knight" now in Audio, and narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride, let's take a look at the ghostly shenanigans at Brodick Castle.

On the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde lies this magnificent--dating from the 13th century--red sandstone castle. 

  Carbon Print of Brodick Castle by Alexander Hastie Millar, circa 1880

There is a long and bloody history involving this castle and its surrounding lands. In the fifth century, Gaelic invaders from Antrim arrived on the shores of Arran and built a fortress, thereby expanding their kingdom of Dalriada. By the thirteenth century, the Isle came under the rule of both Magnus of Mann and Dougal of the Isles. Throughout the centuries in between, wars and conflicts were common. In 1266, and by the Treaty of Perth, Scotland took possession of the land.

Spirit of the Knight on Tour Now through September 1st!

For all those who have wondered if sickness overcame me, if I went on an exotic vacation somewhere, or if the earth were truly flat and I fell off the end of it, I thank you so much for your concern. It is SO nice to be missed!

So the answer concerning my lengthy absence from my blog is (drum roll, please) I needed all of that time to prepare a variety of blogs and interviews (all sixteen of them...whew!) for my upcoming book tour featuring "Spirit of the Knight!" And that, dear friends, was quite a task!

(To top it off, I also had to find time for editing book number six as well as spend some time on my current work in progress, but those discussions will have to wait for another time... ahem). Oh excuses, excuses....I know...but the dog really did eat my homework...I swear!

Journey from Aspiring Writer to Published Author...Thanks, Sarah!

You know, the one thing constant about life, is that it changes. Sometimes that change is a gradual thing, only seen in retrospect. Other times it's swift in coming, and without forewarning of any kind. One such change happened very recently. I met that event with a mixture of sadness, trepidation and cautious anticipation.

What changed? Well, my dear, sweet editor, who took me from aspiring writer to published author, and who worked tirelessly with me on three of my books, retired from her position at The Wild Rose Press. The personal email she sent me announcing this event caused a great deal of reflection on my part.

Would it surprise you to learn that even though I published Spirit of the Rebellion first, I did not write it first? As far as my published books go, I wrote Spirit of the Revolution about six months earlier. However, I didn't write that book first, either...

Updates for "Spirit of the Knight"!

I signed the contract with The Wild Rose Press in August of 2013. My wonderful editor, Sarah Hansen and I worked on the edits as well as the galley through January of 2014. During the interim, the very talented Debbie Taylor created the beautiful cover, while the Blurb committee fine-tuned the blurb. We approved the final galley February 3, 2014. At that point, the manuscript went into its production phase and we had naught left to do but anxiously await the release dates.

Now, for all those who waited with me, via email, facebook, blog or twitter, that announcement has finally arrived! I am very pleased to tell you that The Wild Rose Press has released "Spirit of the Knight," exclusively to Kindle Select, with an expected world-wide release date of July 9, 2014, in all ebook formats as well as print.

"Spirit of the Knight" Gets a Cover!

My August post "Of Haunted Castles and BookCovers," found me anxiously (hand-wringing, sweating, pacing...well, you get the idea) awaiting my book cover for my soon-to-be released novel, "Spirit of the Knight." As you might recall, I fervently hoped a castle would grace the cover in some small fashion. Debbie Taylor, of Dca Graphics, did not disappoint...

Cover by Debbie Taylor

Not only did she not disappoint; she used one of the very castles that inspired my fictional castle... the mysterious, Eilean Donan.  According to a host of witnesses, this castle, which is situated in Loch Druich, is truly haunted.  This beautiful edifice was all but destroyed in the year 1719. History records that three frigates from the Royal Navy bombarded the castle for three full days while fighting Spanish mercenaries who supported the Scots during the Jacobite rebellion.  It is believed that the ghostly soldier often seen carrying his head inside the gift shop, lost his life--and his head--during this battle.

He's not the only man to lose his head in an altercation in this location either. In the year 1331, after defeating his enemies, Robert the Bruce became king of Scotland. He subsequently made his nephew, Randolph, the Earl of Moray, the warden of Scotland. For their lack of respect for the law, Randolph promptly executed fifty men and hung their heads on pikes from the battlements of the castle. He did this as a warning to all those who would follow their lead. (Ick...)

Of Haunted Castles and Book Covers....

I read it one more time for good measure, took a deep breath...and hit the submit key. That didn't stop the butterflies from swarming though. It happens each time I fill out the information sheet required for my cover art. And why? Because all the while I am writing my books, I envision the perfect couple in the perfect setting to grace the cover. To date, my covers haven't even come close to the one I imagined. 

Not unexpected, but  more often than not, somehow disappointing nonetheless.

Now, in regards to my newly contracted novel, "Spirit of the Knight",  I'm hoping a medieval castle graces the cover, if even off in the distance. After all, there were many such castles that influenced my fictional castle in the novel.  And in light of that fact, l decided to treat you to a couple of them today...

Eilean Donan  geograph.org.uk Anne Burgess

Eilean Donan, built in the 13th century, sits on an island and is surrounded by three lochs.  The castle is both breath-taking and mysterious. It's also haunted. According to a plethora of witnesses, a 17th century Spanish soldier, killed during the Jacobite rebellion is often seen carrying the head he lost in battle... Apparently his favorite place to haunt is the gift shop, so if you're not of a mind to encounter a ghost, perhaps you should do your shopping elsewhere. Oh, and Lady Mary still hangs around the castle as well. She is usually found in one of the bedrooms of the castle.

Roslin Castle Taken by r:Supergolden

Medieval Ghosts and the Haunting of Hermitage Castle...

For those who read "Spirit of the Revolution," fell in love with my Scottish knight,  Sir Cailen, (thank you) and wanted him to have a story of his own...

WISH GRANTED and Update!

"Spirit of the Knight" is now available in Ebook format, paperback and Audio! The audio book is narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride. His awesome Scottish Brogue quite literally gave me chills! for those who love audio, you won't want to miss it! 

Therefore, in celebration of this fact, and being in a medieval  frame of mind as you might guess, I thought we'd visit some haunted castles in Scotland  in the weeks ahead. (Blame the Scottish blood that flows through these veins, if you must. I have plenty of it...)

Hermitage Castle, by Martina L. Abel

One of the more frightening stories I've encountered concerns the Hermitage castle. This castle is said to have been built by Nicolas de Soulis somewhere around the year 1240.  His family retained ownership for almost a century. But then, according to legend, Sir William de Soulis, who possessed the castle during the reign of King Robert the Bruce, plotted to assassinate the famous king. This did not go over well as you can imagine. Shortly thereafter, they tossed him inside a wretched dungeon and eventually, he met his demise at the hand of the executioner.

Or did he?