Monday, September 29, 2014

Faith of the Highlander by Sky Purington Giveaway, Interview & Excerpt


Faith of the Highlander
The MacLomain Series
Next Generation: Book 4
Sky Purington

Genre:  Time Travel Fantasy Romance

Date of Publication:   September 12, 2014

ISBN: 
ASIN: B00MQHVIDS

Number of pages:  254
Word Count:  76,000
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Book Description: 

Like her cousins, Sheila wears a Claddagh ring meant to connect her Broun lineage with the MacLomain clan. Already having witnessed the strife ravaging the medieval Scottish highlands she’s eager to once more be thrust back in time…even if it’s into the arms of the enemy.

Imprisoned fourteen winters and now first-in-command of the enemy’s army, Grant MacLomain must find a way to save all those he cares for. Though under the watchful eye of his master and chieftain, Keir Hamilton, he unleashes his plan the moment he connects with a lass from the future.

Through hardship, forgiveness and even acceptance, Grant and Sheila struggle to push past their abused hearts and the war that divides them in, Faith of the Highlander.

Available Now- Mark of the Highlander (Book 1), Vow of the Highlander (Book 2) and Wrath of the Highlander (Book 3). Coming Soon- Plight of the Highlander (Book 5).

Also available: The MacLomain Series- Early Years (Books 1-3 available in a boxed set) and the original MacLomain Series (Books 1-4 available in a boxed set).

Available at Amazon  BN   Kobo
Excerpt:
Sheila started to tremble when he broke free from the last of whatever or whoever had imprisoned him. A shiver raced through her and she knew.
Grant had just broken free from Keir Hamilton’s mental hold over him.
He tore off his tunic and whipped it aside. With nothing but the Hamilton’s plaid hung low on his waist, he was an impressive sight. Legs braced, arms by his side, fists clenched, he closed his eyes. Cast in the soft, flickering glow of a single sputtering torch, sweat slicked muscles rippled down his long warrior’s body. Was he praying? Long moments passed. Every one of them a lifetime as her heart thundered. Then, as if replacing one swift divine moment with another, his eyes snapped open and met hers.
It felt like a freight train hit her.
“Och, my wee geal,” he whispered.
Wee what?
Sheila made to speak but the words died on her lips when in two swift strides, he pulled her into his arms. The word ‘wee’ seemed a massive understatement when up against him. Though she was fairly tall at five foot seven, he had to be a foot taller. Lord, she felt tiny! What had been but a tremble became a harsh fiery heat that whiplashed through her body. Emotional state and sensory awareness in overdrive, she put her hands against his hard chest.
“Oh, I shouldn’t have done that,” she murmured. But she didn’t pull her hands away.
No, if anything, she pressed tighter and curled her fingers slightly. It was one thing to meet a man in your mind, another thing entirely to feel him pressed up against your body. When he tilted up her chin, her eyes slid shut. Why, she’d never know. She supposed somewhere deep inside she wasn’t ready to look too closely into his eyes.
But why?
Perhaps she was afraid of what she’d see there. Perhaps though he seemed so strong she’d see years of mental abuse flicker in his gaze. Mental abuse inflicted by Keir being twisted within his mind for so long. The very idea of it made her sick to her stomach.
But none of that mattered when she felt his warm breath whisper over her lips. Close, so very close. She could all but feel his mouth hovering over hers. Time slowed as her lips fell open. Sensation heightened. A slow burn covered her cheeks. An ever so slight throbbing began first on the sides of her neck as emotion welled. Her heart pounded so strongly that her lips pulsed, ready for the pressure, the weight of his mouth against hers.



About the Author:

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of eleven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Interview:

Where are you from?
New Hampshire, USA

Tell us your latest news?
I’m pleased to announce that things are ahead of schedule and all five books in The MacLomain Series: Next Generation will be available by early November.

When and why did you begin writing?
I officially began writing when seven years old for a school project that surprisingly enough won me a Young Author’s Award. Though I dabbled a little bit in High school, I didn’t officially decide to write a novel until 2004 after visiting the NH Scottish Highland Games. Deeply inspired by the clans and their rich history, I knew my place was in medieval Scotland. It certainly helped that my clan (the Brouns) and my husband’s (the MacLomains) were intermarried for nearly three hundred years during that time period.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I first became published in 2007.

Do you have a specific writing style?
I’d say yes mainly because my Highlander novels focus more on medieval Scottish speech patterns and terminology.

How did you come up with the title?
Faith of the Highlander’s title was based not only on something Grant said to Sheila at the end of book three, Wrath of the Highlander, but because of all they had endured in their difficult pasts. Both devoted Christians, the word faith easily became an underlying theme.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, though life can oftentimes be difficult never give up faith or hope.

How much of the book is realistic?
Well, it’s fantasy romance so naturally not all. However, I’ve done a great deal of research on medieval Scotland so the clothing, food, clans, etc. are as authentic as history books allow. In addition, the personal struggles this couple face touch on very realistic issues.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Let’s just say that when much younger there were a few years that I could very much relate with Sheila so writing her tale certainly came from the heart.

What books have most influenced your life most?
There have been many but The Secret by Rhonda Byrne has truly made a difference.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If only I could list just one but there have been several over the years. Thank you to all my dear author friends. You know who you are.

What book are you reading now?
Honestly, I’m not reading anything right now but focusing 100% on writing. In that The Next Generation is a five book series, it’s best to keep my mind clutter free.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Not right now but I’m looking forward to exploring soon!

What are your current projects?
I’m currently working on the final book in The MacLomain Series, Plight of the Highlander. Here’s a little snippet of what to expect from this one. A portion has been left out so as to not give away something newly discovered in Faith of the Highlander
With the dragon blood of her Viking ancestors coursing through her veins, Torra MacLomain has long tried to keep her Scottish clan safe. But a ruthless enemy has been watching…waiting. As Keir Hamilton launches his plan to possess her, many secrets come to light including her passion for a certain highlander.
In a castle siege unlike any other, the modern day Brouns and medieval MacLomains join together in a final stand-off against their ruthless enemy. Battles rage. Mysteries are revealed. Freedom is found. But most importantly, a love long repressed at last rises up determined to conquer all in Plight of the Highlander.

What would you like my readers to know?

I’ve got big plans for 2015! Expect two upcoming time-travel series. The first (working title) is The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors which will take place in both 9th century Scandinavia and Ireland. The second will follow the stories of the children born to the Next Generation. This series is called The MacLomain Series: Later Years

Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky's website, http://www.skypurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android or sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Love social networking? Find Sky on Facebook and Twitter.

Website:   www.skypurington.com






Tour giveaway

1 $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice)

2 comments: