Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Soul of a Viking by Sky Purington

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: A Viking Holiday by Sky Purington

Guest Blog, Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Mists of Time by Susan Squires

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Rise of a Viking by Sky Purington

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Rise of a Viking
The MacLomain Series 
Viking Ancestors’ Kin
Book 1
Sky Purington
Genre:  Time-travel Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication:  August 9, 2016
ASIN:   B01FFXUWKO
Number of pages:  270
Word Count:  80,000
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Book Description:

Cybil is thrilled when she and her family inherit a million dollar ocean-side house in Winter Harbor, Maine. It’s a chance to finally bring her sisters back together and right old wrongs. But problems arise. Her gift of prophecy grows stronger. A Viking from the past haunts her. And that old ash tree in the front yard? It has taken on the otherworldly qualities of Yggdrasill, a tree that connects the nine worlds in Norse mythology. Soon caught in its power, she’s whisked back in time to tenth-century Scandinavia.

Of dragon blood and set to inherit the throne, Heidrek Sigdir tries to keep Cybil away, but the gods have other plans. A fate designed to make him pay for past grievances. Yet when he finally lays eyes on her, he wants nothing else. They share a connection unlike any other. Poignant desire. Incomparable need. Tempting change. Even so, he must let her go. She should be with his brother. Still, nothing is what it seems. A new enemy is determined to destroy all and Cybil is special to him and his people in ways nobody anticipated.

Many revelations come to light when Heidrek and Cybil are forced to journey across the rugged lands of Norway to reach the home of the seers at the peak of Mt. Galdhøpiggen. Hearts will be tested and lives forever changed. Will a new Viking King rise up and keep his people safe? Or will his endless draw to a modern day woman be his ultimate ruin?

Amazon | Kobo | BN

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Excerpt

Their eyes held for a long moment before a heavy drop of icy rain hit her cheek. He wiped it away gently then took her hand. “Let us find shelter.”

They didn’t go far before he pushed aside a heavy swath of roots and led her into an alcove about the size of a large walk-in closet. Plush green moss crawled along the walls and floor. Stones created a semi-circle at the rear with a small bushel of roots and sticks at its center. When Heidrek’s eyes glowed pale blue, sparks hissed then ignited a small fire.

“Won’t it get smoky in here,” she started before she realized a fist-sized hole was above it, effectively sucking the smoke away. Cybil peered up. “That goes all the way to the top? This mountain is easily hundreds of feet tall.”

“Yes, it goes to the top and is one of many. All of the mountains in the Place of Seers house sanctuaries like this,” he explained as he removed his fur and laid it on the ground. “They come here not only to worship but to mate.”

“Mate?” She perked her brows and couldn’t stop a small grin. “Where they worship?”

“They are Viking.” A rare twinkle lit his eyes. “Our mating and religion go hand in hand. Both are afforded equal devotion.” The corner of his mouth inched up. “And of course, a fair amount of worship is applied whether communing with the gods or mating.”

“So no churches or sex behind closed doors.” She chuckled as she removed her fur and laid it beside his. “Interesting.”

“Many of my people prefer mating in the open.” He returned to the entrance. “Sex is something to be enjoyed wherever and whenever the urge comes upon us.” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes when they slid over her. “Have you mated in front of others, Cybil?”

“Not that I know of.” She met his blossoming grin and held her forefinger within centimeters of her thumb. “Though I always had a little thing for leaving the light on at night and the curtains open during sex. Does that count?”

The flash of desire in his eyes as he envisioned such a thing spoke volumes. “My lodging at the fortress has plenty of torchlight and firelight as well as windows.” He shot her a predatory look. “And I will make more windows if you wish. Many more.”

“It might get pretty cold,” she murmured.

“No.” His eyes were full of promise. “If anything, it will likely get too hot.”

It occurred to her that this was the first time she and Heidrek had come close to flirting, and she liked it. There was more to him than what he showed the world. A playful side she would enjoy exploring for years to come. She tore her eyes from his at the thought, surprised by how easily she had fallen into seeing a future for them.

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About the Author:

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of over twenty 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.

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

Blog: www.skypurington.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sky-Purington/260484263999780

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/skypurington

Newsletter: http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/p/newletter.html

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Tour giveaway

A $25 gift card to winner’s choice of Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview: The Bluebells Chronicles by Laura Vosika

About the Author:

Laura Vosika, author of the Blue Bells Chronicles, is also working on several other novels and a non-fiction book on raising a large family. Past publishing credits include an essay in Glamour magazine.

Laura grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America's east coast. She earned a bachelor's degree in music, and master's degree in education, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, private music instructor, and school band director.

She currently lives in Minnesota with six of her nine children, and assorted menagerie.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I let the story flow.  Then I go back and re-read and make sure it all hangs together and makes sense. 

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Always!  Parts of my books are very different from what I originally planned, because of this.  Angus, for instance, a Scottish inspector and mountain rescuer, was never in my plans.  However, one day, he simply walked in and sat down next to Amy, in Book Two, and I realized this is the cop from Book One!

What is your favourite food?

Anything loaded with lots of crunchy vegetables--Chinese, pizza, salad!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Both

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I once would have said Scotland, as my books are set there.  I still love going there, but my future dream is to finally get to Russia some day.  I've studied Russian in the past, my best friend was a Russian interpreter, and I currently work for and with a lot of Russian music teachers.  It just seems to be a part of my life.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes.  My books are almost entirely set in Scotland--and especially medieval Scotland.

Do you listen to music while writing?

No.  I usually find it way too distracting.  I like silence.  Sometimes, I think this is ironic, considering I'm a musician by trade.  Other times, I think that's exactly why it's so distracting to me.
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Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Westering Home is Book Four in what should be five books of The Blue Bells Chronicles.  The whole series tells the story of Shawn Kleiner, a modern American classical musician who has lifted his orchestra to great heights with his charisma and business skills.  However, he's also caused them, and his girlfriend, a lot of trouble, with his womanizing, drinking, gambling, and partying.  Finally, Amy has it, and leaves him abandoned in a medieval tower, while they're on tour in Scotland.

He wakes up in the wrong time, as does his cross-century twin, Niall Campbell.  They are mistaken for one another and caught in one another's lives. 

The entire series is, ultimately a story of redemption, as Shawn lives and fights beside the heroes of Scotland's Wars of Independence, before returning to Amy, a changed man--and yet, one who still has some decisions to make as to how far he'll go to save those he loves.

The book is available at Amazon

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

I've learned that writing is a lot of fun and a lot of work.  Publishing is even more work, and could easily consume 48 hours a day.  I've learned the sad truth that there's a lot of fraud and revenge and pay-for-reviews in the review system, and I've learned that writing has opened up a whole world of writers and readers with whom I've become friends.

Is there anything you would do differently?

No. 

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

My writing is heavily influenced by Margaret J. Anderson's In the Keep of Time, my love of time travel and historical fiction, and my own life as an orchestral musician.  Like Shawn, my protagonist, I played trombone.  I played semi-professionally for many years, and am quite familiar with his world, his instrument, and the music he knows.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Find a writers' critique group.  Meet weekly to read your writing, receive critiques, and listen to others.

What are three words that describe you?

Mother.  I have nine children, the joys of my life.  Writer.  For obvious reasons.  Musician.  I have spent my life in music, I play about a dozen instruments, I teach private music lessons, I occasionally perform on harp these days, and in the past have done a lot of playing in everything from solo situations to big bands to full orchestras.  I also directed a school band for five years, and taught general music for three.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

Oh, boy!  Just like with musical instruments, I can't limit it to one.  Tempo Rubato by Brendan Carroll.   The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson.  And the soon-to-be published novel The Feet Say Run by Dan Blum.  (I've read it because I'm publishing it.)

Excerpt of your latest release or coming soon book

Fluorescent lights glared down from a white ceiling.  White walls doubled their effect, washing the whole room in blinding white.  “I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Shawn muttered.  “Niall’s going to be so disappointed to find me here.”  He lounged in a spindly chair designed for discomfort, his legs in filthy breeks stretched in front of him. 

He’d shed the robe and bloodied chain mail.  They lay on the scarred, wooden table, under the huge
claymore and two short, vicious sgian dubhs, between him and half the Inverness police force, several of whom threw the items curious glances at regular intervals, while striving to appear only professionally interested.

“Someone’s called my mother?”  Shawn asked for the second time.  His lower leg burned.  He suspected he’d been sliced with one of the MacDougalls’ swords. “She’s here in Scotland?”

“Aye, down in Bannockburn,” said Inspector MacLean, with the short black curls and ruddy cheeks.  In contrast to the other cops, he wore jeans and a rumpled navy blue sweatshirt.  He stayed back from the table, against the wall.  “Amy’s on the phone with her now.”

“Perhaps that should be Miss Nelson to you,” Shawn said.

Inspector MacLean stared straight ahead, not answering.  But his lips tightened.

Shawn smiled.

“We must ask again,” spoke the man who must be the chief, “where you’ve been for a year?”  Beside him sat a middle-aged man Shawn had identified as Clive, with a well-padded paunch and thinning brown hair, reaching for a donut. But it was Inspector MacLean, standing calmly, avoiding his eyes, to whom Shawn’s gaze strayed over and over. 

“Mr. Kleiner?”

Shawn forced himself to look at the chief.  “I’ve spent about a quarter of the time at Glenmirril, and the rest at Stirling Castle, Cambuskenneth, Creagsmalan, Dundolam, and all over Jedburgh and Northumbria.”

The chief banged his fist on the table.  The coif slid off the hauberk to fall, clanking, against the sword.  “You mean to say you’ve been going around Glenmirril, which is packed with tourists every day, dressed like that!”  He indicated Shawn’s trews and stained, torn gambeson, over a medieval leine.  “With half of Scotland searching for you, and no one’s noticed?”

Shawn shrugged.  He looked again at the man who had hugged Amy and James.  The Inspector gazed at the far wall, his cheeks high with color.  Shawn looked back to the chief.  “No one noticed because I was there from June 1314 until early this morning, June, 1316.”


List of previous books if any
Blue Bells of Scotland
The Minstrel Boy
The Water is Wide

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

website: www.bluebellstrilogy.com
blog: www.bluebellstrilogy.blogspot.com
blog: http://gaelicwordaday.wordpress.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/laura.vosika.author
twitter: www.twitter.com/lauravosika
publisher website: www.gabrielshornpress.com

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Quest of a Scottish Warrior

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Quest of a Scottish Warrior
The MacLomain Series: Later Years 
Book 1
Sky Purington
Genre:  Time-travel Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication:  September 8, 2015
ASIN:  B010EKKQUE
Number of pages:  257
Word Count:  82,800
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Book Description:

Historian and ancestry website owner, Cassie first became interested in her long lost Broun clan when she realized life was about to change forever. Faced with possible blindness, she seeks out her Scottish bloodline only to discover there is so much more to it than she could have anticipated. Not only will she find answers to her questions but a doorway into the distant past via a Claddagh ring.

Betrothed since birth to a lass he has never met, Chieftain Logan MacLomain thought the unending tie between his clan and the Brouns was long past. Never was he more wrong. When Cassie appears in a skirmish on the border of his clan’s land, all his noble intentions are put to the test. To desire her is wrong but still he seeks her out every chance he gets. Just a glimpse of her passing smile brightens the honorable yet lonely path he must see through.

Everything changes for Cassie and Logan the day war ravages a nearby village and a young king’s fate is put at risk. Scotland’s future hangs in the balance as denied love blossoms and four MacLomain warriors band together to save all that might soon be lost. Set to avenge the harm done, Logan embarks on a quest with Cassie that will take them both down a road fraught with risk, heartache and the beginning of an end they never saw coming.

Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | BN

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Excerpt:

Cassie nodded and as they’d done the past couple of nights, they settled into comfortable conversation. She was a pleasure to chat with. Though humble, she possessed a sharp wit. He suspected had she pursued any of her college majors, she would have excelled.

Yet the more he got to know her the more he sensed she lived her life a certain way…as if she knew its outcome already. Almost like someone planning to move to another country and preparing themselves for a different language and customs. Eventually, he intended to find out exactly what she was getting ready for. Whatever it was, it had her purposely changing subjects on a somewhat regular basis.

As he figured she would, Cassie eventually said, “Why are we eating separately from everyone tonight?”

Though tempted to say it was unintentional, he would be lying. The truth was he wanted her all to himself. “‘Twas a trying experience earlier. I thought you might want some privacy to relax.”

She arched her brow and offered a lopsided grin. “Yet you’re here.”

“Well, you cannae be alone in these woods, lass.” He polished off his meat and leaned back on his hands so that his shoulder was almost against hers. Voice lowered, he said, “And I’ll admit to wanting to spend some time alone with you. ‘Tis a luxury I rarely get.”

 “Ah.” This time he didn’t have to touch her to enjoy her becoming blush. His eyes dropped to her mouth when she licked her lips. He had never wanted to taste a lass so much in his life. When she cleared her throat, his eyes slowly returned to hers.

“You should probably stop looking at me like that,” she said.

“Like what?”

“Like we’re here alone for another reason altogether.”

“Aye,” he murmured, caught by how the firelight reflecting off the shrubbery behind her seemed to magnify the pale green in her eyes. Unable to stop himself, he brushed his thumb down her delicate jawline, eager for far more contact. “May I kiss you, lass.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “W-what?”

“Kiss you.” He ran the pad of his thumb over her lower lip and leaned even closer. “I’ve wanted to do it since I pulled you onto my horse that first day.”

“Oh,” she whispered, not shying away.

Wrapping his hand in her hair, he didn’t kiss her right away but brought his lips close to her ear and murmured, “I’ve never seen such a bonnie lass.” He flicked his tongue beneath her dainty earlobe, relishing her quiver. “I’ve never wanted to touch and taste a lass so much that I cannae think straight.”

“Oh,” she whispered again, her head tilting to give him more access. God, she tasted warm and sweet and so bloody soft. He gently peppered kisses along her jaw, desperate to reach her lips but equally eager to sample everything along the way. Sharp arousal speared him when her breath hitched and she squeezed her thighs together. Hell, he had known the lass less than a week and he’d already imagined a hundred different ways he wanted to make love to her.

At last, his lips hovered over hers, savoring the heat of her breath, the ravenous anticipation before he finally…

“Och, m’laird, ye should have gotten to that sooner,” Machara quipped as she came around the corner.

Cassie pulled back sharply and Logan scowled as he redirected his attention to his intrusive cousin. “What is it?”

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About the Author: 

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of seventeen 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.

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

Blog:   www.skypurington.blogspot.com

Twitter:   www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sky-Purington/260484263999780

Pinterest:   www.pinterest.com/skypurington

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Tour giveaway 

1$50 gift card to winner’s choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway