eBook Launch of Book 3 of Nancy Jardine's Celtic Fervour Series

Hi, Vonnie! What a brilliant day it is to be visiting you. Today is the official ebook launch for Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series of Historical Romantic Adventures- After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks. I know! That seems such a mouthful but Books 2 & 3 are interlinked follow-ons from Book 1, though I’ve also written them to be stand-alone novels. A challenge and maybe a bit of a risk, but since Books 1 & 2 have gained some wonderful, mostly 5*, reviews I’m happy with my writing choices.

I'm happy to have you here on your release day, Nancy. I thought we'd have a bit of a party to celebrate your achievement. A little bubbly and some chocolate covered strawberries always lift the spirits, don't you think?

 

Oh, I do. Never let it be said, I'd refuse some celebratory champagne. I've worked long and hard for today.

 

The stories all centre on my strapping Celtic warriors from the hillfort of Garrigill- though the series is not only about male warriors. Zoom back with me now to AD 74, Northern Britannia (present day Yorkshire in the north of England), to the hearthside of the chief of Garrigill. I’m about to talk to the main male character of Books 2 & 3 - Brennus of Garrigill - and thought you might like to join us. (I was so rotten to Brennus in Book 1, but he was such a lovely guy I was compelled to write him into his own story in Books 2 & 3)

 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celtic-roundhouse-1994.jpg?uselang=en-gb

 Before you tell us about this fabulous structure, have some of my German chocolate cake. I made it especially for your visit today.

You're going to be dangerous to my waistline. Just one small slice. The Celtic roundhouse has low walls made of wattled willow daubed with what looks like dried mud; its roof is conical and thatched with mosses and dried grasses. Having gone through a short low tunnel it is smoky and dingy inside since there are no windows, a thick woollen curtain draught-proofing the one and only entrance doorway and blocking the natural light. Nara of the Selgovae, the chief’s hearth-wife, from Book 1, has just bid me sit down. (More details of the roundhouse, and who might visit it, are on my blog today- see URL below) Oh, my! Brennus has just ducked his way through the entryway and has thrust his spear into a rack. I wrote him in as a huge guy but to see him in the flesh is even more impressive-more than six and a half feet of him- wow! He was the tribal champion at single combat in Book 1 and he’s still got impressive rippling muscles. Thank goodness, he’s removed that lethal looking long sword from a sheath at his belt. Poor guy, though! As he approaches me, I can tell you the Battle at Whorl, between the Celtic Brigante tribes and the Roman Empire’s legions, in Book 1, wasn’t kind to him at all. He has some nasty scarring on one side of his face, a legacy of that battle, that makes him fierce-looking, but to me he’s still a fabulous looking guy. I stand up again and reach forward… 

 

Nancy: Hello, Brennus! I’m so pleased to properly meet you. My readers got to know you in Book 2- After Whorl: Bran Reborn, but I need you to remind Vonnie’s blog visitors about some things that have been happening to you lately, if you don’t mind?

(Hmm… he obviously doesn’t like a female trying to shake his hand. He’s looking at mine as though I’ve got some dread disease. I guess I forgot to write that into the manuscript- but then, again, that would probably be too anachronistic!)

Brennus: I do not mind at all. I am always willing to talk to you at Garrigill, although I do not understand what you are doing with that flat shiny object in your hands.

Nancy: Oh, this is my Ipad er…tablet. I’m going to take some notes as you speak to me since I tend to forget things very easily.

(Sugar! I don’t think I’m going to be able to use the camera and get out of here alive!)

Brennus: Things? I do not understand this word ‘things’. Forgetting I try never to do, and I commit words inside me that I can bring forth later. I do not understand what you do on that ‘tablet’ either.

(Oh, heck! He’s gone back to the weapon rack.)

Nancy: It’s okay. Put that spear and sword back and sit down, please!  You don’t need to look at me so suspiciously. My tablet isn’t a weapon, honestly. I’m just writing down your words so that I can tell…my friends…later.

(He still looks extremely unhappy with me but sits down on a low stool nearby. Now he’s gesturing at me tapping away on my Ipad)

Brennus: That does not resemble a Roman wax tablet and I do not see a stylus to write with. Is this some Roman device I have not encountered yet? Are you spying on me now?

Nancy: No, you know that I’m just your scribe. Not a spy. You’re the one who is the spy! I’m just introducing you to some friends of mine.

Brennus: Sit!

(Oh, oh! I did make him a pretty confident guy in Books 2 & 3, but …I guess I’d best remember the times he lives in)

Nancy: Can you tell Vonnie’s readers what you are doing back in Garrigill? Please?

Brennus: I can do that. If I can have some of that liquid refreshment in those strange cups you two seem to hang on to so tightly. It was time to re-establish my filial duties. You know well enough that I had stayed away from Garrigill for too many moons, and I needed to renew my contact with my brother Lorcan and Nara. They needed to know about my new task in life.

(He startles me when he whips out a really sharp looking knife from a pouch at his waist and grapples around for something in a stack of tools at the fireside. Ah, I guess it’s a whetstone since he’s grinding the blade against it.)

Nancy: Can you share your new occupation with us?

Brennus: Indeed. It will do no harm to tell your readers that after my recovery, I mean from the battles against Rome at Whorl, I needed a new occupation. In Book 2, you have me turn to a new trade as a spy, collecting information to pass on to my King, Venutius of the Brigantes. You even gave me a new name and it is as Bran of Witton that I do my spying.

Nancy: I did indeed write that in Book 2. Are you still leading the life of the spy as you double as a trader of furs and wools, to the Roman forts that have sprung up in Brigantia?

Brennus: Nay! You know I stopped my trading to search for Ineda after we were set upon by that cursed Roman patrol.

Nancy: I do know, and I’m sorry you’re still sad about losing Ineda. Don’t worry though, I’m a lot kinder to you in Book 3 and you’ve got some fine times ahead! But please tell Vonnie’s readers what you are doing now.

(He’s stopped using the whetstone and is staring into the weak firelight, the logs now almost burned down. He doesn’t look convinced about me giving him happier times.)

Brennus: You of all people know-since you are my scribe-that I miss Ineda every single day. Perhaps my god, Taranis, has decreed that I am not worthy of sharing a roundhouse hearth with a woman I give my wholehearted love to.

Nancy: I wouldn’t rule out a love life so quickly, Brennus.

(I’m having to suppress my smiles here since his stare is intended to force me to tell more…but I’m not going to. The readers will just have to find out what’s in store for him.)

Brennus: You are a cruel woman, my scribe! The women of Garrigill still choose me willingly to bed them, and I accept their offers when I need to assure myself I am a man with man’s needs, but enough of my lack of true loving. Since my king was defeated in battle at his Stanwick stronghold, my life revolves around the hillfort of Garrigill once more. I am now the driving pin of the spy network and am the one who receives news of all Roman movements in Brigantia though my brother Lorcan-the chief here at Garrigill-also has me train our young warriors in combat skills.

Nancy: Does that mean you want me to re-write you in as content to stay at Garrigill?  

Brennus: Nay! I remain still determined to find the one Celtic leader who will lead all Celts of the north in a huge battle against Rome, even if I have to journey far and wide to the Caledon tribes of the very far, far north. I do not relish such journeying, since I have come to like living at Garrigill again, but life goes on and the threat of Rome does not diminish. It is inevitable the legions will soon descend upon us. The druid Tuathal gave me the task to find one charismatic man who will rally the northernmost Celts and I will NOT fail him.

Nancy: Are you looking forward to that journey and another battle, Brennus?

Brennus: I think you already know that answer!  

(His slightly crooked, but oh so endearing smile tells me! What a guy!)  

Vonnie - I hope you’ve liked this tiny glimpse of Brennus, also known as Bran of Witton, the spy. You can read a lot more about him in Book 3- After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks.

 

And now for a little *GIVEAWAY* There’s an ecopy of After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks going to one lucky commenter on Vonnie’s blog today (or if preferred a copy of Book 1, or Book 2, if the winner hasn’t read them yet) All you need to do is say hello in that little comments box and tell me what you like about hunky Celts, or even Romans since there’s quite a nice guy called Gaius in Book 3 as well! Oh, and give me a way of contacting you, please.

 

There’s a Facebook Launch Party going on today (25^th March) and everyone’s very welcome to join the festivities – chances to win an ecopy there too.  Stop past if you’ve got a moment and say hi at https://www.facebook.com/events/1386740778259833/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming  

 

My blog also has some partying today at http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com  It’ll be great to have you visit and enter for another chance to win a FREE ecopy of one of my Celtic Fervour Series books!

After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks is available from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/After-Whorl-Donning-Double-Cloaks/dp/1909841579/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394785124&sr=1-1&keywords=after+Whorl+donning+Double+cloaks

Nancy Jardine’s novels can be found in paperback and ebook formats from:

Amazon UK author page    Amazon US author page  Crooked Cat Bookstore; Waterstones; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords; W. H. Smith; and other book retailers.

Nancy can be found at the following places:   Blog    Website   Facebook  Goodreads   About Me   LinkedIn   Twitter @nansjar  Google+ 

Nancy’s writing time is shared with regular grandchild minding duties, tending her large garden, ancestry research and leisure reading. She’s currently writing a family saga based mainly in Scotland, and Book 4 of her Celtic Fervour series. She’s delighted to be able to share that Topaz Eyes (Crooked Cat Publishing) an ancestral-based mystery, is a finalist for THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE Fiction 2014. After Whorl: Bran Reborn - Book 2 of her Celtic Fervour Series (Crooked Cat Publishing) has been accepted for THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION 2014- the most prestigious prize for historical fiction in the UK.

 

Blurb:

Pursued by Rome.

AD73 Northern Britannia

After King Venutius’ defeat, Brennus of Garrigill – known as Bran – maintains a spy network monitoring Roman activity in Brigantia. Relative peace reigns till AD 78 when Roman Governor Agricola marches his legions to the far north. Brennus is always one step ahead of the Roman Army as he seeks the Caledon Celt who will lead all tribes in battle against Rome.

Ineda of Marske treks northwards with her master, Tribune Valerius, who is responsible for supplying Agricola’s northern campaigns. At Inchtuthil Roman Fort Ineda flees seeking fellow Brigantes congregating on the foothills of Beinn na Ciche.

Will the battle against the Romans bring Ineda and Brennus together again?

WHO'S UP FOR A MINI-TRIP TO AMSTERDAM? -- Nancy Jardine

, I've got an early Christmas present for y'all today. A free armchair tour of Amsterdam, a city I long to see. Although Calvin stayed there for a short while in his younger years, I've never had the pleasure. But today my Scottish friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, Nancy Jardine, is taking us on a short tour of a city she loves, just as I love Paris. She's brought along a couple pictures from her trip to Amsterdam in April to share. And she's also brought along another gift, a copy of her latest release to award to one lucky commenter. So don't wander off...

 

It’s wonderful to visit you again, Vonnie, especially since it’s only 5 days since the launch of my latest ancestral mystery-Topaz Eyes-from Crooked Cat Publishing. I know you have an affinity with fabulous European places, especially Paris, and hope you’ll enjoy me writing about another brilliant European city. Amsterdam is only one of the cities that feature in Topaz Eyes, though in my blog tour spots I’m featuring the other places as well. (Details for those posts http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com)

 There’s a *GIVEAWAY* e-copy of Topaz Eyes going to one lucky commenter today, so read on to find out how it could be you! 

What do I love about Amsterdam? 

I have an empathy with Holland that has been acquired through many short visits, and a longer residence of three years. The fact that my two daughters were born in Holland has significant impact on my feelings for the country, though I have no family connections in Holland at all. My reasons for being there were similar to many others-my husband’s job was there for a while. It is relevant, though, that friendships made some time ago can give the basis for writing ideas at a later date. I wonder if the readers of Topaz Eyes would be able to work out what I have included in the novel that was, in fact, true for us as a family?

I always feel familiar with Holland when I return, even though my residence there ended some thirty years ago. I love all its cities for many different reasons, their quaintness and style a visual delight. They do say a writer should write what they know, so it was inevitable that I should include Holland in one of my novels.

Teun Zeger and Keira Drummond, in Topaz Eyes, have some very exciting moments in Amsterdam- a city of exciting streets and waterways. The canal system is extensive, the sizes of the canals determining their Dutch name. The canal that features in Topaz Eyes is part of the main Amsterdam canals system, the ‘grachts’ being wider waterways, forming the concentric rings around the old city centre.  

 

Browersgracht was my chosen site for a little bit of excitement. Very similar to many other canals, the streets that flank Browersgracht are cobbled; often very busy with car traffic and the typical plain bicycles that are almost interchangeable- and in fact often are. I’ve never cycled in the city of Amsterdam- though I did around the village I lived in, which was about a forty minute drive from the city. In Amsterdam I believe it is still common to park your bicycle and go back and find another in its place if yours is not securely locked up. Padlocking and the lack of, feature quite dramatically in Topaz Eyes at Browersgracht.

The main streets of Amsterdam throng with visitors and locals alike, the tall narrow buildings jostling with each other for space. Some of the quaint buildings seem lopsided, as though leaning against the next one, and in fact they are since in some cases the foundations are sinking. The architectural styles do vary a lot even though the general appearance might initially seem common. The roof tops and gables are fascinating to view, as are the painted hues of the brickwork.

 

Tourist venues are numerous and seem to be on every corner of the old city centre, which is quite extensive. A good tramp around is often easier than finding places by taxi or car, since traffic can slow the process down a great deal- though the cobbles are hell on the feet. A good pair of well-fitting Dutch wooden clogs can solve that problem, of course!  How does the heavy traffic affect Teun and Keira? Sorry… you’ll just have to read Topaz Eyes to find out. The museums are plentiful- the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh being larger venues, though there are many other small ones including Anne Franks House which I’ve visited on a few occasions. It’s a place that can affect one very greatly and well worth the usual lengthy queuing to visit. Years ago, I wandered around the museums many times with a baby in a sling, and later with the elder in a stroller, and never saw everything that was on offer.  

Of course if you’re so inclined there’s also the Red Light district that draws plentiful tourist traffic, day and night. And there’s the long pedestrianised shopping street- Kalverstraat- that has shops selling everything you can imagine. Kalverstraat also features a little in Topaz Eyes. There’s wonderful food on offer…and funnily enough that has popped into my Topaz Eyes as well!  I’ve devoted another whole blog to the writing of that part of the novel, since it involved a situation that writers need to beware of. (Again check my blog for that particular BEWARE post.)

I hope my little taste of Amsterdam has whetted your appetite. It’s such vibrant city that a visit at any time of day, any time of the year, to the central areas is quite fantastic.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be here today, Vonnie. I loved writing about Amsterdam and hope your readers enjoyed their mini-trip to this lovely city, too.

*Giveaway*

What details can you add about Amsterdam? It can be anything, so long as your answer includes the word Amsterdam!

Please leave your answer in the comment box, and your email address, to be entered into the draw for an e-copy of TOPAZ EYES.  (Draw will take place on 14^th December)

 

Topaz Eyes Blurb:

 A peculiar invitation to Heidelberg embroils Keira Drummond in the search for a mysterious collection of extraordinary jewels once owned by a Mughal Emperor; a hoard that was last known to be in the possession of Amsterdam resident, Geertje Hoogeveen, in 1910.  

Who among the progeny of Geertje – hitherto unfamiliar third cousins brought together for the quest – can Keira rely on? Distrust and suspicion among them is rife.  

Which one is greedy, and determined enough, to hire thugs to tail her… and worse… as she travels to Vienna and Minnesota?  Can Keira even trust Teun Zeger - a Californian she is becoming very drawn to – as they pair up to unearth the jewellery?  

As they follow a trail of clues, will they uncover the full collection before the hired gun kills them? Details remain furtive and undisclosed until danger and death forces their exposure. And who harbours the ultimate mystery item that is even more precious than the Mughal jewels?  

Greed, suspicion and murder are balanced by growing family loyalty, trust, and love.  

Excerpt:

“Would you ditch the mystery, Jensen, and just enlighten me as to what you think I have that interests you? And tell me why you couldn’t have asked for it in the letter you sent to me? I came here of my own free will – granted – but I’m not hanging around any longer if you’re going to drag this out, for I’m damned sure I’ve no idea what you’re referring to.”

Jensen’s reply lacked emotion, his face a blank screen, his gaze focused on Teun as Keira regarded the by-play.

“Teun. It may come as a surprise to you, but you actually know more about this invitation than Keira. At least you knew from my letter I had something of family interest you might be glad to take back to the USA with you. Keira had no such suggestion made to her.”

Tension rose in the room, which didn’t only radiate from Teun.

Keira sat uneasy, also unwilling to be in the dark any longer. “Would you please explain why you think I may have something you want, Herr Amsel?” She found herself reluctant to use his first name, considering the antagonism now mounting.

“All in good time, Keira. And please call me Jensen. I don’t set out to be anyone’s enemy. I believe each of you can provide access to items belonging to the collection. All the pieces are likely to vary in monetary value but, viewed as a complete entity, it will make an impressive display. It’s a historic set… and unique.”

 Author bio:

An ex-primary teacher, Nancy Jardine, lives in the fabulous castle country of Aberdeenshire – Scotland. Her husband mans the kitchen, her offspring only an hour’s drive away. When time permits, ancestry research is an intermittent hobby. Neglecting her large garden in favour of writing, she now grows spectacularly giant thistles. Activity weekends with her extended family are prized since they give her great fodder for new writing.

A lover of history, it sneaks into most of her writing along with many of the fantastic world locations she has been fortunate to visit. Her published work to date has been two non fiction history related projects; two contemporary ancestral mysteries; one light-hearted contemporary romance mystery and a historical novel. She has been published by The Wild Rose Press and Crooked Cat Publishing.

 

Author and buy details: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com   http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com    http://facebook.com/nancy.jardine.56    Twitter @nansjar

Topaz Eyes is available in e-book formats and print from amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Topaz-Eyes-Nancy-Jardine/dp/1908910585/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1  and e-book formats from www.crookedcatbooks.com

Book trailer Youtube video for Topaz Eyes can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgPf5kTAyi4&feature=channel&list=UL

 

Other books by Nancy Jardine can be seen on amazon.com  http://amzn.to/wwaGCv  

NANCY JARDINE -- Scottish Author

Nancy Jardine is my guest at Vintage Vonnie, and I'm thrilled to have her visit. Nancy lives in Scotland, and is returning today from a week-long trip to Holland. Lucky her! Nancy also writes for The Wild Rose Press and has a new release scheduled for the third of August. She has a fun post full of beautiful pictures to share with us regarding her newest book. In fact, she's taking us all over the globe in a pictorial journey. But first, who is Nancy?

Nancy Jardine was a teacher of 11-12 year olds for too many years to mention-gave up the chalk in Oct 2011, and now writes full-time. Since 2010, one historical and three contemporary romances have been completed. The first in a planned series of time-travel novels for children 9-12 yrs is finished, and a family saga is the current work in progress. You can tell from that she’s not exactly found a writing niche, yet!




Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire



The picturesque, castle country of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is home where she lives with her husband who now does all the cooking…the menu far more exciting and tasty than it used to be! Hobbies include ancestry research, doing exciting fun things she’s never done before with her two daughters and sons-in-law, and working in her large garden where she tends real flowers (occasionally) and some spectacular weeds (often). Looking after her first granddaughter, now 8 months, takes up a very special place in her week.

Come Fly with me…come fly, come fly away…you get the drift!

Hi, Vonnie! I’m excited to be with you today and would love to have you, and your readers, fly with me now as we get a little taste of my soon to be released TAKE ME NOW, a lighthearted contemporary romance from The Wild Rose Press (** 3^rd August 2012--can’t wait **)

Do you have a thing about flying? I’m beginning to wonder if I do. So far, in three out of five of my completed novels, I have characters flying about somewhere or other. (Two are historical novels, set back in the Britain of Celtic Roman conflict, and someone would be bound to notice the anachronism if they flew about in an airplane!) In my three contemporaries I take my characters to fabulous destinations as they solve mysteries and fall in love-well, they are romances after all!

Why do I have my characters flying about? It’s because I love taking them to exotic and interesting far flung places, and as more of a pantser than a plotter, it just sort of evolves that way.  If I’ve actually visited the places myself I find it’s easier to write about them, though nowadays I don’t believe that’s a necessary requirement. Internet information is so…GOOD for garnering what you need to know.

What about you? How many of you include locations that incur some kind of travel for your protagonists?  I’d love to know just how common it is.

I’d like to set you a little challenge. Which of the destinations mentioned below do you think are the three I’ve never actually been to? (The information for those has come from second hand knowledge or the internet) Does my writing give you any clues that help you make you make your choice?

In TAKE ME NOW Aela Cameron transports her injured boss, Nairn Malcolm, to lots of lovely places, albeit they are all only fleeting visits. She flies his floatplane better than he does (He’s not too miffed about that, though, since she saves his hide on one momentous journey) and competently whizzes him around in his jet, catamaran and Range rover. A girl of many talents is Aela.

How do you fancy accompanying them as they visit these European destinations?



Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia. Imagine lots of needle sharp tall grey spires on old white churches, some of which tower above the modern high rise glass fronted tower blocks. Or others that have a more Russian Baroque Orthodox style: black spires more bulbous; chequered tiling to the almost domed roofs; deep pink walls with ornate white bordered window frames. Fabulous architecture abounds-some of it very old; some quite old; all jostling with modern city buildings.

Aela doesn’t have too much time to appreciate them though, since she’s off kayaking in the bay of Tallinn, taking in the impressive prison buildings and old walled city of Peter the Great, from a wonderful watery perspective.

Barcelona, Spain. Here the buildings are also fabulous, in some cases fanciful, and even some absolutely fantastic. Again there are impressive Medieval and Baroque buildings. Yet, the most memorable may be some of the Modernista buildings-Spanish Art Nouveau- those of Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) in particular. There’s the Casa Batllo with its amazing rippling façade, with balconies that remind Aela of masks worn at medieval carnivals. The walls between the balconies are a spattering of pale blues, greens and glittering gold-the whole structure would do well in a fantasy movie.

Aela can’t take her eyes off the Casa Batllo; can’t believe the facade was remodeled by Gaudi more than a century ago, although the building itself is around three decades older. Or there’s the Casa Mila, an apartment block with incredible statues on the rooftop that dominate- a barrage of sentinels in white featureless helmets, redolent of medieval helms.  Wow! A whole row of wow!

Paris, France. In TAKE ME NOW, Paris gets a mention too, especially that wonder of wrought iron lattice engineering, La Dame de Fer (the iron lady) otherwise known as the iconic Eiffel tower. La Tour Eiffel is the backdrop to an eventful night for Nairn and Aela…more of that in the book!



River Thames

London, England. Nairn’s business headquarters have a wonderful view of the River Thames-granted it’s a bit downriver from the Thames bridges, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, but Aela maneuvers him wherever he wants to go. Just imagine Aela whipping Nairn around in his Range Rover from airport to his office through crazy London traffic…or there’s that exciting scene where someone has sabotaged said Range Rover and only Aela’s superb driving skills saves them from an untimely death!

Lanera, A Scottish Island.  Nairn’s dinky castle on a Scottish island is the base for Aela to fly Nairn elsewhere. Can you imagine her flying him over the neighboring islands, leafy green from recent rain, with the landscape twinkling down there in the now blue sky scudded with cirrus clouds? Nairn’s castle is only one of many down there, Aela flying his beloved floatplane low over the hills bordering the true lochs, and the sea lochs which have access way out to the Atlantic Ocean as she takes him to Glasgow, where they board Nairn’s jet. Nairn’s so glad his Aela is superbly competent as she battles ferociously wild weather on another occasion, landing his floatplane at Lanera in battering high seas he’d never attempt himself-again Aela saving not only his butt but his plaster casts!

And what about the non-European destinations they fly to in TAKE ME NOW? Here’s a little idea:

Muscat, Oman. Imagine a fabulous hotel that was originally built as a palace. A basic hexagonal shape with embellishments, it boasts a central domed atrium, the night sky visible through it is a twinkle in the darkness, the delicate stained glass a mystical tracery in itself. Sparkling fountains play out front, and tall palms sway in the evening breeze vying for Nairn and Aela’s attention. To the rear of that beautiful white building there are majestic, craggy, ominous mountains rising up behind. They take a short drive to scenery so ochre-red dark, clustered with rock so weird Aela feels transported to a Martian landscape.

An island in the Caribbean. Imagine their island hotel complex-their villa affording personal butler service if they don’t want to eat at the variety of restaurants a short walk away. Can you see their private infinity pool that leads down to their secluded beach stretch where Nairn organizes a spectacularly wonderful surprise for Aela? Fly with them at low levels over the sparkling ocean, the waters so greenish-blue by day and so clear in places the marine life is visible. The setting sun of the evening is even more fantastic, the water changing color as it darkens, the pinkish-violet-orange above the horizon darkened by some dramatic clouds, a darker blue above leading to nothingness as they sip a cool cocktail on the beach.

New York. Aela has fun on the Hudson in the Beast, having had to work very hard to convince the tour operator that the injured Nairn is capable of managing the fast boat ride. Their hop-on-hop-off City Tour bus is the absolute best for an incapacitated person to see as much as possible. Do you see them cramming in the ubiquitous hot dogs and ices from a stand near Central Park?

So…are you still following or has your imagination transported you elsewhere?

One lucky commenter who answers my question correctly will receive a digital copy of my current novel MONOGAMY TWIST! In that debut novel Luke and Rhia’s travel takes them from Yorkshire, England, to Rome, and to Brisbane, Australia as they solve their mystery!

Bye for now, Vonnie! It’s been lovely to visit. Wishing you all a lovely day dreaming of the far flung places that are out there waiting for you…or your characters!

Come fly with me….

Slainthe!

Nancy 

Website: http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com

Blog: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com
 

MONOGAMY TWIST is available from:

The Wild Rose Press : http://bit.ly/wOpGbT   Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/ynu0t0   Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/wwaGCv   Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/AuMbii

Link to YouTube Book Trailer for Monogamy Twist is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJVzbrkJQzA

TAKE ME NOW will be released by The Wild Rose Press on 3^rd Aug. 2012. (Yippee!)