THE KING'S DAUGHTER

Just want to share some happy news with my blog family.  This one is really special to me.  My fantasy historical romance, The King's Daughter, has been accepted by Victory Tales Press and will be re-released in February, 2012.  The book will be available in print this time and I will probably put my copy on my pillow and kiss it every night!  Honestly, I'm so in love with this book and hero that it's embarrassing.  What can I say?  It got 5+ reviews out the wazoo, so apparently some other people liked it, too.  If you didn't catch it first time out or want it in print, it will be available in February. 

The book is Book I of the Chronicles of Alcinia, the story of Tarabenthia, born to a dying queen and an ambitious king.  Tia is heir to the throne, but when the idyll of her childhood ends she defies her father, tipping the balance in a world poised on the brink of war--leaving history to judge whether she is heroine or harlot.  In a time of war, what would you sacrifice in the name of love?

Here's a peek at the cover by Laura Shinn:

If you like historical fantasy in settings reminiscent of Ancient Rome and Roman Britain, I hope you'll consider giving this one a try when it's available.  But in any case, enjoy Laura's cover!  :)

HISTORICAL ANTHOLOGY BY VICTORY TALES PRESS

Just about the time Rebecca Vickery asked me to write a short story for her  Historical Anthology, I had been thinking of the poetry I wrote for forty years before I ever published a romance.  Some of that poetry was very romantic and much of it was based on the Irish Bardic poetry of my childhood.  The echo of that style can be heard in the works of Gerard Manley Hopkins, W. B. Yeats and Dylan Thomas, but the earliest written Bardic poetry dates back to about the 6^th century, and the oral traditions of bards greatly pre-date that.  The “Tain Bo Cuailnge”—the Cattle Raid of Cooley—falls into that category and is mentioned in my story, “Deirdre.”  Much of the Bardic writing would hardly be recognizable to modern readers as poetry, comprised as it was of long genealogical records and nearly journalistic accounts of deeds of lords and ancestors.  The ancient tale of Deirdre of the Sorrows, with which I was raised, falls roughly into that category and I had begun to wonder if I would like to undertake my own rendering of the ancient tale in a style reminiscent of Bardic poetry yet written as prose.  Rebecca’s email came right at that time and a new project was born. 

Along with my contribution to the anthology, there is a wonderful Highland romance and two pieces of Americana--one set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the other about the early coal mining days of our new country.  

The anthology is available as an ebook or in print and can be purchased at:

http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com/online-store.php 

 

 

THANKS TO OUR READERS AND CONTRIBUTORS!

The Celtic Rose has now officially been in existence for just over one year, and in that time numerous wonderful friends have posted and readers have responded with more than 4,000 views of the blog.  I am truly touched and grateful and sincerely hope we're bringing a little sunshine to readers interested in all things Celtic.

In celebration, I would like to send an autographed copy of the Historical Anthology collection by Victory Tales Press, in which my short story Deirdre is included, to the first commenter who leaves an email address.  I will use this to contact you for your snail mail addy.

Scroll down a bit and you will see the picture of Deirdre and be able to read a bit about this wonderful anthology.

Like so many authors, I am busy right now preparing to go to the RWA Nationals conference in New York, but I will do all mailings first, and hopefully return refreshed and recharged for another great year at The Celtic Rose.  Oh, and I am presently working on an Irish tale of my own devising, The Legend of M'Rith.  Look for that one later this year.

Fond best wishes to all of you.

NEW RELEASE: HISTORICAL ANTHOLOGY BY VICTORY TALES PRESS

I am so happy to say that my short story "Deirdre" will be available May 1, 2011 when Victory Tales Press releases its invitation-only Historical Anthology for spring, 2011.

"Deirdre" is a retelling of the ancient Irish tale, "Deirdre and the Sons of Usna" which has been told and written time out of mind in Ireland.  Born with a cursed beauty that will make kingdoms contest for her, Deirdre is also born with a mighty gift--that of a true heart.

Read her story plus a riveting Highlands tale and two stories drawn from American history in this sweet-to-sensual collection of stories from Victory Tales Press authors.

Buy links are:
http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com/online-store.php
https://www.createspace.com/3599298
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/56562  (not live until 5/1/11)
http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Collection-Anthology-Sweet-Sensual/dp/1461107555/
http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-historical-collection-anthology-sweetsensual/15585828 




I hope you will enjoy this anthology in print or as an ebook.