Gratitude Hop

gratitude 2013


Welcome to the Fourth Annual Gratitude Giveaway!  I'll be offering a $15 gift card to amazon.com.

Scroll to the bottom for the linky to jump to other blogs with lots of great prizes, and to enter.  Or, if you like Scotland, time travel, medieval historical novels, and music....read on!



For those who are new to my Blue Bells Chronicles, welcome!  The Blue Bells Chronicles started as  Blue Bells of Scotland, the stand alone story of Shawn Kleiner, a gambling, drinking, self-centered modern American musician, who takes his orchestra on tour to Scotland.  There, his girlfriend Amy finally has enough and deserts him in a medieval tower.  That night, the mist rises....
 
Fellow Time Traveler and children's author, Robert Townsend, aka, Michael Goudket reads the original Blue Bells of Scotland
 
 
Shawn wakes, hung over, to find the castle alive with re-eanctors who insist on calling him Niall Campbell.  Only slowly does Shawn come to understand that these are not re-enactors, that their swords and knives are real, they're only too willing to use them, and they expect him to save their country.  He is sent down a windswept tower wall and out onto a stormy loch on a mission to raise troops for the great Robert the Bruce, waiting for the English at Bannockburn.  He's sent with Niall's beautiful and tempting fiancée. 
 
And where is Niall?  Trapped in Shawn's modern life with Shawn's angry girlfriend, angry mistresses, the angry gambler whom Shawn paid off with counterfeit money...desperately trying to figure out how to jump back across time to save his people.
 
The Blue Bells Chronicles weaves through the stories of Shawn, his fourteenth century twin, Niall Campbell, who is Shawn's polar opposite in all but looks, Shawn's girlfriend Amy, and Angus, the inspector assigned to find the missing musician, who has fallen in love with her, as they seek the secret of bringing Shawn back to his own time.

The books have earned many excellent reviews.  Many readers have made favorable comparisons to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.  Several authors have placed it as one of their top books of the year.  Robert Matos, a reviewer, said it is a book that belongs on the shelf of every serious reader.
 
 
 
When is Book Three coming?
 
Book Three, The Water is Wide, takes us on a modern path through ruins and abbeys, mysterious monks, and an ancient prophecy, and through the historical battles and parliaments of Robert and Edward Bruce, Angus Og, and the great James Douglas.  A strange discovery is made in the abandoned lockers at a modern hospital.  Amy meets a tongue-pierced young professor of medieval history and a mysterious historian who is not all he claims to be.  Shawn and Niall meet a boy left alone, through the ugliness of war, and hiding in an ancient ruin of a Roman fort, as they're sent to spy on Carlisle.  At Carlisle, their nemesis appears, and there's only one, very unpleasant way out of the locked and guarded town of Carlisle.
 
The Water is Wide is due out very soon.  I have long planned on releasing it at Christmastime this year.  I still have hopes this will happen, but do not want to set a date in stone until I know that deadline can be met.  In the time I've been writing, a major character has been added, which has required going through the remaining two books to weave him in--a great deal of re-writing covering three books, not just one.
 
What is taking so long?  I wish that I could write a book as fast as some people do.  I spend time writing and editing almost every day.  I devote a great deal of time to research, to finding historical maps and sources, and detailed accounts of the battles and events of the time.  This sometimes can take a day or two to track down a historical detail for just one scene.  I also teach about 45 to 50 students a week, and occasionally perform on flute or harp.  I have nine children.  Life sometimes simply has other plans, such as a family member's medical emergency that had to take precedence one month.  But I assure you, the book is on its way!
 
I am currently in consultation with a videographer for a book trailer, and working with a design artist on the cover.  The hard copy of what I hope is the final draft is in a box fresh from the printer, waiting for its review, and then, if all is well, formatting for print and e-books will begin.
 
If you love time travel, castles, knights, battles, and music, please join me in the world of the Blue Bells Chronicles, a story of adventure, history, and romance, and a story of character, choices, and forgiveness.  Above all, it is the story of one man's redemption. 
 
Currently, my facebook page is the best place to keep up to date regarding upcoming books.  I try to keep the page interesting and pertinent with items relating to the story:
  • music (trombone, violin, harp, medieval music and instruments, the orchestral pieces Shawn and Amy know and love, the jazz Shawn loves to play)
  • history (medieval and Scottish, the great battles and people of the time, an irregular but continuing feature Eating Medieval in which my friend and fellow author prepares medieval recipes and shares her experience and thoughts in words and pictures)
  • anything Scottish (Irish wolfhounds, Scottish recipes, kilts, castles, and more.
  • time travel (theories, science, stories, movies, other authors of time travel
To enter for the $15 gift card:  you may follow the blog in any way you like--facebook, twitter, bloglovin, tumblr, e-mail subscription, blogger, homing pigeons, or any other method you use online.  I hope you'll LIKE my facebook page to stay current, but I know not everyone does facebook.
 
Please leave a comment below so I know you're out there and you'll be entered!  Please leave me some contact information somehow, some way, so I can contact you if you win.
 
Now...jump on to the other great blogs with other great prizes!
 
 
Several authors have placed it as one of their top books of the year. Robert Matos, a reviewer, said it is a book that belongs on the shelf of every serious reader.

Comments

  1. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season filled with family, fun and good times. I follow by facebook - Sue Sattler

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much for the chance. ;)

    Facebook follower: Anne Consolacion
    anne.j2 [at] gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. GFC Tia
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    videoclimber(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for the giveaway :)
    Followed @saraahaleyhaley
    FB liked Sara Haley
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow via twitter
    @groogruxking40

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  6. Thank you for the giveaway!

    I follow via gfc: books4me

    books4me67 at ymail dot com

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  7. Thank you.
    Marti Tabora
    parks27@cox.net

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. I follow by twitter: @Sarah89163266
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    hippiegirl12 at gmail dot com

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  10. Facebook: Anna Hammes
    Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  11. I liked your Facebook page and follow by GFC as bemiown

    Thanks

    bemiown(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. I liked your facebook page under Ann Vuong

    ann [dot] m [dot] vuong [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for participating in this giveaway. I'm thankful for my family. And books! And blogs. I follow your Facebook (Misti Sumthing) GFC (Misti) Thank you!
    Email ~ Areuscared66@yahoo.com

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  14. Thanks for the giveaway!
    GFC: Cali Willette
    caliwillette(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. GFC-Erika Messer
    I also followed on FB :D
    abbyswarriormom(at)aol(dot)com :) Thank you!

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  16. Following on FB (Karina V)
    swordlily_girl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. Take all the time you need Laura. The research is important so it is correct. I do get irritated when the time line is obviously off. Weave in that new character. February is a slow month and good for reading. We'll all wait.

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    Replies
    1. I follow you on fb Laura, or find me at ahjeltema@gmail.com. somehow I couldn't preview before my above post. ~Anne J

      Delete
  18. I follow you on FB! Jed n'Charma Winters
    Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Follow -GFC-BLHmistress
    FB- Dawna Newman
    Twitter- @donna_d44

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Follow via Facebook - suzebomb(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Twitter @mspurple6767
    mspurple67 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. following via gfc
    wanda f
    flanagan@mebtel.net

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  23. I follow on twitter @amandawk
    amandarwest atgmaildotcom

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  24. GFC: Jennifer Haile

    volta2173 at sbcglobal dot net

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  25. I've followed you on Twitter - @wahwithjl.

    -hugs from Washington-

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I follow via GFC-Ashfa Anwer
    blackcapballistics AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I follow via GFC as Holly Letson.

    Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Follow with Facebook

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. GFC follower Library Lady
    adsanders77 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi, nice blog :) I am following by email lorih824 at yahoo dot com.
    That is also a way to contact me.
    Lori

    ReplyDelete
  31. Carey Miller - following you on Facebook. You can find me on Twitter @careymrocks. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  32. GFC: Krista
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    ~Krista
    pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com

    ReplyDelete
  33. thanks c for the chance. i follow via email at molliwantstowin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow on Google Friend Connect as Denise Taylor my email is 40denise(dot)taylor(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I follow via GFC (jmcgaugh).
    jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

    ReplyDelete
  36. How nice to learn about your books. I'm a fan of time travel stories. Thank you for being part of the hop! I've followed via email.

    Carolyn
    caroaz [at] ymail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm following you publicly on Google Friend Connect as Literary Winner.

    Maggie at literary winner dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. twitter-gabbylowe timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm following you via email at michelle_willms(at)yahoo(dot)com and also via Networked Blogs as Michelle Willms. Thank you for your giveaway and I look forward to learning more about your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm a facebook follower https://www.facebook.com/michele.lawrence.3979

    ReplyDelete
  41. GFC - kimmyl
    Twitter - @kimyl
    Thanks for a great post and a awesome giveaway!!!!!
    kac_030 @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for the giveaway. GFC: Karen H in NC

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  44. I follow by FB Crystal Young
    Twitter @CrystalElaine73
    Thank You for the giveaway
    crystaley73 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. One day I hope to go to Scotland! It is on my bucket list.
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thank you for this giveaway :D
    FB allie liang
    iheartmemorethanyou at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for this amazing giveaway - I would love to win!

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is great! Thanks for the chance!
    Twitter Follower - @BookSwag1
    anastasia2013@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for participating in the hop. I follow GFC Melissa Crisp.
    leighannecrisp @yahoo .com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I like you on Facebook.
    austma7@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I follow via GFC: Dani G
    dmguzzardi@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Follow you on GFC and thanks for the giveaway
    carjoh56@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I follow via GFC: abfantom fantom

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. thanks for the giveaway billmcsgirl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow on GFC - clc408

    clc at neo dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I followed you on twitter @commodorewood :D
    aircdrewood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Following on twitter @ghwasd
    ghwasd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Follow GFC – Barbara Montag
    Thank you

    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Looking forward to the books.. have a safe and happy holiday.

    valshemi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank you for this giveaway! your series sounds AMAZING and has officially been added to my TBR list! Love the photo of Robert Townsend! so awesome!

    twitter follower @tfalick
    Facebook Tiffany Falick
    gfc follower tfalick

    tfalick at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks forparticipating.

    GFC Anne38 and Facebook Anne M.

    acm05atjuno.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    GFC: Ashley Van Buren
    ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow via bloglovin--cynthia borgmeyer clubbs
    cc_clubbs at yahoo dot com
    Love the colonial outfit!!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow on FB - Jessica Ryba
    THANK YOU!
    jrryba(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  65. GFC Follower~ Miranda Ward

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. GFC Follower - Kim Pinch
    kumquat8 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks for the chance and I enjoyed reading the about your books I am a fan of time travel stories. Thanks and I follow you on twitter (@amym123452007) have a good holiday! amybowens34@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I adore time travel stories :D Thank you for this!! (email's in my blogger profile; following you on FB)

    ReplyDelete
  69. GFC Follow
    Jennifer Rote
    wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
    elizabeth @ bookattict . com (subscribed)

    ReplyDelete
  71. follow on GFC susan1215

    s2s2 at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  72. I follow via Twitter: meghan_stith
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    mestith at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Happy Thanksgiving! Follow on Twitter @MRSMEIER5627 & like your FB page- Kimberley Rose Meier

    Kimberley Meier
    momof3chaos at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. GFC follower (Debra Guillen) dguillen at kc dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I like you on facebook: Geoff K

    Thanks for the chance to enter, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

    gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. GFC: Stephanie Huff
    Thanks!

    snhoveln (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  77. followed by Twitter @StormyVixen Liked Facebook
    Thanks for sharing the hop and your giveaway. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
    evamillien at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow GFC as Katie Amanda. Thanks!
    katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. gfc follower-erma hurtt
    erma2167@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  80. Pinterest Heather kaufman

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    ncprincess96 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi I follow you on FB Lu Ann Worley.
    Thanks for participating.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thank you for the chance!

    GFC follower - Dovile

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for participating in the hop!!
    Follow on Facebook as Christina Torres-Salas

    huntress023(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Happy Thanksgiving! :) Thanks for a great giveaway! :)

    Follow via Twitter @poshpow

    Marie
    songbird1613 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. You said follow any way you like how about owl (Harry Potter)? LOL!!
    I followed by Facebook
    Tammy Hudson
    Hubtivoli1@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I'm out here!
    tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
    Happy Thanksgiving :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Email subscriber
    monagargATyahooDOTcom

    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  88. Liked you on facebook ..great page Erika Rhodes

    erikalrhodes at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  89. GFC martian girl
    thanks for the giveaway and happy turkey day if you celebrate it!
    jesse
    jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Thanks for the great giveaway! I'm following you on twitter now. I'd like to invite you to join our book-loving community at Booknificent Thursdays at mommynificent.com
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  91. I am here!! Following on GFC Heather B

    ReplyDelete
  92. Followed buy twitter dcpooh55 dcpooh55 AT cox dot net

    ReplyDelete
  93. Thank you! twitter: @tracyjuliano
    ohsopetite1 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. have liked on face book as beverly Gordon andbeen following eveyr other way


    mortalsinn@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I follow via GFC as Toni Porter.

    tp.quixotic AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Following on gfc (angelacisco79)

    ReplyDelete
  97. Following on Twitter (@Ashley_Renn). Thanks for the giveaway! :-)

    morwesong AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I liked on FB KMillheim609@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I follow by GFC: Natasha D
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. GFC follower dolniaks
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    ReplyDelete
  101. I follow via GFC dddiva
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Thanks so much for the great giveaway. starr_greenwell@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  103. FB Ann Smith
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    the.girl.and.the.book at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Thank you for the great giveaway!
    Facebook follower- latisha depoortere
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  105. Follow on Twitter @kappavelvit
    kpuleski@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Hi there! I'm following you via twitter. My twitter name is @semicolorbigd. My email address, which you can use to contact me, is semicolorbigd@gmail.com. Thanks so much for the awesome contest!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Thanks! Followed on Facebook. Holli Joren (holli.joren)

    ReplyDelete
  108. I follow you on GFC as Makaela. My email is in my profile. Thank you for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Follow gfc- Francine Anchondo.

    fmd518 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I'm a new twitter follower.
    @capefearlibn
    catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I am following your blog on GFC as Candie L. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  112. I follow you on fb!
    Alexandra Roach

    ReplyDelete
  113. I'm a GFC follower (Anita H)

    thebigbluewall77(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. GFC: Miss Spell

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ahui89 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. You know mom and I are both big fans of yours. :) Merry Christmas!!!

    ReplyDelete

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