Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Today's Special - - Madeline Martin


I'm so very happy to welcome Madeline Martin to the blog today. I first met Madeline three years ago at the Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight and Magnolias conference. Since then I've followed her writing journey and was excited to pick up a copy of her debut historical romance, Deception of a Highlander when it was published last week. It has everything I look for in a Scottish historical romance! 

You can find more information about Madeline and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.  

Take it away, Madeline!



Everyone knows hurt and, unfortunately, everyone knows darkness.

Three years ago, I went through the greatest hurt of my life. The kind that’s deep and awful and sucks at your soul until it seems like all your insides crumple against one another and it hurts too much to even breathe.

Divorce.

Shared custody.

Loneliness.

I was in a world to which I’d never belonged, a world I’d never wanted to be in. A world where I didn’t even feel like I existed.

But I had a reprieve. I had already signed up for the Georgia Romance Writer’s Moonlight and Magnolia’s conference. I went and it was a blast. I reconnected with old friends, met new ones, participated in author events – for that one brief moment, I got to put all the hurt and ache on hold and just live again.

All good things must come to an end though, and as the conference drew to a close, I felt the press of depression weighing on me. I’d been surrounded by happiness and love. All that waited for me at home was dark nothingness. No one who’d missed me, no strong arms to embrace me, no one to shriek their excitement that Mommy’s home or cover me with sticky kisses.

Nothing.

I’d participated in the raffle, but only put one ticket into the biggest basket. I’m a numbers girl and knew statistically there would be more entrants and fewer winning chances. The baskets were raffled off the last night and I didn’t win. Which is fine – I think most of the fun is watching the reaction of the people who do win. Confession: I love the squealers the best.
The following morning before I drove home, however, there were additional raffles done on the baskets – the ones that never got picked up.
And I WON!

I didn’t just win, I jackpot won – I got the biggest basket, brimming with books and all kinds of goodies, the one I’d only deposited ONE of my tickets into. It was a fabulous way to end a conference.

But it was so much more than that.

I realized on the way home, I was looking forward to getting there. To flicking on the lights in that dark house and unwrapping my motherload basket. The nearer I got, the more excited I was.

Yes, excited.

I didn’t come home to a family, but I did have a wonderful welcome with the basket.

I don’t think I’ve ever unwrapped something with such reverence, with such care. I unfurled the bow, carefully peeled down the petals of cellophane and took out one book at a time. I admired the cover, read the back, touched the glossy, raised title, then moved on to the next one. There were also cooking utensils, which my minions and I still use when making chocolate chip cookies, as well as a journal and a beautiful tray.

It was the most special present I’d ever gotten and meant more to me than words could ever express. And as much as I talk, that’s saying something!

But words are still important. So, I reached out to the woman who’d assembled the basket – PJ Ausdenmore - to thank her profusely and explained to her (with probably way TMI) how much it truly meant to me. I found out recently (when I was congratulating her on winning herself a motherload basket) that she’d kept my message – and that made me love her even more. J

Sometimes the kindness of others translates even more powerfully than they could ever anticipate – I feel like PJ’s basket is a prime example of this. So, if you are considering raffling off anything for your local writer group or any other event, please keep this story in mind and know your basket might be the beautiful light they need in the darkness they’re staggering through.

Though I’ve said it many times over, thank you, thank you, thank you, PJ, for being so genuinely sweet and giving.

Readers, have you ever won something that came just when you needed it most?

Have you checked out Deception of a Highlander yet? 

What do you look for in a Scottish historical romance?

Madeline is giving an e-copy of Deception of a Highlander to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's blog. 


Scottish Romance doesn’t get much steamier—or more dangerous—than a spy hunting her quarry, and losing her heart to him instead.
To pay a seemingly impossible debt, Mariel Brandon has become a spy for Aaron, one of England’s deadliest minds. Aaron’s latest mission for the sharp-witted and daring Mariel is to find two people in a heavily fortified castle on the Isle of Skye, a castle headed by the clan MacDonald and the powerful Kieran. Mariel is to seduce Kieran and get him to take her to Skye. If she succeeds, Aaron promises to let Mariel’s young brother go, and to free both of them from their debt.  If she fails, her brother will die. 
What she doesn’t count on is craving Kieran MacDonald almost immediately upon meeting him. Now Mariel must keep a secret from Kieran—one that could get them both killed—as she tries to form a plan that will save her brother, get her out from under Aaron’s thumb once and for all, and keep her in Kieran’s strong arms forever.  


Here's what I (PJ) wrote in my Amazon review of Deception of a Highlander

A woman forced to spy - and more - to keep a loved one safe. An honorable man who never aspired to be laird, now tasked with keeping those within his care safe. Mariel is ordered to find two people on Skye by convincing Kieran MacDonald to take her with him when he leaves London to return home. With this final mission, she hopes to clear her debt and secure her young brother's release from the dastardly Aaron. Get in, find the targets and get out but things don't go according to plan. The people she's seeking are not what she expects. Neither is Kieran MacDonald. Before long, she stands in danger of losing her heart to the man she's been sent to deceive. If her mission succeeds, innocents could die. If Kieran uncovers her plot, it could mean her death and that of her brother. But can she trust him with the truth when no man has ever given her reason to do so?

Deception of a Highlander by Madeline Martin has everything I enjoy in a Scottish historical romance. With her well-developed characters, tightly-woven, fast-paced plot, and range of emotion, Martin writes more like a seasoned veteran than a debut author releasing her first book. This is an author to watch.


Possession of a Highlander, the second book in Martin's series will be released in August. I've already marked my calendar! 


Love can be the greatest possession.

Brianna Lindsay’s grip on the inheritance that is rightly hers hangs by a thread. If the town finds out her father has died, Brianna will be forced into marriage with her loathsome cousin, Lord Robert, and will lose all of Edzell Castle and its lands. To protect her home, she’ll have to trust a complete stranger, a brooding Highland barbarian who sweeps into Edzell with a small retinue and insists on replacing her Captain of the Guard. He proves his worth by defeating her men and she has no choice but to accept his offer.

Though his motives are suspect, Colin MacKinnon has nobility in his blood and good intentions in coming to Edzell. He seeks his own kingdom, one to rival his father’s, and sets out to conquer Brianna in the best way he knows how—with seduction.

Brianna never thought of all the wealth she protects, the one thing she has left completely vulnerable is her heart. Colin never thought that of everything he stands to achieve, he might have to face the unexpected pain of loss. Together, they must navigate a treacherous world of spies and intrigue, of legacy and fidelity, of love and betrayal, to find what is truly worth possessing. 


36 comments:

  1. Hi Madeline .... it seems a good time to read a Scottish romance, with the Scottish Nationalists riding high in polls for the coming election here in the UK. Did you visit Skye and Dunvegan castle perhaps when researching for the book. The forbidding backdrop of the Black Cuillin mountains and the stunning scenery make the perfect setting for a romance I think. The Scottish boat song recalling the flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie to Skye was a favourite of mine as a youngster!

    Looking forward to trying the book :)

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    1. Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, Q! I do love those highlanders. One of these days I'm determined to make over for a visit.

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  2. Thank you so much - it definitely is a good time to read a Scottish romance! :) I visited Skye, but went later in the season and Dunvegan had just shut down for the off-season. I did, however, go to the remains of Knock Castle where Deception of a Highlander is set. :) I'm going back to Scotland next year (because I'm in LOVE with it and am using my next series as an excuse to go back) and will definitely check out Dunvegan then! I'll have to look up that song - thanks for letting me know about it and thank you so much for commenting. :)

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  3. Great story! But then you'd be one to know about kindness, sharing yours with me when I needed it. SO thrilled and excited for your success!! (No need to enter me in the drawing, BTW; I already have my copy.) :-) HUGS!!!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Carla!

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    2. Aw, thank you, Carla!! <3 :) You're so wonderful!! *HUGS*!!

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  4. Welcome, Madeline! Thank you for that beautiful blog. I was so touched by the note you sent after winning the Dish's raffle basket. I had no idea you were going through such a painful time that weekend at M&M. I'm so glad our basket was able to bring you a smile and lighten your worries a bit.

    Huge congrats on the release of Deception of a Highlander! It's a wonderful story that I'm already looking forward to reading again. :)

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    1. This story has always been such a wonderful memory of mine and I'm so glad I got to share it here. Thank you so, so much for everything!!!! I truly cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate everything from the basket to your friendship and even hosting me here. You're the best! :)

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  5. I love this story, Madeline. What a great message. We don't realize how our actions impact others. Take the time to share a smile or kind word. It could be the only joy in someone's day. So happy we got to spend time together at the recent FCRW retreat! I look forward to seeing you again soon! Congrats on your awesome book!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jan! :) It was one of those pivotal moments that made me really appreciate that as well.
      It was so great to hang out with you at the retreat too - can't wait for the next one!! :) Hopefully I'll be back at meetings again in June :) #PINTS

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  6. Men in kilts...and some humor, that's what I look forward to in my Scottish romances, but there is always at least a little humor to be found in the most thrilling of tales. (And if the tale is Scottish, it's most likely thrilling!) Will have to go look this up.

    I loved-loved-loved this story connection with PJ. HUGS to you, Madeline, and positive vibes for a better, brighter future (though it sounds like you're in it--you have a published novel with a hot kilted man on the cover! Huzzah!!)

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    1. Hi Hellie!

      you have a published novel with a hot kilted man on the cover! Huzzah!!
      I like the beautifully groomed hair. The muscles are of course developed by tossing cabers! LOL

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    2. Ms. Hellion and Quantum, thank you both for those wonderful compliments!! :) You'll find some humor in Deception of a Highlander and a ton of adventure - I truly hope you enjoy it!! :) Thank you so much for your comments on my story - my life is so wonderfully better. Sometimes it's those dark moments that make us appreciate life when it's good :) Thank you!

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  7. Great story about the prize and what a great connection! Years ago, I was at local garden center for their Spring open house. I really, really wanted a Japanese Maple for a section of our garden we were re-working. I looked at the prices and couldn't justify buying one, even on sale, as we had so much to do around our new home. I saw a Japanese Maple was offered as a door prize and put my raffle ticket in its basket. The next day, I got a call and I had won the Japanese Maple! It is thriving and is exactly what was needed in that corner of our yard.

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    1. That's awesome that you have a constant reminder in your garden for such a wonderful surprise win! :) And it's a good thing you don't have the withering thumb-of-death when it comes to gardening like I do. LOL Congratulations on winning such a special and lasting gift.

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  8. I was quite moved by your words. It's wonderful to hear that you've pulled through and are now a successful author! How inspiring - and well done!

    I just went to Amazon and bought the book. I cannot wait to read it.

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    1. Thank you so much, Amy :) I have to say, while that whole experience was not an enjoyable one, I emerged from it stronger than I've ever been before and think I'm a better mother because of it too. I'm certainly a lot more independent. :) I really appreciate all your kind words and thank you for buying Deception of a Highlander - I really hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting :)

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  9. Madeline, congrats on your release!! I look forward to reading it! PJ is a peach, isn't she?!

    I want to tell you about something given to me...not won, but much needed gifts. My husband and I, until 2 1/2 months ago, had been financially strapped; I literally mean to the last dime, don't know how we will make it, since he had been unable to work for 2 years and my teacher's salary is...a teacher's salary. In early December of last year, my sister and her husband gave us 30 pounds of deer burger, and my younger sister gave us a gc to a local quick-stop market. The milk and bread we bought on that gc were staples of our next two months.
    Things have turned around for us, and God is good, always was good.
    Congrats, again!!

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    1. What a wonderful gift from your family, Deb. I'm so glad they were there for you and that things have begun to turn around. I don't think there's a teacher on the planet who is paid what they're worth.

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    2. Wow - that is such a wonderful present. Sometimes gifts really can mean the world to others. I'm so glad you're in a better position now. I completely second what PJ said about teachers not being paid what they're worth. You guys work harder and require more patience than any other profession. For what it's worth, we all appreciate what you do so, so much (even though you might not feel that way some days).

      Thank you so much for your congrats! :) And, yes, PJ is wonderful!!!! <3 :)

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  10. Yes, I won an author's contest prize of a Kindle Paperwhite...which happened just after my old original Kindle pooped out on me. Saved by the bell! Reading is my relaxation and my solace...and my excitement too. I love a good Highlander romance when there is a very brawny warrior or laird and a very canny or strong, feisty lady involved. And I do like the romance to be very sensual. And yes, I "checked out" your release of Deception of a Highlander and it is at the top of my amazon "Wish List"! Thanks so much for this post. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Wow - saved right in the nick of time!! :) I'm a total bookworm and get how relieved you must have been.
      Aw, thank you so much, Janice! I truly hope you enjoy it!! :)

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  11. Dang! I think I just hit the jackpot with your post! A few years ago I lost someone very dear to me but for some crazy reason (and I realize that now) I didn't allow myself to grieve. So of course my life took a turn for the worse, and everything around me went from ok to loneliness, emptiness, and sadness. One of those dark days that I was feeling down I decided to pick up a book and in that book I found the voice that I couldn't find in myself, but lucky for me the author was putting into words what I was actually feeling inside. I've always loved to read but it wasn't until that particular moment that I realized how much I could actually learn from books about myself and others. Ever since then books are part of my daily life, I've joined online reading groups, attend FB parties, and can proudly say I am a member of one of the most beautiful and supportive reading communities there could possibly be, that of Romance of course.
    Can't wait to read your Scottish heroes!
    JoannaM

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    1. Joanna, I'm so sorry you had to suffer through loss. Going through that kind of pain is so, so horrible. I'm glad you were able to find such solace in reading and that it helped you heal from your hurt. :) When I was in middle school and high school, I was such a book worm, I had more friends in the school library than in the actual school. I felt such a connection to those characters and they helped me through many a "teenage crisis" (yes, you may roll your eyes, because we all know teenagers are... LOL). I love that you are such an avid reader because I truly understand the connection and deep appreciation you mentioned. :)
      I have to chuckle at your header - Ms Awesome - because on FB and Twitter, I refer to my boyfriend as Mr. Awesome (named per my OldestMinion). I'm going to have to tease him that his other girlfriend posted here ;)
      Thank you so much for sharing your story and for your excitement to read Deception of a Highlander. :)

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    2. LOL ... maybe your BF and I are related, not dating hehe ;)
      I hear you, books can be such a beautiful escape, can't they? =D

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    3. Good point! ;) LOL And, yes, they really can be :)

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  12. Can I count 'winning' my husband's heart? We met when I moved cross country for a temporary job assignment. I was in a decent place professionally, but a very, very dark place in my personal life. I was engaged to an emotionally abusive guy and honestly didn't believe that I deserved more from life and didn't realize how bad my situation really was. By taking the temporary assignment I got away from the situation a bit, met the guy I've been married to for 23 years now - a guy who constantly shows me how lucky I am. Better yet, he feels like he's the lucky one. :-D

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    1. Emotional abuse is so hard because the hurt is all internal and it's so much harder to convince yourself to leave - I'm glad you were able to get away long enough to realize you deserved more, and long enough to find someone worthy of your. :) I think that's a great case of winning something wonderful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story, Glenda. :)

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  13. I look for cultural and historic accuracy, well developed characters, and a good story line. Both books sound like they have just what I am looking for.
    I was lucky enough to win an all expense paid trip to Puerto Rico. It was a mixed I felt so guiltkk
    We needed the break, but we left the day after our grandson was set to concentrating on

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    1. Sometimes, we need to take time for ourselves and that's entirely OK, even if it means missing out on pieces of our other life - especially because there will always be more moments to catch up on. I would have gone to Puerto Rico too. ;) And now you have the wonderful memories from that trip to look back on too. :)

      Thank you so much for the compliments on my books. :) I had a great time researching for it and even went to Scotland and visited the castles I wrote about - it was an absolutely amazing trip and I came away with SO much!

      Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :)

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    2. I must have been half asleep when I typed the above. I felt guilty about the trip to Puerto Rico. Our daughter's husband was in basic training. We left the day after the baby was born leaving her alone to take care of a newborn, recover from the birth, get her younger brother too and from school every day, and house/pet-sit for us. Her inlays came down to help and we (and she) thought they would stay a few days. They stayed two nights and left the day after we did.

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    3. Sounds like you at least tried to get something backed up with her inlaws and definitely can't be held accountable for them not staying longer. I'm sure your daughter understands. :)

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  14. Give me men in kilts and I am happy.

    I won the most beautiful linen tea-towel once. I use it to wrap up warm scones.

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    1. That sounds so wonderful - tea-towel wrapped warm scones. And I love when I win something I can use regularly and remember winning - it's always a good feeling. LOL - glad you like men in kilts so much. I do too! :) Thanks so much for coming by and commenting :)

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  15. In September of 2004 our area was hit by two hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Our building lost the back half of it's roof. Not only did we have to replace cabinets and flooring and furniture, I also I lost all of my mementos and books. That's a crushing blow to an avid reader. I can't remember the exact month, maybe February, I entered a contest of Vicki Lewis Thompson. I won the grand prize of $400 to replenish my book supply. It made me so happy to pick up a book and escape the mess we had to deal with for over a year.

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    1. Wow - I bet that was scary! I'm so glad you didn't lose the entire house (though it sounds like the damage was still considerable). That is so wonderful that you won a way to replenish your book supply. I'm a huge bookworm and have a massive collection of my favorites on hand...and some times doubled on my kindle...and tripled on my audible account...you get the idea LOL I'm so glad you won that prize and that it helped you through everything :) Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing, Laurie :)

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