Monday, December 29, 2014

Time to... CALL DOWN THE MOON

Recently I've been blogging about my trip to Ireland and Scotland. I've been to Ireland twice before and Call Down the Moon, which releases as an ebook today, was inspired by a lot of what I saw on those earlier trips. Although the book, a reincarnation/time romance, takes place mostly in contemporary Denver, it begins (and ends) in Ireland. But a far different Ireland than the one I saw this last trip.
 This is dark age Ireland. People have lived here several thousand years already, and the land is dotted with tombs and stone monuments from long-forgotten cultures. Some of their ancient beliefs linger, although most tribes have converted to the new faith of Christianity. Years of human habitation has already dramatically altered the land. 

 
 
But there are still wild places where few people venture. Deep valleys, dark forests, hidden caves.
    

 It's in this timeless realm of trees and rocks and water that my heroine Aisling grows up, among a sect of priestesses, the Nine Sisters, who honor the old ways and preserve the ancient magic. By tradition, they are healers, and that's why Irish prince Connar mac Donal dares to venture into their hidden world. His foster brother Fergus is near death from a hunting injury, and Connar knows the Sisters are his only hope.

When Aisling and her birth sister Siobhan greet Connar and lead him to the Sisters' cave, the connection between Aisling and Connar is immediate and profound. Connar knows he is entering a forbidden, haunted realm, and normally he would be terrified. But Aisling's gentle manner and tranquil beauty reassure him. They reach the cave and older Sisters begin to work their magic. During the unsettling ceremony, Connar focuses on Aisling and feels the link between them grow stronger, so strong that he will be compelled to defy his father and seek out Aisling again and again.

They are soulmates, their spirits so deeply bound together that Connar believes nothing can part them. And when the conflict between the Sisters and his tribe results in Aisling's death, Connar is desperate enough to do anything to be reunited with her. Even use magic to travel to the future to reclaim his beloved.  

The story then switches to 21st century Denver, a distinctly less mystical and, except for the majestic Rocky Mountains on the horizon, less picturesque setting than dark age Ireland. But even in Denver, the magic of that ancient world still lingers, and when Aisling, now Allison, meets Connar, the memories of her long-ago life begin to return to her, sometimes with terrifying clarity.

 As for what happens next, you'll have to read the book!
 

 

 

 

16 comments:

  1. Hi Mary, Excellent post...love the pictures. Congrats on today's release!

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  2. Love the post. Breathtaking photos!! I want to be there !! ;) Best of luck in the new release.

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  3. Lovely and inspiring post! I enjoyed it and the photos of Ireland! Congratulations on your new release! Sounds fascinating!

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    1. Thanks, Vonda. I'm pretty amateur compared to you, so I have to take a lot of pictures to get decent ones.

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  4. Loved your post and your pictures are to die for! Gorgeous place!

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    1. Thanks, Hebby. It's only been three months since I was there and I already want to go back!

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  5. Thank you, Hebby. I love Ireland, but I probably won't get back for awhile. My next trip is to Wales, also a beautiful place.

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  6. Wow, what lovely photos, Mary! I love how green it is there. I've always wanted to visit Ireland, ever since I was little and my mom told me I was half Irish. :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Karen. There is something about Ireland that seems to get in people's blood and call to them.

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  7. As a lover of Ireland myself (and we're going there again next summer!) I was particularly charmed by your pictures. I can't explain why the place captures my imagination so, but it most certainly does. And your book sounds intriguing!

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    1. Thanks for reading my blog. In the summer it will be even greener. First time I went was mid-June and it was incredible how green it was.

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  8. Hello Mary.
    A bit late but congrats on the release! That story is on my "to read" list. The premises are haunting... "Make her fall in love with her again" WOW! BTW, love your pictures. :D
    Annie (aka Kelly Ann Scott)

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    1. Hi Annie, Thanks for stopping by. I love to share my love of these places.

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  9. Amazing setting for romance. Teaser was thrilling! Pictures are just classic

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