I am thrilled to be in the home stretch to releasing By Arrow and Sword, Book Two in my Dahlquin Series, this month – a family saga set in Medieval Ireland, where life is always in the balance; music is medicine; and anything is possible in the saddle if you are willing to be your own hero.

Yes – this book picks up at the end of Archer’s Grace, Book One.

Yes – By Arrow and Sword was also written to stand alone. I needed the excellent editing skills of Historical Fiction’s own, Jenny Q, https://historicaleditorial.com/ . She had not read Archer’s Grace, thus was instrumental in making By Arrow and Sword accessible to first time readers, well, ALL readers. I am so grateful for her patient guidance, like a mid-wife, bringing a new book into the world.

What To Expect

Alight with love’s first kiss, Eloise’s quest to save her family and Ireland continues in By Arrow and Sword upon arriving in Leinster, where she is unwillingly placed in the guardianship of High Lord Gerald FitzGilbert. Leinster is presumed a safe refuge for Eloise to heal, but treachery, murder, and old hatreds are inescapable. More secrets, more deceit. How is an injured, seventeen-year-old maiden to protect herself? What alliances can she build? What is the fate of her home and family – Dahlquin?  And Roland?

Traversing treachery and deceit, Lord Roland of At-March battles his way back to the siege to save Connacht and lay claim to his unseen estate. Will his greatest challenge be facing Eloise’s father, the Barbarian of Dahlquin? He has been fighting all his life; can he now become a peacekeeper?

A war-torn country lies between Eloise and Roland as they try to make their way back to each other, navigating a political landscape fraught with intrigue and betrayal. One threat is vanquished, but others loom in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to seek their revenge.

The Saga Continued

The Dragon Lord, A Winter Solstice Tale, is a short story, jumping ahead in the saga. Watch for free downloads of this story, or read this and more in Unlocked, our first Paper Lantern Writers Anthology.

No Rest For This Series Writing Author

The Highest Love, Book Three is under rewrite, and I already have a title and cover art thanks to Dee Marley of White Rabbit Arts (https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/author-services/book-cover-design) this book ought to come out much sooner than my last sequel. The political landscape of thirteenth century Ireland is as volatile as a Roman god, and cold and slippery as ice. Eloise continues to seek wisdom and faith in a world of hypocrisy and falsehoods. Roland must face his own demons. Can he change destiny?  What is the highest love?

Historical Fiction Lovers

Not only have I been word dancing in Dahlquin, but Paper Lantern Writers have been giga busy in the non-fiction world, creating Crafting Stories from the Past: A How-to Guide for Writing Historical Fiction. One guess which chapter – specifically – I was asked to write? This book is deep and unlike other such How-To guides, we are providing a large reference list for reader’s research. Answer to question: How to Portray Horses Accurately.

Thank you for reading along with me. When I’m not deep in Dahlquin in my writing and research, you can find me at the barn with my beloved horses, Red Elf, Mystic, and Desejo, or in Reno with the grandkids. I’m a writing and riding grandma.