Friday Features’
Author talks about
Christmas in the Highlands
Anthology with 2 stories:
A Family For Christmas and
His By Christmas
by
Madelyn Hill
Christmas is my favorite time of year and I always like to bring the holiday into my novels when possible. A tricky feat when you are warping history in order to fit a storyline. Did I skew dates? Yes. Did I use a traditional Christmas decoration out of time? Yes. (I’m talking about a Christmas tree, here.) But in my defense, I write fiction. And the romantic element of the story tied so nicely with Christmas, I couldn’t resist.
Also, in my defense, I did research and found supporting elements that I took as a sign. First, the 1640 Act of Parliament of Scotland made the celebration of Yule illegal. This ban was officially repealed in 1712, however public celebration could result in harsh punishment. Christmas in the Highlands is set in 1711.
Second, research has shown that the idea of a Christmas tree started well before Christianity. Traditional Christmas celebrations and decorations have roots that go far back into Celtic history. Druids gathered mistletoe for its magical and health giving properties. The Celts burnt the Yule log to counter the dark mid-Winter and saw holly and ivy as important elements to keep evil spirits at bay. Druids also decorated trees with symbols of solar objects and gifts to Celtic gods and goddesses. Some feel this influenced later Christmas traditions. And if you search History.com, you’ll find winter Solstice celebrations by the ancient Egyptians, early Romans, Celts, and Vikings include many elements that are now part of many Christmas traditions such as decorating with evergreen boughs.
And third, as many authors do, I took poetic license as I wrote Christmas in the Highlands to bring together two deserving couples during my favorite time of year. I also like to think, and I believe history has proven, Highlanders are a rebellious bunch who fight for their beliefs and do not like to be governed by Acts of Parliament.
Here’s an excerpt from Christmas In The Highlands – His By Christmas
“I want to woo a wife.”
Brae tipped her head back and laughed. “You’ll not be needing my help with that, lad. Why, I could go in the kitchen and announce you’re looking for a wife and the lasses trample me trying to get to you.”
He chuckled, relaxed in his chair, and crossed his arms over his chest. “I want to woo Fiona.”
Abruptly, Brae sobered and then her eyes widened. “Fiona,” she exclaimed with wonder and a bit of surprise. “Are you certain, lad?”
He grinned. Fiona had earned her contrary reputation honestly. “Aye.”
“Well.” That single word held a heavy dose of skepticism. “‘Twill be tricky. She’s hurting and not likely to receive your attention. She’ll refuse you if you push her.”
Aye. Fiona was an independent woman, but with a vulnerability about her and something painful in her gaze that resulted from more than Mal’s so-called betrayal. Cam had witnessed it too many times. When those green eyes turned sad, it broke his heart. For her soul was strong and if sadness lingered, ‘twas a grievous wound within her.
“Lad, you’ll have to go slowly.” A quick smile flashed on Brae’s aged face. “Little things. Things a lass such as Fiona would appreciate. Nothing obvious.”
Aye, from what he knew of Fiona, she wouldn’t want a gift-giving swain made public. “Could you send a meal to her chamber as a courtesy?”
Brae’s smile forced her wrinkles to crease around her eyes. “For certain, Cam. ‘Tis a kind gesture.” She patted his arm and relayed his desire to one of the kitchen lasses.
His wooing would need to be quick, for if Fiona discovered his plan she’d fight him and the desire he kenned she’d have for him if she just gave him a chance.
Aye, he’d court her, gently but swiftly, for he’d only a fortnight.
And she’d be his by Christmas.
Amazon Buy Link
Blurbs
A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK ONE
Laird Malcolm Sutherland needs a bride. He has few requirements of his new wife; demands he should have insisted on with his former betrothed—namely, honesty, loyalty, and resources.
Lady Rossalyn Gordon will do anything to be rid of her tyrant father, even if that means deceiving the man who offers her an escape. If revealed, those secrets will either bring her mercy, or thrust her back into the hands of the devil who sired her.
When Rossalyn’s bastard of a father arrives at Sutherland Keep, going back on his word and ordering her return, Malcolm must decide if he can forgive his wife enough to listen to his heart and have a family for Christmas.
HIS BY CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK TWO
Fiona Sutherland longs for love with the man she has pined after since she was a lass. When he weds another she is devastated, and questions why the man she pledged her heart to has forsaken a vow made in their youth. Could loving her be so hard?
Cameron Munro adores Fiona from afar, knowing her heart has been set on another. She is everything he desires—strong, loyal, and fiery in spirit.
Determined, he pledges to prove his love to her and win Fiona’s heart by Christmas.
BIOGRAPHY
Madelyn Hill is an historical author who loves the lure of Scotland, captivating Highlanders and the strong women they love.
Many of her novels were finalists for the National Rone Award, which honors literary excellence in romance writing. Highland Honor was awarded the coveted Crowned Heart by In’Dtale Magazine.
Madelyn’s first book, Wolf’s Castle has been #1 in the Historical and Scottish Romance category on Amazon.
Madelyn lives in Western New York with her husband, three adult children, grandson and a naughty dog named Cannoli.
C.D. Hersh 
Thank you for hosting my Christmas Anthology!
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You are very welcome. Wishing you many sales. Hope to have you back soon. Happy Holidays.
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