Love Highlanders? Here's a New Book, New Series from Lane McFarland

I am thrilled to welcome my good friend Lane McFarland for a special appearance at the Book Corner today. Lane is celebrating a brand new release, TO SUPPORT A KING, the first in an exciting series called THE TURNBERRY LEGACY. You'll recall Lane's first series, the popular Daughters of Alastair Macdougall. Welcome Lane!

Thank you so much for having me today!

Tell us a little about you and your new book.

I’m a historical romance book junkie. I love to throw my imagination into years gone by, research dark periods of strife and violence, justice and quests for freedom, and dream of what it might have been like to have lived and survived during these hostile periods.

My THE TURNBERRY LEGACY series begins in October 1301, a time of unrest between Scotland and England. It has been such fun to research this period and imagine living amongst the clans. Here is a little about the series and the first book:

The Turnberry Legacy Series

At the turn of the fourteenth century, danger abounds with Scotland’s leadership in flux. Amidst rumors of King Edward reinstating John Balliol to the throne, Robert the Bruce commands his most trusted men to resurrect The Turnberry Bond, a pact specifying loyal Scots and Irish nobles band together in resistance against all adversaries. Follow the rebel warriors fighting for the rightful king of Scotland and their struggle with honor and love as their lives become intertwined with the brave women who challenge them.

To Support a King ~ Book One

Plagued by atrocities he committed against innocent victims while pursuing his father’s killers, Laird Mangus MacAndrew pledged to defend and provide for his clan. But his leadership is tested when two of his ships are attacked and his crews massacred. Desperate to fulfill his obligation to protect the clan, Mangus agrees to help reinstate The Turnberry Bond. His mission—garner support for the Bruce and avenge the deaths of his men.

The MacAndrew clan provides Catriona Butler something her Irish home could not, a safe haven. But when she receives a missive her brother is imprisoned and will be executed unless acceptable éraic can be obtained, she must return to her homeland.

Mangus agrees to take Catriona to Ireland and vows she will not become a distraction, but he longs to be near her. Catriona witnesses Mangus’s fierce anger and grows distrustful. After a life of suffering her father’s vicious temper, she is skeptical of anyone with a penchant for violence. She attempts to keep her distance, but her traitorous heart pulls her in Mangus’s direction.

With the fate of the kingdom on his shoulders, will Mangus reunite the men of The Turnberry Bond? Can he pursue vengeance against his enemies without taking more innocent lives? And can Catriona free her brother and grow to trust Mangus, staying true to her heart?

How about an Excerpt from TO SUPPORT A KING?

Catriona looked forward to the merriment of supper. On the dreariest of days, the MacAndrew clan cheered her soul and gave her a glimpse of how happy life could be.

Rather than the usual roar of conversations, loud guffaws, and shouts, a low hum permeated the crowded room. If she had to guess, she would venture to say the entire clan had assembled and were either sitting at the long trestle tables or standing, lining the walls.

Catriona leaned into Morna and whispered, “’Tis most strange, the subdued atmosphere.”

“Aye. They await Mangus.”

She peered at Morna. “I donnae understand.”

“He asked the clan to gather.” The corners of her friend’s mouth drooped. “I suspect it concerns the loss of his ships and men.”

The laird’s words floated through her mind. We’ve recently suffered an attack. I cannae risk sending out my crew.

The hum quieted. Upon the raised dais, MacAndrew stood behind the table and faced the expectant clan. Morna and Catriona stopped at the back of the room in respect for the laird.

“By now ye have all heard the news about the Treasa and the Dìlseachd.”

Gasps and cries resounded.

“What whoresons did this?” Maddock’s gruff voice rose above the din.

“Kill the curs!” Glendon yelled.

Clansmen pounded the tables and everyone shouted at the same time, the roar deafening. Iver’s flushed face grimaced with his bellow. He shook his fist, the aggressive move uncharacteristic.

“Let’s go after them,” Michael shouted and nudged his brother.

Tavin, who was forever jovial, stood stoic, his arms crossing his chest. “I’m ready,” he hollered.

Laird MacAndrew held up a hand and waited until the outrage settled. Powerful legs braced apart, he crossed his arms and scanned the crowd. His gaze rested on Catriona. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Morna study her, but Catriona could not look away. Finally, he continued to consider the rest of the group.

“All ships remain ashore until I determine what happened.” He spoke in a resounding voice. “We sail tomorrow afternoon to root out the responsible curs. As I told the grieving families, I will find the hell-spawn who did this and make them pay.”

Men, women, and children jumped and shouted cheers and praise for Laird MacAndrew. His head tilted back slightly as he viewed the cheering crowd. When he sat at the table, the clan resumed the usual boisterous conversation with an occasional shout of triumph over the whoresons.

Morna tugged Catriona’s sleeve. “Come, let’s have something to eat.”

Catriona followed her friend, staying close to Morna’s back as she weaved between raucous clansmen and servants bearing trays laden with platters of roasted venison and pork. The aroma beckoned her to pinch a small piece as the women passed. Her hand rose, but she thought better of it. She felt his eyes on her.

Like a bee drawn to nectar, she glanced at the dais.

The corner of the laird’s mouth rose in the slightest smile.

She paused. Her heartbeat raced at his inspection, the rake of his regard across her body. A flush spread over her cheeks. A tightening started between her legs. Ashamed of her brazen reaction, she hurried to catch Morna. She had best leave soon lest she lose sight of her objective.

Kinnon needed her.

~~~

You work in the technical, data oriented word of IT and software programs. What made you decide to write fiction, and specifically, romance?

My background is in accounting and operation systems management. I worked as a financial systems analyst for a large corporation for many years, but left that life to sell financial software. During the day, I travel around the country giving presentations and demonstrations of my company’s solution, but at night in my hotel room, sitting on the airplane, or while waiting for my team at Starbucks you’ll find me writing.

Kathleen Woodiwiss introduced me to historical romance when I was a young teenager. I have been hooked ever since. The Flame and the Flower, The Wolf and the Dove, and Ashes in the Wind will always hold a special place in my heart.

Why did I choose romance? Because I love it! Stories run rampant through my head. I’m constantly pulling out my phone to jot down ideas for books, characters, or scenes. What a wonderful stress reliever to escape into worlds of intrigue with timeless love and happily-ever-after endings.

You are an active member of the Romance Writers of America. How has your membership influenced your writing career? Are you a member of other writing organizations?

Six years ago, I dipped my toe in the writing world with Romance Writers of America. Through that membership, I joined romance writers’ organizations Hearts Through History, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart. I served as Treasurer of Hearts Through History for a couple years and became actively involved in the chapter. It was during that time when I joined the critique group. I met some amazing authors who have become good friends. They have helped me tremendously! I wouldn’t be writing if it wasn’t for their wonderful support and encouragement.

How did you decide to write about Medieval Scotland rather than another romance era/genre?

I like most any kind of romance novel, but my heart has always been drawn to the medieval period, particularly in Scotland, Ireland, and England. That said, I plan to write stories spanning the early Middle Ages through the American Civil War. While my books are fiction, each one is based on historical facts, and you will often see known figures such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, or The Red Comyn make guest appearances. All my stories revolve around human struggles, sacrifices survivors are forced to make, and their resilience to live and thrive.

You’ll find my books follow different series. I love to read stories that continue through secondary characters. As a matter of fact, the books I’m currently writing branch off from my first series, The Daughters of Alastair MacDougall. Throughout Cameron, Heather, Lindsey, and Elsbeth, you will meet colorful individuals whose stories beg to be told. To Support A King tells the story of Laird Mangus MacAndrew, who was first introduced in Lindsey, and he showed up again in Elsbeth.

Escaping into a world of brawny Highland warriors and feisty lasses as they fight for independence, stories of daring pirates, raiding Vikings, and valiant knights, transports me to an era filled with strife and hardships only to be overcome by everlasting love.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

Throwing my imagination into years gone by, researching dark periods of strife and violence, justice and quests for freedom, and dreaming of what it might have been like to live and survive during these hostile periods have been the most fascinating aspects of writing historical romance.

Doune Castle. photo by Lane McFarland

My Daughters of Alastair MacDougall series begins in May 1297, a time of unrest between Scotland and England. My new series, The Turnberry Legacy picks up right after Elsbeth’s story ends in 1301. It has been such fun to research this period and imagine living amongst the clans.

Readers love your strong female heroines. Tell us a bit about their personalities.

I have always admired strong women who can take care of themselves, fight for what they believe in, and who don’t give a whit about social norms. But women’s femininity and their softer side are equally important. My female heroines have a mixture of both. They are independent, but their hearts are complete with their beloved heroes.

Where can readers find you?

I love to hear from readers! Here is my email address: mcfarland.lane@gmail.com
Website:  http://lanemcfarland.com
FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/LaneMcFarlandAuthor
Twitter:  @LaneMcFarland

Where can readers find your books? Here is my author page. You’ll find my books listed on Amazon.

Thank you for sharing your debut week with us, Lane. Please come back soon.

Thank you for having me!

About the Author:

Although I’ve always loved to write, no one could’ve convinced me that someday, I would become a bestselling author. It’s truly a dream come true.

Starting out as an accountant in line with the rest of the corporate echelons struggling up the proverbial ladder, I soon realized the long nights and numerous weekends of closing books and reporting financial results no longer appealed. So, I decided to hit the road selling financial software. Jumping from one high-pressured frying pan into the other, the stress of the road- warrior life and constant deadlines took its toll. I needed a release and found that with my face buried in historical romance books, I could escape to worlds of intrigue with timeless love and happily-ever-after endings. Today, I am fortunate to have found my true passion in writing of spirited heroines and to-die-for-heroes and the romantic love stories between them.

 @LaneMcFarland @choirlady76

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