A new contract!

I'm having trouble again with my blog, but wanted to announce my newest contract with The Wild Rose Press. My Civil War romance, Cole's Promise, will be part of TWRP's new 'Love Letters' series. I'm really excited with this newest contract.

I'll post the blurb when I get this all sorted out, but for now, you can view the blurb at my website on my books page. Scroll all the way down.

Finished edits...finished story...

Just sent the second round of edits for Cassidy's War back to my editor. And I also completed the first draft of my new Civil War set novella, Cole's Promise.

And next week I'm off to vacation in Gettysburg. I've been working hard on both projects and am looking forward to a much needed break. When I return, I'll re-read Cole's Promise and start making revision notes.

In the meantime, I'll start fooling around with a blurb for the novella.

And if you scroll down, you'll see my beautiful cover for my American Victorian post-Civil War romance novel, Cassidy's War.

And the winner is...

Vonnie Davis is the winner of my contest and I’ll be sending her a copy of Confederate Rose once I hear back from her! A big thanks to everyone who commented.

Over at Victoria Gray's blog today

I'm at Victoria Gray's blog posting about why I write Civil War romances. Stop by and say hi!

Got a contract!

Already signed and sent off a contract for one of the short stories I sent to True Romance magazine, so now I'm down to two submissions out. But this contract really energized me. I'm really in the zone writing the first draft of my time travel novella. Latest word count is 8499.

I've decided to stick to my original title of Thoroughly Modern Amanda. I thought about changing it, but the title seems to fit the story.

I'm also psyched because author Victoria Gray is going to be a guest on my blog next week. Her first novel, Destiny, is a Civil War romance and a great read out with The Wild Rose Press. I also have her new book, Angel in My Arms, on my Nook. I'll be reading that soon.

So, be sure to stop back February 9th to learn all about Victoria and her Civil War set romances.

Northern Roses and Southern Belles is an Eppie finalist!

Just found out my Civil War anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles is a finalist in the Eppie's. For more info, click here.

It's not exactly Thursday, but...

I'm two days late with my Thursday excerpt this week, but better late than never.

This week I'm featuring an excerpt and reviews from my award winning Civil War romance, Confederate Rose.

Excerpt:

Her pale cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. She lifted one white, bare arm from the quilt to gesture at the clothing drying by the fire. "Now didn't you tell me to hang yer things out to dry?"

Alex grimaced. He had told her to do that. But he hadn't expected her to go through his pack. "So I did," he admitted.

She slipped her arm back into the quilt and lifted her chin. "'Tis an apology I should be expecting, Mr. Hart."

"Apology? You were going through my things."

"Because you ordered me to see to yer wet clothes."

Alex didn't think he'd win this argument. "Very well, ma'am. I apologize if I've offended your fine sensibilities in any way."

She straightened and hugged the quilt, eyeing him regally. "I accept yer apology, Mr. Hart."

"Well then." He hesitated and dropped his gaze. Her wide eyes drove his thoughts to ideas best left alone. That and the knowledge of what little she wore under the quilt. He cleared his throat. "I suggest we bed down for the night."

"Not until you get yerself out of those wet clothes."

His brows shot up. "I beg your pardon?"

"Ye'll surely not be sleeping in those wet things. 'Tis by the fire ye'll be needing to hang them."

His gaze settled on the clothes draped over the two chairs. Steam rose from them. "But those clothes aren't dry yet."

"Ye'll not be needing clothes to sleep." She grinned mischievously. "We've plenty of blankets."

Read opening chapters
Reviews and contest wins

Praise for Confederate Rose!

1st place historical category of First Coast Romance Writers 2010 Beacon Contest for Published Authors!

2nd place historical category of 2010 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Award!

"Need to Read" at You Gotta Read Reviews!!

"The writing flowed smoothly. I liked the way the romance developed between Katie and Alex. The conflicting emotions they each face make this an engaging story. If you like a romance wrapped in the conflicts of the Civil War you will definitely enjoy this book!"

4 ribbons at Blue Ribbon Reviews at Romance Junkies!

"CONFEDERATE ROSE is a magnificent work of fiction...Blended with a well developed romance, this historical is one that will grab hold of your heart and tear at your emotions. I highly recommend this charming historical and it will allow you to revisit the past while you stay in the present."

Links to read full reviews

To purchase Confederate Rose
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/confederate-rose-p-3672.html?zenid=674298e057bc659fa6b95937291848f0

Blogging Today at Slip Into Something Victorian

Today's my day to post over at Slip Into Something Victorian. I posted an excerpt from my award winning Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, and giving a sneak peek into my new work in progress set in Victorian America.

Giving away copy of Erin's Rebel

If you liked the latest review for my time travel, Erin's Rebel, you'll have a chance to win a pdf copy over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. I'm talkin about how Civil War reenacting was the main influence in creating this story.

Excerpt from Civil War romance, Confederate Rose

In the latest review from You Gotta Read Reviews, reviewer Martha said, "The writing flowed smoothy. I liked the way the romance developed between Katie and Alex. The conflicting emotions they each face make this an engaging story. If you like a romance wrapped in the conflicts of the Civil War you will definitely enjoy this book!"

And remember to leave a comment on this or any of the previous posts to be entered in the box of books contest. Scroll down to see list of books.

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant Katie Rose O'Reilly vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. When she falls and almost drowns in a swollen stream, Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever, keeping his identity secret from the feisty and beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himseld falling in love with her. Can Katie reconcile her loyalties with her love?

Excerpt:

"I'm hating to have to say it, since I'd accused you of being a thief, but I stole something from you." She looked away.

"What could you...?" He racked his mind trying to figure out what she could have taken.

"I went through yer pack."

"In Patrick's tent?"

"No, weeks ago back at the cabin. I went through it to try to learn more about you when you were in the stable. I found a letter and took it but didn't have time to read it until now."

Alex swallowed.

"It was a Federal dispatch. Yer a Yankee."

His chest tightened. No wonder he'd been unable to find the dispatch. She'd had it all along. "What do you intend to do?" He hoped she wouldn't discover his real motive. He could never harm her.

"You lied to me the whole time," she said, disbelief marring her delicate features.

He exhaled the breath he'd held. "I had no choice."

"If I'd known you to be a Yankee, I'd have shot you the first chance I got." Her eyes glittered in the light of the fire. "You touched me...pretended to care fer me. And all the while, you lied to me."

The raw hurt on her face broke his heart. He'd deceived her. He couldn't deny it. "What do you intend to do?" he asked again.

She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Alex, but 'tis me duty to turn you in."

To purchase Confederate Rose http://www.thewildrosepress.com/confederate-rose-p-3672.html?zenid=fe79a522823b0fc76fbc5070e6f44e13

Read opening chapters at www.susanmacatee.com/confederateroseone.html

And be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the box of books!

Found a great review in my inbox today!

Romance Junkies gave my historical romance, Confederate Rose, 4 ribbons!

To quote reviewer, Suzie Housley, "... Blended with a well developed romance, this historical is one that will grab hold of your heart and tear at your emotions. I highly recommend this charming historical..."

Read full review at Romance Junkies.

Thought It Would Be Fun...

...to post a new excerpt from my latest release, Confederate Rose.

Her pale cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. She lifted one white, bare arm from the quilt to gesture at the clothing drying by the fire. "Now didn't you tell me to hang yer things out to dry?"

Alex grimaced. He had told her to do that. But he hadn't expected her to go through his pack. "So I did," he admitted.

She slipped her arm back into the quilt and lifted her chin. "'Tis an apology I should be expecting, Mr. Hart."

"Apology? You were going through my things."

"Because you ordered me to see to yer wet clothes."

Alex didn't think he'd win this argument. "Very well, ma'am. I apologize if I've offended your fine sensibilities in any way."

She straightened and hugged the quilt, eyeing him regally. "I accept yer apology, Mr. Hart."

"Well then." He hesitated and dropped his gaze. Her wide eyes drove his thoughts to ideas best left alone. That and the knowledge of what little she wore under the quilt. He cleared his throat. "I suggest we bed down for the night."

"Not until you get yerself out of those wet clothes."

His brows shot up. "I beg your pardon?"

"Ye'll surely not be sleeping in those wet things. 'Tis by the fire ye'll be needing to hang them."

His gaze settled on the clothes draped over the two chairs. Steam rose from them. "But those clothes aren't dry yet."

"Ye'll not be needing clothes to sleep." She grinned mischievously. "We've plenty of blankets."

Winners of Confederate Rose contest!!

Announcing the winners of my contest for the lauch of my newest romance novel, Confederate Rose.

1st prize - autographed print copy of Confederate Rose
Chris Mead

2nd & 3rd prizes: e-book downloads of Confederate Rose
Edwin R. Harrington & Margaret C. White

Congratulations to all the winners!!

Confederate Rose releases in e-book format on September 25th. And if you're not one of the winners, leave a comment on my release day post and you'll be entered for a chance to win an e-book download.

Win a Copy of Confederate Rose!

Enter my month long contest for the chance to win a copy of my upcoming Civil War romance from The Wild Rose Press, Confederate Rose.

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

Excerpt:

"I'm hating to have to say it, since I'd accused you of being a thief, but I stole something from you." She looked away.

"What could you...?" He racked his mind trying to figure out what she could have taken.

"I went through yer pack."

"In Patrick's tent?"

"No, weeks ago back at the cabin. I went through it to try to learn more about you when you were in the stable. I found a letter and took it but didn't have time to read it until now."

Alex swallowed.

"It was a Federal dispatch. Yer a Yankee."

His chest tightened. No wonder he'd been unable to find the dispatch. She'd had it all along. "What do you intend to do?" He hoped she wouldn't discover his real motive. He could never harm her.

"You lied to me the whole time," she said, disbelief marring her delicate features.

He exhaled the breath he'd held. "I had no choice."

"If I'd known you to be a Yankee, I'd have shot you the first chance I got." Her eyes glittered in the light of the fire. "You touched me...pretended to care fer me. And all the while, you lied to me."

The raw hurt on her face broke his heart. He'd deceived her. He couldn't deny it. "What do you intend to do?" he asked again.

She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Alex, but 'tis me duty to turn you in."

Visit my website for information on how you can win a copy of Condederate Rose, coming September 25th from The Wild Rose Press.

Opening Chapters for Confederate Rose Now Up

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

If the blurb intriques you, you can now read the opening chapters on my website. Go to http://susanmacatee.com/confederateroseone.html

Confederate Rose will be available this September from The Wild Rose Press.

Winner of pdf copy of the Anthology!

Thanks for all the great comments yesterday! It's convinced me there is a market for Civil War romance despite what some publishers say.

And the winner of the pdf download of Northern Roses and Southern Belles is... Celia Yeary!!

Congratulations! Contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com so I can send out your prize!

And for the chance to win even more prizes, including a grand prize of a print copy of the anthology signed by all six authors, follow our blog tour all this week!

Visit the first stop today at http://nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-your-mothers-civil-war-romance.html

And you can follow the remainder of the tour here http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/release-day/

We hope you have a great time learning all about us and our stories and hopefully, win a few prizes along the way.

Win a Copy of Civil War Anthology!

My story, Angel of My Dreams, is part of an American Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, coming July31st to The Wild Rose Press, along with authors Caroline Clemmens, Isabel Roman, Jeanmarie Hamilton, Jennifer Ross and Mary Ann Webber.

And if you leave a comment on my blog today, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a copy!

In a country torn asunder--from the Canadian border to Texas, from Maryland to Arkansas, from the battlefield of Antietam to the Red River Campaign, brave men and loyal women see their lives turned upside down.

Peril lurks behind every tree and near every homestead, but the hard-fought love of a man and a woman surpasses all.

Six talented writers provide stories of romance and danger centering on Union and Confederate soldiers, spies, blockade runners, renegades, and battlefield nurses during a period of corsets, hoopskirts and gentlemen callers.

To give you a taste of the stories in this anthology, here's the blurb and a short excerpt from my story, Angel of My Dreams.

Civil War reenactor, Kyle Dalton, keeps seeing a beautiful woman on the battlefield tending to soldiers, he thinks she's another reenactor. But when she disappears into thin air, he starts to believe he's seen a ghost. Did he have a past life with this woman?

Exceprt:

"Where am I?"

"Shh." She placed a finger on his lips. The scent of lavender invaded his senses.

He frowned when he realized he was lying on a cot wearing his reenactor clothing. Had he dreamed he’d come home?

"The doctor says you'll be fine. He dug out the bullet and stitched up your leg."

"My leg?" Kyle reached down. His pant's leg had been cut apart at the seam. Heavy bandages wrapped around his thigh."This doesn't make any sense. I twisted my ankle. It's fine now."

She took his hand and stroked his forehead. Her touch sent warmth and desire through his body.

"I have to know..." He swallowed. "...your name."

She smiled. "You haven't forgotten me already?"

"I...you never told me."

"Of course I did." She leaned away.

He held tightly to her hand, fearing she'd leave again."Don't go."

Her hand dissolved. He couldn't hold her.

To purchase go to www.thewildrosepress.com/

And if you leave a comment here today, July 31st, you'll be entered for a chance to win a pdf copy. Winner will be announced tomorrow, August 1st.

For more information on this anthology go to www.susanmacatee.com/americancivilwaranthology.html or www.nrandsb.wordpress.com/

Feels Like I've Got a Whole Lot of Balls Up In the Air

As the release date for Erin's Rebel grows ever closer, I feel like a juggler with several balls in the air at once.

I'll be guest blogging and doing interviews on several blogs in the coming weeks. I'm also having a contest on my website for entrants to win a copy of Erin's Rebel. I'll pick the winners on Thursday and announce it on the website as well as here. If you haven't already entered, go to www.susanmacatee.com for details.

In addition, I'm also writing my post-Civil War romance, Cassidy's War, and am nearing the halfway point in that project. I'm also revising Moons of Cynara and polishing the first chapters to enter in a contest. The deadline for that is September 5th.

Also, I've got to start promoting my short story, Angel of My Dreams, part of the Northern Roses and Southern Belles anthology coming out the end of this month.

Although I've got a lot of work ahead of me, I'm loving every minute of it. Writing fiction has always been my dream and now I've found a publisher who actually wants what I write, I'm in heaven!

As an aside, Erin's Rebel, is available now in print. Scroll down and click on the cover for more details. The e-book version will be available this Friday, July 17th.

Win a Free Copy of Erin's Rebel!

The countdown is on for the July 17th release of my first full-length romance novel from The Wild Rose Press, Erin’s Rebel, and I’m having a contest on my website all month long. Starting Wednesday, June 17th, visit my website: http://susanmacatee.com/News.html to find out how you can have a chance to win one of three prizes.

#1 – An autographed print copy of my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

#2 – A download of the e-book.

#3 – A $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press.

The contest will run until July 15th. All three winners will be announced July 16th.

Erin’s Rebel blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt:

The sound of her name on his lips made her skin tingle. She tore the paper off the package. At the sight of the brooch, her breath caught.

"Do you like it?" he asked anxiously. "I had it made just for you."

Eyeing him, she had a hard time finding her voice. This was Erin O'Connell's brooch, the very one that had sent her back in time. It shone in her hands, new and unworn from time and wear.What did this mean? She must be following Erin O'Connell's footsteps. As far as she knew her being here hadn’t changed anything. Will was still destined to die this year.

"I didn’t mean to upset you, Erin. If you don’t want the brooch--"

"No." She clasped the pin against her chest as the meaning of his gift sank in. "It just means so much to me."

His look of concern softened into a lopsided grin. "I'm happy you feel that way."

"Thank you, Will." She slipped the brooch into the pocket of her wrapper, then stood on her toes, lifting her arms to circle his neck. She kissed his cheek, inhaling his musky scent.

His mouth was on hers, hot and urgent. The softness of his moustache and chin beard tickled her lips. She opened to him, her tongue slipping inside to taste him thoroughly. He groaned, pressing the length of his body against her.

Erin's Rebel, coming July 17th from The Wild Rose Press.

Signed off on the galley

We signed off on the galley for Northern Roses and Southern Belles today, so we should be getting a release date soon. We already know it's coming out in July, but I'd like to know how close it will be to the release of Erin's Rebel on July 17th.

I'll keep everyone informed when news comes in, but in case you missed it, here's the blurb again.

Northern Roses and Southern Belles

coming July 2009 to The Wild Rose Press

In a country torn asunder--from the Candian border to Texas, from Maryland to Arkansas, from the battlefield of Antietam to the Red River Campaign--brave men and loyal women see their lives turned upside down.

Peril lurks behind every tree and near every homestead, but the hard-fought love of a man and a woman surpasses all.

Six talented writers provide stories of romance and danger centering on Union and Confederate soldiers, spies, blockade runners, renegades, and battlefield nurses during a period of corsets, hoopskirts, and gentleman callers.