Trying to get back in the swing of things

The recent holiday season put me behind as well as other non-writing activities I've had to deal with and those distracting reviews that seem to come in all at one time, but I'm almost finished the edits on my newest work in progress, Cassidy's War.

If you haven't already read it on my website, here's the blurb:

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy's War is just beginning.Cassidy Stuart has longed to be a doctor for as long as she can remember. Growing up watching her physician father attend patients and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to attend medical school and start a practice of her own. But in 1870, prejudice against female physicians still abounds. And things grow more complicated by the return of the man who'd left her at the altar five years before, the rakish ex-soldier turned professional gambler, George Masters.

George has been on the run, settling in New York City to live the life of a gambler, while trying to forget hellish memories of the death of his best friend, Cassidy's brother, at Gettysburg, as well as his time in a Confederate prison camp. But his biggest regret was deserting Cassidy two days before their wedding. She deserved a better man, or so he'd thought at the time. Will he now have a second chance to win a place in her heart?

Just have about 20 pages left to edit, then after I check a few notes I'd made during my edits, I'll start on the dreaded synopsis.

Hope to have the query and synopsis in my editor's inbox by mid February.

Wish me luck!

Feeling overwhelmed...

... but in a good way!

While trying to complete edits on my post Civil War work-in-progress and keeping up with posts for a workshop that's helping me with my next wip, I learned my latest anthology, An American Rose Christmas, won book of the week at Long and Short Reviews!

Check it out!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

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.

Another great review for Erin's Rebel!!

I just received a four lips review from TwoLips Reviews for my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

This is what reviewer, Sal, had to say, "Erin's Rebel is rich in history and mystery. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, Ms. Macatee came up with a new twist and another piece of the puzzle. I was delighted to find a time travel with a real reason for going back in time. Anyone who loves history, time travel and stories with unexpected twists will definitely enjoy this awesome book."

To read the full review, follow this link http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4613&Itemid=36

To purchase Erin's Rebel http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=5784c42012f239710ffbeb581360a420

Wow!!!!

Just found out that besides getting another great review on Christmas Day, Erin's Rebel has received a nomination in the romance book category of the Preditors and Editors Poll.

If you feel inclined, I'd appreciate your vote. Polls close on January 14th.

And you can also vote for Northern Roses and Southern Belles in the anthology section.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

Found a Christmas present I'd missed!

A great new review for Erin's Rebel posted on Christmas Day at ParaNormalRomance! Reviewer Karen Michelle Nutt called Erin's Rebel, "Beautifully Done Historical Romance."

She also said, "Recommended Read for paranormal and historical romance readers or it you simply enjoy and good love story!"

Read full review at ParaNormalRomance.org

Winner of An American Rose Christmas download!

Joan K. Maze is the winner of the drawing for a pdf download of An American Rose Christmas at Slip Into Something Victorian!

Congratulations, Joan! Enjoy!

And a big thanks to all who entered!

Still time to leave a comment...

...over at Slip Into Something Victorian for the chance to win a pdf copy of An American Rose Christmas anthology.

My Civil War romance story The Christmas Ball is included. Read excerpt in post below.

Winner of box of romance books!!

The winner of the box of romance books is Karen Michelle Nutter!

Congratulations, Karen!! And a big thanks to everyone who stopped to read my excerpts this week.

Final day to enter to win box of books!

Today is the final day of my excerpt posts and also the last day to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing! Scroll all the way down for the details.

This excerpt is from my December 11th upcoming release in the anthology An American Rose Christmas from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb for my story, The Christmas Ball.

While pretending to be a male soldier, farm girl Sara Brewster falls for a handsome Union army surgeon. When her secret is revealed, will a lavish Christmas Eve ball work in her favor--or will her heart be broken?

Excerpt from The Christmas Ball

She rose, rubbing her hands over her arms. "You won't tell on me, will you? My parents depend on the money I send home."

He sighed. "Not if you don't want me to, but I don't think this is a wise idea. You could serve just as well as a civilian nurse."

She shook her head. "I wouldn't make near enough money, and I like being a soldier."

He rose and settled his hand on her shoulder. "I won't betray your trust, Sara...er, Miss Brewster. I promise."

Her sharp intake of breath sent his gaze to her face. Her full lips parted and a blush colored her cheeks. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand. It was work-roughened, the nails broken, but small, making her seem vulnerable and frail. She'd had a hard life by her reckoning. He wanted to do something for her, to help lighten her workload.

To his surprise, she lifted his hand to her face and kissed the back of it. The softness of her lips on his knuckles sent a shiver through him."Miss Brewster," he said. "This isn't a good idea."

She drew in a deep breath. "Doc Ellison, I've longed to do this ever since I first set eyes on you."

Although the e-book isn't available until December 11th, the print version is already out at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/American-Rose-Christmas-Lori-Anne/dp/1601547293/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260018791&sr=1-1and Barnes and Noble.com, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=an+american+rose+christmas&box=an%20american%20&pos=1 as well as The Wild Rose Press as part of the Christmas bundles http://www.thewildrosepress.com/bundles-c-193.html.

And be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the box of books! Winner to be announced on Monday, December 7th.

Vampire E-book excerpt

My historical vampire romance, Sweet Redemption, is now available from The Wild Rose Press. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for the box of romance books. Scroll all the way down for details.

Reviewer, Fern, of Long and Short Reviews said, "I love books that snag your attention from the start and maintain it throughout, and Sweet Redemption didn't disappoint. The writing is wonderful, the pace is nice and brisk, and the romance between Jon and Maddie is set at a believable simmer...But sure to put this book on your TBR list..."

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She's alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family's farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what’s going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me."

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don't know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"

Jon nodded. "I don't know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn't possibly know."

Purchase Sweet Redemption at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sweet-redemption-p-3750.html?zenid=73ef5f5aba10c9b0be659aae8baa5723

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing.

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!

Excerpt from Civil War romance anthology story

Leave a comment on this post or any other this week and you'll be entered in the drawing for the box of romance books. Scroll down for details.

TwoLips Reviews gave the anthology Northern Roses and Southern Belles 41/2 lips!

About my story, Angel of My Dreams, "Ms. Macatee's tale was a bittersweet morsel of a dream and a hope that Kyle and Josie will find on another in time. Angel of My Dreams stole my heart and Ms. Macatee made this story all the more real by using her knowledge of history and creating characters with deep emotions that break your heart."

When 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?

Excerpt:

A chill ran down Kyle's spine. Josie, that's the name Derek said he'd been calling out last night. "What reenactment group you with?"

She bit her lip. "I'm afraid I don't understand your question, sir."

"You're not with a group? How about one of the civilian groups?"

"Oh, no. I'm here on my own. I want to help in whatever way I can."

Kyle decided to take a different track. "Do you live near Philadelphia?"

"I live in the city, on Chestnut Street."

He glanced at her ring finger. Empty. "Most ladies in my group come with their husbands or boyfriends."

"No. As I said, I'm here on my own."

"Well, can I walk you back to camp? Or are you staying off-site?"

She frowned again. "I stay with the other nurses."

"Great. Lead on, and I'll walk you back."

She smiled, and he reached for her arm. His hand closed on air. "What the hell?"

She gazed at him. "I can't stay."

She dissolved before his eyes.

Angel of My Dreams, part of Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, available now from The Wild Rose Press.

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/northern-roses-and-southern-belles-p-3578.html?zenid=3943ba6b984b80b8d69470519c93ba99

Scroll down to see the list of books I'm giving away. Leave a comment to enter the drawing.

Erin's Rebel excerpt

I'll be posting an excerpt a day from all my new releases, starting with my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. All comments this week will be entered in the box of books giveaway. Scroll down for details.

Night Owl Romance reviewer Melinda says, "Susan Macatee did a great job in showing the full details about the Civil War and lovers reuniting. This is definitely a book worth reading for it brings the war into real focus. Betrayal and a romance that spans all time are brought to life."

Blurb:

Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the 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:

"Ma'am," someone called, startling her. "I'm mighty pleased to see you're up."

She turned in the direction of the deep voice. Am I dreaming? She licked her dry lips as she stared into the dark eyes that had haunted her dreams.

"Ma'am? You look a might peaked."

As he moved closer, her knees turned to jelly. Strong, hard-muscled arms embraced her, offering support. Her head spun. She lifted a hand to stop the motion and encountered wool, a double row of metal buttons and a rock-hard chest. The enticing aroma of sandalwood mixed with a musky, masculine scent, plus a tinge of wood smoke invaded her senses. Had she hit her head harder than she'd thought?

She gazed at his lightly tanned face. Firm lips tilted upward slightly at the corners surrounded by a thin chocolate-colored mustache curving into a neatly-trimmed beard covering only his chin. Thick, dark hair brushed his collar and curled from beneath a broad-brimmed black hat. Her pulse raced as she leaned against his long, solid frame. Night after night in her dreams she'd run her hands through those curls.

"How can you be here?" she murmured.

"Pardon me, ma'am?"

"I don't understand." She tried to wrench from his grasp, but he gathered her close, lifting her into his arms. "What are you doing?"

"Taking you back where you belong?" He carried her back to the tent entrance where Doc peered out.

Erin's Rebel, available at The Wild Rose Press.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6392197bd8e43ed12cbcdf3cacc949c7

And remember to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing. See list of books in post below.

Book Giveaway!

I’m cleaning out my bookshelves to make room for more and am giving away a box of 12 romance titles! These are older copyright dates and are gently used. List is below.

If they spike your interest, just leave a comment on any post from November 30th through December 5th and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win the box of books. Contest limited to U.S. residents.

Book titles and authors

The Grail King by Joy Nash

Heart of Honor by Kat Martin

Cold Ridge by Carla Neggers

Lover’s Bite by Maggie Shayne

Morning Light by Catherine Anderson

The Gift by Nora Roberts

Redemption by Carolyn Davidson

Temptation of a Proper Governess by Cathy Maxwell

Lady Anne’s Dangerous Man by Jeane Westin

Hawk’s Pursuit by Constance O’Banyon

Portrait of a Man by Tracy Fobes

Out of the Night by Robin T. Popp

If you leave a comment, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you, if you're the winner.

New review for Sweet Redemption

I just got a great review for my short Civil War vampire romance, Sweet Redemption! LASR gave it 4 books!

Reviewer, Fern, said, "I love books that snag your attention from the start and maintain it throughout, and Sweet Redemption didn't disappoint. The writing is wonderful, the pace is nice and brisk, and the romance between Jon and Maddie is set at a believable simmer."

Full review at:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/sweet-redemption-by-susan-macatee.html

Christmas story available in print!

My latest release, The Christmas Ball, part of the anthology, An American Rose Christmas, is already available in print as an early bird special at The Wild Rose Press!

Includes novellas by Beth Trissel, Carol A. Spradling, Donna Dalton, Lauri Robinson, Tori Anne and myself.

Reclaimed by his wealthy uncle, former Shawnee captive Corwin Whitfield finds life with his adopted people at an end and reluctantly enters the social world of 1764. His one aim is to run back to the colonial frontier at his first opportunity--until he meets Uncle Randolph's ward, Dimity Scott.

Tory captain Dr. Nicolas Clayton discovers stolen military secrets on a severely injured female spy. When her wounds heal, Holly Masters must decide if she can kill the man who saved her life.

While pretending to be a male soldier, farm girl Sara Brewster falls for a handsome Union army surgeon. When her secret is revealed, will a lavish Christmas Eve ball work in her favor--or will her heart be broken?

Southern belle Marybeth Dawson discovers Santa Claus can't cross the Mason Dixon line--but handsome Union soldier, Trevor Sulton can.When a strong willed upper class New York girl falls for a dashing, compassionate stable boy, it will take a Christmas miracle to bring them together. Thankfully, true love is on their side.

All reformed prostitute Eva Baird wants for Christmas is to have her daughter back in her arms. But gun-toting outlaws, spiteful in-laws, and a sweet-talking stranger with arresting gray eyes threaten to turn her dream into a lump of coal.

Excerpt from my story, The Christmas Ball

She rose, rubbing her hands over her arms. "You won't tell on me, will you? My parents depend on the money I send home."

He sighed. "Not if you don't want me to, but I don't think this is a wise idea. You could serve just as well as a civilian nurse."

She shook her head. "I wouldn't make near enough money, and I like being a soldier."

He rose and settled his hand on her shoulder. "I won't betray your trust, Sara...er, Miss Brewster. I promise."

Her sharp intake of breath sent his gaze to her face. Her full lips parted and a blush colored her cheeks. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand. It was work-roughened, the nails broken, but small, making her seem vulnerable and frail. She'd had a hard life by her reckoning. He wanted to do something for her, to help lighten her workload.

To his surprise, she lifted his hand to her face and kissed the back of it. The softness of her lips on his knuckles sent a shiver through him."Miss Brewster," he said. "This isn't a good idea."

She drew in a deep breath. "Doc Ellison, I've longed to do this ever since I first set eyes on you."

Blogging about vampires and Civil War battles

Blogging today at Slip Into Something Victorian about how the real-life Civil War battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia plays a big part in my newly released vampire novella, Sweet Redemption.

The Winner!

The winner of the pdf download of Sweet Redemption on Dariel Raye's blog is... Patsy!

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

Release Day for Sweet Redemption

My latest release, Sweet Redemption is available today at The Wild Rose Press.

And Dariel Raye is interviewing my hero, Jonathan Hackett, on her blog today. If you leave a comment on the interview post, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a pdf copy of the anthology.

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She's alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family's farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what’s going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me."

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don't know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"Jon nodded. "I don't know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn't possibly know."