Finished first draft!

The first draft of my time travel novella is finished...so, I'm putting it aside until at least June.

Now, my problem is deciding which project to work on next. I have a partially written short story, another one I want to go over one last time...and I've started plotting out a new novella that will be set during the Civil War.

I think the hardest part of writing, for me, is finishing a project, then deciding what to work on next. Finishing a project seems like letting go, even if it's only a first draft that I'll be revising later. And with so many projects in the works to choose from, picking one to get back to is the hardest task of all.

Had a slow down over the past week, but plan to get back on track

Had an unexpected job to take care of over the past week, but now that's finished and I want to get back to producing words for my time travel novella. Have about three chapters left to write and am officially at a word count of 28,426. My projected word count was 30,000, so I'm pretty much where I want to be.

Hopefully, I can get this draft finished without any more interruptions. I plan to print the entire draft out and put it aside for at least a month or two before starting revisions.

For now, I've decided to stick with the title of 'Thoroughly Modern Amanda'.

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.

Back to work on my time travel novella

I just polished up a new short story and sent it off on Monday. Now, I've got three submissions out at once. Yay! Haven't had that many out for a long while.

Now, I'm back to the time travel novella I had to stop work on a while back to finish up my novel. I had to go back and finish up the plot outline, but now it's done. Today I moved around the opening scenes and  wrote an additional 1131 words. I want to keep moving forward until I finish the first draft.

This novella is an offshoot of my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. But the novella takes place 20 years after the war. The hero and heroine of Erin's Rebel are the parents of the novella's heroine, the hero is from our time.

It's fun to work on a piece taken from an existing story. My latest novel is too. Characters and situations already exist from the original story, so it's sort of like moving forward through time and seeing the characters grow.

Finished another story!

I just completed the first draft of a short story today. I printed it out and put it in a folder to edit and polish up later. I'll probably give it another look-over next week.

Tomorrow, I'm going to reaquaint myself with my time travel novella. I'm still not sure what I want to title this one yet. It's based on my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel, but takes place after the war.

I was writing the first draft but stopped to get the revisions done for Cassidy's War. I'll look over what I did so far and try to get back into the swing of the story.

Weekly Excerpts at Slip Into Something Victorian

At my group blog, Slip Into Something Victorian, we're starting a Saturday Excerpt post featuring all of our published books, as well as contracted and even unpublished works.

Today I'm featuring a new excerpt from my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. And come back every Saturday to view a new excerpt post from of one the Scandalous Victorians.

Excerpt from Erin's Rebel

I'm dedicating the remainder of this week to excerpts from all my current releases, starting with my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. The excerpts will run from today to Friday, December 24th. Anyone who enters a comment on all four posts will be entered in a contest to win a $25.00 TWRP gift certificate. Winner, if any, will be announced December 26th.

Erin's Rebel

Chapter One

Erin Branigan had finally found the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, he'd died over one hundred and forty years ago.

On a warm, sunny day in mid-June, she stood in a small, church cemetery in a rural area outside Mason, Virginia. Vivid dreams of a handsome, Civil War soldier had sent her here, but they had also driven a wedge between her fiancé, Rick Meyers, and her. To solve this mystery, she'd called off her wedding two and a half months before. And now today, she hoped what she learned in this graveyard would put a halt to her nightly visions.

Erin kneeled beside the weathered granite headstone of the Confederate captain and traced her finger over the inscription. William James Montgomery; Born September 20, 1833; Died November 23, 1864. Despite the warmth of the day, she shivered, recalling the dark-eyed man and her intense, sometimes sensual dreams. After taking a deep breath, she rose, brushed off her jeans, and snapped a few photos.

"Here's his wife." The caretaker, who'd introduced himself as John, tipped the bill of his black Orioles cap toward the stone beside Montgomery's.

Erin glanced at it. Anne Eugenia Montgomery: Born October 3, 1833; Died September 15, 1861.

"She was so young," she said.

The caretaker lifted his cap and ran a liver-spotted hand through his thinning, gray hair. Replacing the hat, he turned to indicate the old, stone-walled church. "The records show she died shortly after William enlisted in the Confederate Army."

Erin nodded. Her grandmother had told her some of this story. The couple had a daughter, Amanda, and a stillborn son. They were also buried here, along with Amanda's husband and their children.

She fingered the engraved silver frame of the brooch pinned to the lapel of her beige, cotton blazer. As she glanced at the clear summer sky, a light breeze ruffled her cropped hair. Sparrows, perched in the oaks overlooking the plots, twittered. Such a beautiful day to recall such sadness.

"My grandmother told me her great-aunt Erin O'Connell knew William Montgomery. She met him during the war. This brooch was given to her by the captain." She clasped the oval frame, surrounding tightly woven chocolate-brown hair. "It's supposed to be a lock of his hair."

"Well, I'll be." John admired the pin. "Where's this great-aunt buried?"

"In Pennsylvania in a small town named Candor. It's just north of Gettysburg. My grandmother lived there, but she died last week." Her voice broke as she recalled the dear lady.

"Sorry to hear that."

She cleared her throat. "That's why I've come here. It was one of her last requests that I find this man's grave. In addition to the brooch, she had an old Bible and photos of both her great-aunt and William Montgomery." She lifted the photos she carried with her.

"My God! She looks just like you."

Erin smiled. "There are a few minor differences." In fact, she'd found the family resemblance unnerving, especially since Captain Montgomery resembled the soldier in her dreams. "Grandma also told me Erin O'Connell had been a Federal spy."

John arched his brows and let out an appreciative whistle. "What a great story! Researching the past is fascinating. You say you're from Philadelphia?"

"Yeah. I'm a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer."

"Well, then, feel free to go through all the records we have." He gestured at the church. "It should be all in a day's work for you."

****

On her return visit to Pennsylvania later that night, Erin couldn't shake the eerie feeling she'd experienced after going through the ledger. The facts she'd uncovered only added to her sense of unease. As her dreams combined with the historic facts, a feeling of insanity invaded her mind.

On her drive south, the winding two-lane highway through north-western Virginia had been so open and scenic in daylight. Now in the darkness, the heavily forested road and lack of traffic caused chills to slitherthrough her as she mulled over her discoveries. She should have left earlier but had found it difficult to pull herself away. Erin had discovered the man for whom she'd been searching. But would finding his grave finally end the dreams, or would this just make things a helluva lot worse?

The moist scent of impending rain sifted though the window she'd left cracked open. Hopefully, any shower would be light. She didn't look forward to a long drive in heavy rain, especially on an unfamiliar road. After two, quick flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder, the first drops of rain hit the windshield. A deluge followed, forcing her to flick the wipers on high.

A sudden vibration shocked already frayed nerves. Where did that come from? Her cell phone was in her purse on the adjoining seat, so it hadn't come from that. The hair brooch on her lapel? When she fingered it, a sharp pulsation shot up her arm.

"What the hell?" She jerked her hand.

Despite the strange sensation, Erin remained focused on the road. Nothing ahead or behind her but forest. Dark, creepy forest encased in sheets of rain. Unable to see, she considered pulling over but wasn't sure she wanted to stop there.

As the vibration increased, she almost skidded off the blacktop. She grasped at the clasp, trying to yank the pin off her jacket.

Headlights glared in the distance and grew brighter. She had to concentrate on regaining control of the car. Tires squealed as a truck slid into her path on a rain-slicked curve.

"Oh, shit!" Heart pounding, she jerked the steering wheel to avoid a collision. She hydroplaned off the highway and swerved onto the shoulder - too late to see the tree dead in front of her.

Impact rolled as a film in slow motion. The sound of crunching metal, smell of rubber and gasoline, and a jolt through her system were the last things she remembered.

Chapter Two

Confederate Camp in Northern Virginia
June 18, 1863

A scream pierced the air. Men's shouts woke Will Montgomery from a deep slumber and dreams of his home and Anne.

What in damnation? Black coated the interior of his tent, making it impossible to see. What time was it anyway? Snatching up his trousers, he yanked them on over his underdrawers.

Emerging from the tent, he struggled to see in the ink-black darkness. No moonlight shone, and only a few, lone stars flickered through the dense clouds. The shuffling of heavy boots and the sound of men's angry voices drew his attention a few yards past the laundress' tent.

Had it been Mrs. O'Connell? A lantern glowed near her tent. Upon investigation, he found two men standing over what appeared to be a woman lying in a heap of calico skirts and petticoats. One of the men held a mare by the reins; the other hefted a lantern.

"What happened?" Will said.

"The lady fell from the horse, sir," the private holding the animal answered.

Kneeling at the woman's side, he tilted her face toward his. He motioned to the other soldier. "Bring the lantern closer."

Mrs. O'Connell, a young widow serving as one of the camp's new laundresses, lay limp and still. What the hell had the laundress been doing on a horse in the dead of night? He gazed at her placid face. Long, red-gold lashes brushed against her rounded cheekbones, ghostly pale in the candlelight. Blood oozed from one delicate nostril. Her bosom rose and fell gently, drawing his gaze to the swell of her breasts.

The first day the Irish woman had arrived in camp, feelings stirred in him he'd thought died with Anne. After his wife's death, he'd vowed not to give his heart to anotherwoman. Losing her had torn out his soul.

"What happened?" Will addressed the thin private with the lantern.

The soldier glanced at his companion and shrugged. "We think the horse reared up, sir. Then we heard her scream and came a-runnin' just in time to see her hit the ground."

Will nodded. Could be she'd imbibed a bit too much tonight. He'd heard the new laundress kept a bottle of whiskey in her tent, but so far, he hadn't witnessed any improprieties.

He studied the motionless figure. Doc Matthews could determine the extent of her injuries. As he lifted her, he smelled no hint of alcohol, but a feminine scent overwhelmed him. Soap and something sweet he couldn't identify.

He hadn't held a woman for two years. The softness of her curves increased the yearning he'd been denying. Leaving the other man to tend to the horse, he carried her across the camp to Doc.

****

Erin groaned. Her head and neck hurt like hell, and so did her nose. In fact, everything hurt. What had happened? She reached to the back of her head, where her fingers closed around a damp cloth. When she opened her eyes, a sharp pain knifed through her skull.

Focusing her thoughts, she recalled flashes of a dark, rainy highway. A truck hurtling toward her. The tree.

She turned her head and squinted into the yellow-white glow of a lantern. She wasn't in her car but lying flat on her back.

Someone moved beside her. A man with a heavy drawl spoke. "Are you all right, ma'am? Can you speak?"

She stared at him. Was she in a hospital? No. The gangly, sandy-haired man with the handlebar mustache wasn't wearing scrubs. He appeared to be in his early thirties and was dressed in an oversized, striped blue and white shirt draped over tan wool pants with a set of suspenders dangling to his knees. This sure wasn't an emergency room.

"Where am I?" she croaked. "What happened?" Blinding pain shot through her skull, again.

"You were thrown from a horse. Do you remember?"

"Horse?" She shook her head, then the sharp pain stopped her. "Ow, everything hurts."

The man pried the damp cloth from her hand and pressed it against the back of her head. "I don't feel any broken bones, but you've got a nice sized lump right here. I reckon you have a nasty headache. Just what were you doing on that mare this hour of night?"

"I wasn't on a horse," she said. "I've never been on a horse in my life. It was a car crash. I hit a tree when that truck slid in front of me."

"A bad fall like that could have affected your mind, Mrs. O'Connell." The man eyed her. "You're not making a lick of sense."

For more of chapter two, visit my website at http://www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel2.html

Finalist in the paranormal category of the Ancient City Romance Authors 2010 Reader's Choice Award!

Link for reviews: www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html


To purchase Erin's Rebel http://thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html

Switching projects again!

I've put my sci-fi romance aside for a bit and am now working on a time travel novella. I'm really excited by this story, because it's an offshoot of my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. The heroine is Erin's step-daughter, Amanda, all grown up in the year 1885.

The hero is from the present time and I've decided to call this story Thoroughly Modern Amanda. Do you like the title? Sometimes just finding the right title for a new story sets my creative juices flowing.

Anyway, I'm still plotting the story out, but already know how it will end. I'm working on plot details right now as I go from scene to scene. But I have enough plotted out to begin writing, which I plan to do on Monday.

I also completed the first draft of a short romance story this week and am putting that aside for at least a couple of weeks before looking at it again.

Switching among several projects really energizes me, especially when I'm stuck!

Happy Anniversary!!

Today is the one-year anniversary of the release of my Civil War time travel romance, Erin’s Rebel, by The Wild Rose Press.

And in honor of the day, I’m giving away a pdf copy. Just leave a comment today and I’ll pick a winner at random and announce it here tomorrow. Here’s the opening:

Erin's Rebel

Chapter One

Erin Branigan had finally found the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, he'd died over one hundred and forty years ago.

On a warm, sunny day in mid-June, she stood in a small, church cemetery in a rural area outside Mason, Virginia. Vivid dreams of a handsome, Civil War soldier had sent her here, but they had also driven a wedge between her fiancé, Rick Meyers, and her. To solve this mystery, she'd called off her wedding two and a half months before. And now today, she hoped what she learned in this graveyard would put a halt to her nightly visions.

Erin kneeled beside the weathered granite headstone of the Confederate captain and traced her finger over the inscription. William James Montgomery; Born September 20, 1833; Died November 23, 1864.

Despite the warmth of the day, she shivered, recalling the dark-eyed man and her intense, sometimes sensual dreams. After taking a deep breath, she rose, brushed off her jeans, and snapped a few photos.

"Here's his wife." The caretaker, who'd introduced himself as John, tipped the bill of his black Orioles cap toward the stone beside Montgomery's.

Erin glanced at it. Anne Eugenia Montgomery: Born October 3, 1833; Died September 15, 1861."She was so young," she said.

The caretaker lifted his cap and ran a liver-spotted hand through his thinning, gray hair. Replacing the hat, he turned to indicate the old, stone-walled church. "The records show she died shortly after William enlisted in the Confederate Army."

Erin nodded. Her grandmother had told her some of this story. The couple had a daughter, Amanda, and a stillborn son. They were also buried here, along with Amanda's husband and their children.

She fingered the engraved silver frame of the brooch pinned to the lapel of her beige, cotton blazer. As she glanced at the clear summer sky, a light breeze ruffled her cropped hair.
Sparrows, perched in the oaks overlooking the plots, twittered. Such a beautiful day to recall such sadness.

"My grandmother told me her great-aunt Erin O'Connell knew William Montgomery. She met him during the war. This brooch was given to her by the captain." She clasped the oval frame, surrounding tightly woven chocolate-brown hair. "It's supposed to be a lock of his hair."

"Well, I'll be." John admired the pin. "Where's this great-aunt buried?"

"In Pennsylvania in a small town named Candor. It's just north of Gettysburg. My grandmother lived there, but she died last week." Her voice broke as she recalled the dear lady.

"Sorry to hear that."

She cleared her throat. "That's why I've come here. It was one of her last requests that I find this man's grave. In addition to the brooch, she had an old Bible and photos of both her great-aunt and William Montgomery." She lifted the photos she carried with her.

"My God! She looks just like you."

Erin smiled. "There are a few minor differences." In fact, she'd found the family resemblance unnerving, especially since Captain Montgomery resembled the soldier in her dreams. "Grandma also told me Erin O'Connell had been a Federal spy."

John arched his brows and let out an appreciative whistle. "What a great story! Researching the past is fascinating. You say you're from Philadelphia?"

"Yeah. I'm a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer."

"Well, then, feel free to go through all the records we have." He gestured at the church. "It should be all in a day's work for you."

****

On her return visit to Pennsylvania later that night, Erin couldn't shake the eerie feeling she'd experienced after going through the ledger. The facts she'd uncovered only added to her sense of unease. As her dreams combined with the historic facts, a feeling of insanity invaded her mind.

On her drive south, the winding two-lane highway through north-western Virginia had been so open and scenic in daylight. Now in the darkness, the heavily forested road and lack of traffic caused chills to slitherthrough her as she mulled over her discoveries. She should have left earlier but had found it difficult to pull herself away. Erin had discovered the man for whom she'd been searching. But would finding his grave finally end the dreams, or would this just make things a helluva lot worse?

The moist scent of impending rain sifted though the window she'd left cracked open. Hopefully, any shower would be light. She didn't look forward to a long drive in heavy rain, especially on an unfamiliar road. After two, quick flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder, the first drops of rain hit the windshield. A deluge followed, forcing her to flick the wipers on high.

A sudden vibration shocked already frayed nerves. Where did that come from? Her cell phone was in her purse on the adjoining seat, so it hadn't come from that. The hair brooch on her lapel? When she fingered it, a sharp pulsation shot up her arm.

"What the hell?" She jerked her hand.

Despite the strange sensation, Erin remained focused on the road. Nothing ahead or behind her but forest. Dark, creepy forest encased in sheets of rain. Unable to see, she considered pulling over but wasn't sure she wanted to stop there.

As the vibration increased, she almost skidded off the blacktop. She grasped at the clasp, trying to yank the pin off her jacket.

Headlights glared in the distance and grew brighter. She had to concentrate on regaining control of the car. Tires squealed as a truck slid into her path on a rain-slicked curve.

"Oh, shit!" Heart pounding, she jerked the steering wheel to avoid a collision. She hydroplaned off the highway and swerved onto the shoulder - too late to see the tree dead in front of her.

Impact rolled as a film in slow motion. The sound of crunching metal, smell of rubber and gasoline, and a jolt through her system were the last things she remembered.

Chapter Two

Confederate Camp in Northern Virginia

June 18, 1863

A scream pierced the air. Men's shouts woke Will Montgomery from a deep slumber and dreams of his home and Anne.What in damnation? Black coated the interior of his tent, making it impossible to see. What time was it anyway? Snatching up his trousers, he yanked them on over his underdrawers.

Emerging from the tent, he struggled to see in the ink-black darkness. No moonlight shone, and only a few, lone stars flickered through the dense clouds. The shuffling of heavy boots and the sound of men's angry voices drew his attention a few yards past the laundress' tent.

Had it been Mrs. O'Connell? A lantern glowed near her tent. Upon investigation, he found two men standing over what appeared to be a woman lying in a heap of calico skirts and petticoats. One of the men held a mare by the reins; the other hefted a lantern.

"What happened?" Will said.

"The lady fell from the horse, sir," the private holding the animal answered.

Kneeling at the woman's side, he tilted her face toward his. He motioned to the other soldier. "Bring the lantern closer."

Mrs. O'Connell, a young widow serving as one of the camp's new laundresses, lay limp and still. What the hell had the laundress been doing on a horse in the dead of night? He gazed at her placid face. Long, red-gold lashes brushed against her rounded cheekbones, ghostly pale in the candlelight. Blood oozed from one delicate nostril. Her bosom rose and fell gently, drawing his gaze to the swell of her breasts.

The first day the Irish woman had arrived in camp, feelings stirred in him he'd thought died with Anne. After his wife's death, he'd vowed not to give his heart to anotherwoman. Losing her had torn out his soul.

"What happened?" Will addressed the thin private with the lantern.

The soldier glanced at his companion and shrugged. "We think the horse reared up, sir. Then we heard her scream and came a-runnin' just in time to see her hit the ground."

Will nodded. Could be she'd imbibed a bit too much tonight. He'd heard the new laundress kept a bottle of whiskey in her tent, but so far, he hadn't witnessed any improprieties.

He studied the motionless figure. Doc Matthews could determine the extent of her injuries. As he lifted her, he smelled no hint of alcohol, but a feminine scent overwhelmed him. Soap and something sweet he couldn't identify.

He hadn't held a woman for two years. The softness of her curves increased the yearning he'd been denying. Leaving the other man to tend to the horse, he carried her across the camp to Doc.

****

Erin groaned. Her head and neck hurt like hell, and so did her nose. In fact, everything hurt. What had happened? She reached to the back of her head, where her fingers closed around a damp cloth. When she opened her eyes, a sharp pain knifed through her skull.

Focusing her thoughts, she recalled flashes of a dark, rainy highway. A truck hurtling toward her. The tree.She turned her head and squinted into the yellow-white glow of a lantern. She wasn't in her car but lying flat on her back.

Someone moved beside her. A man with a heavy drawl spoke. "Are you all right, ma'am? Can you speak?"

She stared at him. Was she in a hospital? No. The gangly, sandy-haired man with the handlebar mustache wasn't wearing scrubs. He appeared to be in his early thirties and was dressed in an oversized, striped blue and white shirt draped over tan wool pants with a set of suspenders dangling to his knees. This sure wasn't an emergency room.

"Where am I?" she croaked. "What happened?" Blinding pain shot through her skull, again.

"You were thrown from a horse. Do you remember?"

"Horse?" She shook her head, then the sharp pain stopped her. "Ow, everything hurts."

The man pried the damp cloth from her hand and pressed it against the back of her head. "I don't feel any broken bones, but you've got a nice sized lump right here. I reckon you have a nasty headache. Just what were you doing on that mare this hour of night?"

"I wasn't on a horse," she said. "I've never been on a horse in my life. It was a car crash. I hit a tree when that truck slid in front of me."

"A bad fall like that could have affected your mind, Mrs. O'Connell." The man eyed her. "You're not making a lick of sense."

For more of chapter two, visit my website at www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel2.html

To purchase Erin's Rebel http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6db938c9b1758afd46790e33707a674c

Genre...Genre...what's a writer to do?

As a reader, I've always read multiple genres. Early in life, I thrived on science fiction and mysteries, later discovering suspense, horror and romance.

And although I started off reading historical romance, that quickly divided into time travel, paranormal and eventually I discovered science fiction romance! Oh joy!

But as a writer, I'd always thought I had to settle on one genre and stick with it. How else could I hope to develop loyal readers who'd anxiously wait for my next story? If I flitted from one genre to another, would I lose readers who liked my historical romances, but wouldn't be caught dead reading a sci-fi?

My first published romance, Erin's Rebel, was a time travel. So, in a way, I was mixing genres from the start. But time travel is pretty much a staple in traditional romances, so I thought I was safe in starting out with a TT. But selling it wasn't all that easy. Seems the setting, the American Civil War, is currently an unpopular period with romance readers, or so acquiring editors told me. I nearly gave up on it, and started writing a straight historical, although that too, was set during the Civil War.

I know, I'm stubborn. But I felt so much passion for the period, I hoped it would come through enough in both stories that an editor would eventually overlook the setting and fall in love with the story. As a result, both books released within months of each other.

But, I also wrote several novella length stories and all of those varied in genre as well. With the exception of the Civil War settings, these stories included reincarnation and vampires, as well as one straight historical.

So, where do I plan to go now?

My new works in progress include a post Civil War historical and a science fiction romance. I'm also contemplating a post Civil War reverse time travel and a few contemporary romances.

My question to readers is, do you stick to one genre in your reading or do you like variety? And if you really like an author's books, would you read a book by him or her in another genre, even if it's one you don't usually read?

For writers, do you only write in one genre, because you fear alienating readers, or do you like to experiment in different genres and hope to lead loyal readers from one to another?

Happy reading and writing!!

What reviewers are saying about Erin's Rebel

4. 5 hearts from Night Owl Reviews!!

"I love historical romances and Susan Macatee did a beautiful job with this one. I loved that Erin is definitely a 21st century woman yet yearns for that all consuming love that she cannot find right now. William is all she has been searching for in a man, but he is in another century. Erin will do anything she can to find out what her part in his life is even it if means her own life."

4 books at Long and Short Reviews!!

"Reading Erin's Rebel was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that any fan of historical romance won't want to miss."

Fantastic, Stays on Shelf from Between the Lines, WRDF Reviews!

"I loved the author's gentle hand with detail, her convincing touch with romance, and the twists and turns that she creates before a thoroughly satisfying ending... This book's well worth keeping on my shelf..."

"Beautifully Done Historical Romance" at ParaNormal Romance!

"Recommended read for paranormal and historical romance readers or if you simply enjoy a good love story!"

4 lips at TwoLips Reviews!!

"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 full reviews, visit my website at www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html

Blurb and excerpt:

Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry and 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, available from The Wild Rose Press

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6341de937e309efa1f2fec4b82e414d4

Read opening chapters www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

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

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

Another great review for Erin's Rebel!

Erin's Rebel is a "Fantastic: Stays on Shelf" pick at Between the Lines, the review site at Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

Reviewer Sheila Deeth said, "I loved the author's gentle hand with detail, her convincing touch with romance, and the twists and turns that she creates before a thoroughly satisfying ending...This book's well worth keeping on my shelf..."

Read full review at Between the Lines.

More Excerpts!!

Thought I'd post an excerpt from my July 2009 time travel release from The Wild Rose Press, Erin's Rebel.

Reviewer Top Pick at Night Owl Romance!!

Excerpt:

"I've come from a distant place."

"Yes, I know you came from Ireland."

"No. That's not it...the place I've come from doesn't yet exist." She rose from the bed and pulled on her wrapper. After pacing back and forth, she turned to face him. "I've come from the future."

He frowned. "The future? What future?"

"The twenty-first century." His eyes widened. She was crazy to have thought he'd ever believe her.

"Until the accident when I was told I fell off a horse, I'd been living more than one-hundred and forty years in the future."

His dark eyes hardened. Why had she said anything?

Now that she’d gone this far, she had to tell him all of it. "I had a life there and a fiancé. We broke it off because I couldn't stop dreaming about you."

"This is utter nonsense." He raked his hand through his hair.

She held up her hand, desperately needing him to understand. "It didn't make sense to me at first, either."

"If what you say is true, how and why are you here now?"

"I'm not sure how, but I do know why." She reached her hand out to him. "I've come back in time for you, Will."

Erin's Rebel available at The Wild Rose Press.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=b9e88b16a22f5ce7729aafe5a2923ae6

Read opening chapters at my website: www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel

Guest Blogging Today!

I'm guest blogging on Laura Hogg's lovely time travel blog today, talking about Erin's Rebel. Here's the link if you want to join me: www.traveltheages.blogspot.com

Contest Winners Announced!!

The results of my website contest are in.

Here are the winners.

#1 – Autographed print copy of Erin’s Rebel – Amy Smith

#2 – pdf copy of Erin’s Rebel – Judy Cox

#3 - $10.00 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press – Karen Nutt

All winners have been notified and announced at www.susanmacatee.com/News.html

Congratulations to all the winners!!

And a big thanks to everyone who entered.

Erin’s Rebel will be available in both e-book and print tomorrow at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

I’ll also be giving away another pdf download to one lucky person who leaves a comment here tomorrow, July 17th when I post a new excerpt. For more information on Erin's Rebel or to read the opening chapters, go to my website: http://www.susanmacatee.com/

Blogging Today at Slip Into Something Victorian

Today's my day to blog over at Slip Into Something Victorian. I'm talking about the impending release of my first full-length romance, Erin’s Rebel, a Civil War time travel.

Here’s the link if you’d like to take a look: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Release Day for Erin's Rebel!

I finally got it. My release day for Erin's Rebel is officially set for July 17, 2009. I am so excited, because it will be released in both digital and print on the same day. So, it's time for an excerpt. Hope you enjoy.

Erin's Rebel

Time Travel Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past, a Civil War captain, change her 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?"

To read the opening chapters, click here: http://susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

Blogging about Time Travel

I'm blogging about time travel romances over at Slip Into Something Victorian. Click the link and tell me what time period you'd like to visit. http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com