Aloha to Hannah Reed and OFF KILTER - A Scottish Highlands Mystery

National bestselling author Hannah Reed brings mystery lovers the first in a brand-new series, in which a young writer finds herself swept up in a murder amidst the glens and lochs of the Scottish Highlands… 

After the recent death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, thirty-something Eden Elliott is seriously in need of a fresh start. At the urging of her best friend, bestselling author Ami Pederson, Eden decides to embark on an open-ended trip to the picturesque village of Glenkillen in the Scottish Highlands, to do some hands-on research for a book of her own. But almost as soon as Eden arrives in the quaint town, she gets caught up in a very real drama…

The town’s sheep shearer is found murdered—clipped with his own shears—and the locals suspect Vicki MacBride, an outsider whose father’s recent death left her the surprise heir to his lucrative sheep farm. Eden refuses to believe the affable heiress is a murderer, but can she prove that someone is out to frame her new friend before she finds herself on the receiving end of more shear terror?

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland

I'm William Wallace, and the rest of you will be spared. Go back to England and tell them... Scotland is free! - William Wallace

After her bitter divorce and her mother's heartbreaking death, Eden Elliott retreats to her father's homeland - Scotland - to jump start her writing career.   She flies from Chicago to London for her connecting flight to Inverness, only to meet another "lost" soul, Vicki MacBride, en route to the seaside village of Glenkillen.   Eden and Vicki become friends as they integrate themselves into Scottish life.   Yet trouble follows both of them, prompting Eden to investigate the untimely death of the sheep sheerer, the fire at the B&B, and other mysterious activities in this quiet village.

OFF KILTER is an immersion into Scottish life through the eyes of American Eden Elliott.   Reed captures the Highland spirit as the heroine wanders around the village seeking inspiration for her romance novel.  Her unexpected turn as as amateur detective riles some of the villagers.  Eden finds an ally in a potential suitor - a man in a kilt, of course!   

Reed delivers an entertaining cozy mystery which will appeal to fans of Scottish culture.   She pokes fun at Eden's efforts to write her romance novel while paying tribute to the romance of Alba itself.  

I purchased OFF KILTER for my reading pleasure.

Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Scotland

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Scotland - what do you love about Alba?  Or know about Scottish culture?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Guest Post: Tartan Day with Nancy Lee Badger and MY LADY HIGHLANDER

In Scotland, the Tartan Day Scotland Festival takes place at the beginning of April each year. Tartan Day is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 at Arbroath Abbey. The abbey’s red sandstone ruins are still standing, more or less, but what happened almost 700 years ago, inside its walls, stands proud. Today, the residents of Scotland celebrate all that is good about their small country, such as its history, its culture, its people, its heritage and its legacy to the world. 

Some events celebrate with the re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath; tattoos (massed band and bagpipe concerts); or Highland games. Some say Tartan Day is the historical occasion that is considered the basis for the American Declaration of Independence, which is another reason why Tartan Day is celebrated among Americans of Scottish descent.

The National Holiday for All Scottish-Americans

Americans of Scottish descent have played a large role in the growth of the United States as a new country. From John Hancock, first signer of America’s Declaration of Independence to Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, Scottish-Americans have also contributed mightily to the fields of the arts, law, and more. Over eleven million Americans claim Scottish and Scotch-Irish roots, which is why America celebrates these people, and their accomplishments, on Tartan Day, April 6th, 2014.

This official day of recognition only came about fairly recently, in 1997. National Tartan Day of April 6 was officially recognized on a permanent basis when the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed resolutions recognizing April 6th as National Tartan Day. Canada has been celebrating "National Tartan Day" since 1993. 

How Will You Celebrate?

As a proud American, and the daughter and mother of veterans, I join Scots, and Americans of Scottish descent, who are encouraged to wear their modern kilts or ancient plaids anywhere and everywhere. Many communities host parades, Highland games or festivals, special church services, and more. Tartan Day is also an unofficial start of the Highland games season. The nice weather is a chance to wear Highland attire and shop the various clothing, souvenir, and food vendors. Anyone in the mood for meat pies, bridies, or shortbread cookies? Yum!

Nancy Lee Badger’s latest release is My Lady Highlander, a Scottish time travel romance. This is Book #1 of Kilted Athletes Through Time. Here is the book blurb:

Isobel MacHamish escaped a betrothal in ancient Scotland. She rebuilt her life in present-day New England, yet something-or someone-is missing. Arson, thievery, a stalker, and a handsome caber-tossing athlete turn her world upside down.

Bryce Buchanan saves a pretty woman-twice. Sent back to ancient Scotland-again-he is trapped between the skittish woman, and a man pressuring her into marriage. Battles, swords, a Scottish brownie, and a power-hungry laird make ‘Bull’ want to head home to New England.

to escape her former lover, and his murderous, father, Izzy finds her inner warrior. And, when the handsome athlete shows her what falling in love can bring, she is torn, because keeping her hands to herself is one battle she will never win.

Buy Links:

Amazon ebook link

Amazon print link

NOOK link

About the Author

Nancy Lee Badger, author of twelve books filled with romance, loves chocolate-chip shortbread and wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander. Her stories tempt you with the clang of broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, she moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Area Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers.

Connect with Nancy Lee Badger

Blog nancyleebadger.blogspot.com
Website nancyleebadger.com
Twitter twitter.com/NLBadger
Facebook facebook.com/NancyLeeBadgerAuthor
Goodreads link

Amazon Author Page link

GIVEAWAY

Be the first to win an ebook of Nancy’s latest release, My Lady Highlander by leaving a comment answering this question: How would YOU celebrate Tartan Day?

Mahalo, Nancy, for sharing Tartan Day with us!  Comments are open through Saturday, April 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City