It’s been quite a while since my dear friend Mary Morgan visited us, and I’m excited to welcome her back this morning! We’re spotlighting her recent release, Wishes Under a Highland Star: A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights, which has already garnered some wonderful reviews. Here’s the story:

As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart.

When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret.

Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle?

Sounds like a magical read! Tell us a little more, Mary.

Hello, Judith! I’m thrilled to be back on your lovely blog today! Thank you for allowing me to share a wee bit about my new historical fantasy, Wishes Under a Highland Star.

With this particular story, I’ve woven my fictional Fae realm within the mists of Scotland, specifically the Great Glen in the Highlands. These misfit people—part Fae and human—live in Taloch Castle. In order for them to exist in the Scotland of mortals, they must train to harness their magic. Taloch is a special place to learn, guided by Elders and other knowledgeable Fae. Once the Elders deem these misfit Fae are ready, they call forth a traveler from beyond the mists to assist these Fae on their journey.

Let me show you a glimpse into what happens when a half-Fae lass makes a powerful wish…

“What have ye done, Aine Fraser!” Her uncle’s voice bellowed behind her.

The void around her snapped with a resounding clap of thunder, sending her slamming against a tree. As she fought for air, Aine dropped her sgian dubh to the ground. A great humming filled her head, and she placed her fingers to her temple. Doing her best to rid the last remnants of pain, she tried to steady her breathing.

Etain rose and barked at the intruder.

“Silence!” ordered the man.

Yet the wolfhound would not be deterred and moved to Aine’s side.

Aine lifted her head to meet her uncle’s harsh glare.

“I will not ask ye again.” His stance was one she had never witnessed. He kept his hands fisted by his sides while his eyes flashed silver.

Aine never feared her uncle. Until this moment.

She swallowed. “I made another wish.”

Her uncle slashed the air with his hand. “Nae! Ye did more this time!”

Confusion marred her thinking. “I do…not understand.”

“A wish is a simple request under the stars,” he snapped, pointing a warning finger at the wolfhound when she uttered a low growl.

Frowning, Aine argued, “But that is what I did, Uncle Eamon.”

“By the hounds of Cúchulainn! Ye ken there was more to the words ye spouted. Ye drew the power within ye and used magic.”

Aine’s heart beat rapidly against her chest. Was her uncle correct? Did she violate a vow she took years ago not to use magic in this village? She clenched her hands by her sides, recalling how the power surged inside her. Never before had she felt her body so alive with the elements and the ancients. She believed her request purely made from her heart, spoken to the Guardians of the stars.

Unsure of how to respond to her uncle, she lifted her head to the stars. Their previous splendor now shadowed by the mists drifting by. And within her soul she knew the answer.

Resuming her attention to her uncle, she clasped her hands together. “My apologies for the grave mishap.”

“Why?” he demanded harshly.

“I grew weary waiting for a traveler,” she responded truthfully. “The more I spoke, the more the words flowed from me.”

Raking a hand through his hair, he paced in front of her. Ancient words poured forth from him—ones she understood well since her father had used them toward the end of his life in his lessons with her.

Uncle Eamon halted his steps and studied her. “Ye are one of the oldest here, my Aine,” he stated in a gentler tone, adding, “Ye ken the edicts more than the others. Ye are not allowed to use magic to call forth someone beyond the veil. Only when I and the elders judge ye are ready. Then I shall wield the magic to either call someone to ye or send ye out into their world. Can ye honestly say ye had nae knowledge of what ye were doing?”

Her shoulders slumped. She had failed again. This was why Aine was not ready to venture outside the village. To do so would bring harm to the others, specifically her brother. Did they not all depend on her to lead a life without magic? And what if she left with the traveler and something happened to her beyond her village? If she dared to use her magic, death might be her punishment, and her brother would be doomed to face another loss.

Aine’s heart ached. As always, her lack of patience proved to be her greatest failing.

“Perchance I am not meant to go beyond the veil, Uncle.”

Available from these retailers: https://books2read.com/u/31DeYa

More about Mary:

Multi award-winning paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.

Connect with her here:

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Thanks again for sharing your new release with us, Mary. I wish you all the luck in the world with it!