I've always been fascinated by the concept of time travel. Also, to satisfy my
own curiosity, I've read a lot about differing theories regarding dimensions and
the multi-verse model of reality. Couple that with a deep and abiding
appreciation for the history of Ireland, and a love of Celtic myths and legends,
and how could I not create a romance weaving together all of these intriguing
elements? Blame it on my Irish heritage and an overactive imagination, I guess.
I've visited Ireland twice, and both times I experienced an overwhelming sense
of homecoming. Maybe genetic memory is a thing? I haven't yet explored the
northern half of the island, so I will be going back. In fact, I'd really love
to rent a cottage by the sea there for a summer.
Anyway, while doing research for TANGLED IN TIME, my
daughter and I spent two weeks touring Ireland in 2014. It was a happy discovery
for me to learn we both share a love for all things ancient and Celtic. We spent
fourteen glorious days exploring ruins, museums and landmarks. Many of the sites
we visited have been incorporated into Fáelán and Regan's tale, and I'd love to
share a few pictures of our trip with you.
Three sites stood out for me: Brú Na Bóinne, aka Newgrange, Staigue Fort (a
"ring" fort) and Ballycarberry Castle. Newgrange figures significantly in TANGLED IN TIME. It's where
our hero and heroine first meet. Regan believes Fáelán is a ghost, but he's far
from dead. He's been cursed to dwell in the void realm by a selfish, vindictive
fae princess.
Newgrange is referred to as a "passage tomb," but I have my doubts. The ancient
structure is a fascinating feat of engineering genius predating the Egyptian
pyramids. One time per year, during the winter solstice, the sun lines up
perfectly with the entrance, and the entire interior is illuminated with bright
light. There are three chambers inside, and each one holds a slab of stone that
is slightly concave. Tombs? Or . . . was this a sacred place where sacrifices
were made to the gods to ensure a prosperous and fruitful new year. Human
remains have been found within, but no one knows how they got there.
Now, see, stuff like that really stirs my muse. The Hill of Tara is also
marvelous for inspiration, not to mention the site offers an amazing 360° vista
of Ireland's lush, green rolling hills. It is the place where the Tua Dé Danann
(The fae) were banished to dwell beneath the hill (a portal to the void realm, I
imagine.) by the Milesian wizard Amergin. Tara was also the ancestral seat of
the ancient high kings of Ireland. It where coronations took place, and where
the heirs to the throne proved they were the rightful king by making Lia Fail
(the Stone of Destiny) sing at their touch. I touched the stone. It did not
sing. It did not even snort. Ah, well.
There are so many more places I'd love to explore in Ireland. I haven't been to
the northern regions yet, and I look forward to many more "research" visits, and
to the telling many more Celtic inspired tales of adventure and romance.
To set him free from an ancient curse, she must travel to a time of myth
and legend…
Regan MacCarthy's ability to see ghosts is a gift inherited from her Irish
ancestors, but it's one she'd dearly like to give back. In an attempt to return
her powers to their source, she travels to Ireland to harness the ancient magic
that still permeates the mystical site of Newgrange. Instead, something far more
unexpected awaits her: a strapping, gorgeous stranger who insists he's a
centuries-old Celtic warrior.
Fáelán was one of Fionn MacCumhaill's elite soldiers before being cursed by a
resentful fae princess. The only way to free himself is to fall so deeply in
love that he'd sacrifice his life. Not an easy matter when he's invisible to
most. Yet Regan sees him—not just the proud, handsome warrior on the surface,
but the complex man beneath. Only when it's too late does Fáelán realize that
drawing this beautiful mortal into his world has endangered them both, and may
destroy the happiness he's waited an eternity to claim…
Romance Time Travel
| Romance
Paranormal [Montlake Romance, On Sale: October
24, 2017, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781542048231 / ]
As a child, award-winning, Amazon bestselling author Barbara Longley moved
frequently and learned how to entertain herself with stories. As an adult, she's
lived in a commune in the Appalachians, taught on an Indian reservation, and
traveled from coast to coast.
Once she had children, she decided it was
time to plant roots and made Minnesota her permanent home. Barbara holds a
master's degree in special education and has been an elementary school teacher
for many years. While she loves teaching, reading and writing are her passions.
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