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Dawn Marie Hamilton | Finding Love by a Twist of Fate

Some of us have been there. Not exactly looking for love, but hoping deep down inside to meet someone who will make us say, "Yeah. Mine." Never expecting to meet that one special person in the most unusual place at the most unexpected time. Whether we call it an accident or a twist of fate, the event takes us by surprise.

My ten-year wedding anniversary is fast approaching. I met my husband by way of one of those accidents. I had arrived at the meeting place for an Appalachian Mountain Club hike. I leaned over the hood of a car along with some other hikers to read the trail map. Something I can't explain made me raise my gaze to the hazel stare of a new comer in a red hoodie. My heart rate kicked up several beats. Wow! Instant attraction.

I glanced away and tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach. We hiked for a couple of hours, morning eased into noon with the temperature rising. Feeling overheated, I tugged my sweatshirt over my head while still walking and tripped. Tripped over someone bending over in front of me. I literally tripped over my future husband.

We laugh about ‘our first meeting' often, and I think of it whenever I write the ‘meet' scene in a new story. I want the first encounter for my heroes and heroines to take them by surprise, make them feel that emotional zing. In JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE a burned out business consultant hears a tinkling sound—secretly made by a faerie—near the rear gate of the cottage she rented in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She finds the gate open. A man dressed like Liam Neeson in the Scottish historical movie ROB ROY is standing just beyond the garden gate, watching her. Their gazes collide. Pulses increase. Shock of all shocks—instant attraction.

Then the man vanishes. Right from in front of her eyes. Gripes! She's fallen hard for a figment of her imagination. Or has she?

What is the most unusual ‘first meeting' you've experienced, heard of, read about, or seen in a movie? I will give a gift digital copy of JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE, the first book in the Highland Gardens series, to one commenter.

JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE by Dawn Marie Hamilton

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn't know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE.

To purchase JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she's cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks with her husband. Visit Dawn Marie's Facebook page for news: https://www.facebook.com /authorDawnMarieHamilton

 

 

Comments

45 comments posted.

Re: Dawn Marie Hamilton | Finding Love by a Twist of Fate

love the cover of your book the book sounds really good love
to win this one
(Denise Smith 12:41pm June 24, 2013)

At one time I worked as a Bank Teller, and met a customer who was my age who was a wine salesman. We hit it off, and later that day, he came through the drive through window, and brought me some sample bottles as a present. Whenever I was working late, and it was just a skeleton crew working, he would show up at my window, bearing gifts. He's the type of guy who would make someone a good Husband, and I often wonder what happened to him. I love the cover of your book, and would love to read it!! It would make great reading this Summer, although I don't own an e-reader.
(Peggy Roberson 7:59am June 24, 2013)

My cousin and I had a date to meet male cousins at a local hang out. We showed up, but the male cousins were short one. We waited and when a friend of theirs showed up he was incorporated into the group to replace the missing male cousin. I ended up marrying him about 6 years later.

I was drawn to this blog by your name. I picked this name out 5 years before my daughter was born. Her name? ...Dawn Marie Hamilton! I would LOVE to read your book!
(Betty Hamilton 9:42am June 24, 2013)

I had forgotten this one. I was a 5' 1/2 " in high school and my frends set me up with a blind date, we were double dating, and he was 6'6". We actually called him six six. Good thing he was from another small school in another small town. He was very nice but a little tall for me.
(Leona Olson 9:57am June 24, 2013)

This type of book is one of my favorites to read. I love
anything that has to do with Scotland & to add fae creatures
just tops it. Can't wait!
(Tina Meissinger 9:57am June 24, 2013)

Good day! Thank you for having me as a guest at Fresh Fiction today. I just returned from my morning walk and it's so nice to see everyone here. :)
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:16am June 24, 2013)

Thank you, Denise! I love the cover too. The garden and the Highlander. Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:19am June 24, 2013)

Hi, Peggy. A wine salesman. I would have liked that. Love red wine. :) The print edition of 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate will be released in late summer. Thanks for dropping by. Have a marvelous Monday!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:24am June 24, 2013)

Hello, Betty! When I was in second grade, I told my parents I was changing my name when I grew up because I hated the name Dawn. I wanted to be Susan or Cathy or something more common. Dawn wasn't a popular name at the time. Later I thanked my parents for the name because I actually love it. :) Are you a member of Clan Hamilton society? Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:30am June 24, 2013)

Love the cover... I guess When Harry met Sally is the one that comes to mind!
(May Pau 10:32am June 24, 2013)

Hi, Leona. He was more than a foot taller. Wow! I'm 5' 4" and love tall men. I dated a guy once who was 6' 4". I had to stand one step above to kiss him goodnight. :) My husband is just a wee over six feet. :) Thanks for visiting today. Enjoy your Monday!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:35am June 24, 2013)

Hi, Tina! Gotta love Scotland, time travel, and faeries. :) Thanks for dropping in. Have a great day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:39am June 24, 2013)

Great giveaway. Thank you! I would say the Shopacholic Movie based on the book was what stands out to me!
(Summer Grinstead 10:42am June 24, 2013)

Hi, May. I loved 'When Harry Met Sally'. Had to watch it several times. :) Thanks for the compliment on the cover and thanks for visiting. Enjoy the day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:42am June 24, 2013)

Hello, Summer! I'm not familiar with the Shopaholic Movie. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for stopping by. Hope your Monday is great!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 10:45am June 24, 2013)

A couple friends and myself left a Wonderful Halloween party - in costume, and in need of the strong brew of coffee, hence we went to Denny's. At after 2 in the am we are not the only ones in search of food and drink to help sober up. I met a man I can say holds a piece of my heart waiting for a table at Denny's in an adult Goldilocks costume. At first I fell for him but he didn't feel it, then he fell for me when I moved away - now we are best of friends- for 12 years we still laugh at our chance meeting
(Carla Carlson 12:17pm June 24, 2013)

A Goldilocks costume? Oh, wow, I love it, Carla! Now, that's a man sure of himself. Glad you are still friends. Thanks for visiting today. Enjoy your afternoon!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 12:35pm June 24, 2013)

I don't usually read this type of book, but this sounds interesting.
(Anna Speed 1:16pm June 24, 2013)

I went through a faze where I was meeting people through social networking sites and some of them were very interesting, both the opening lines and the individuals. Ha!
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 1:40pm June 24, 2013)

Hi, Anna. What types of books do you like to read? Thanks for the visit. Hope your afternoon is super!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 1:43pm June 24, 2013)

Hi, L. Enchanted. Cool! :) Thanks for dropping in. Have a nice afternoon!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 1:45pm June 24, 2013)

Hi, Tracie. Social networking has really changed how we meet new people. I bet you have some incredible stories. Thanks for stopping by. Have a fantastic afternoon!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 1:47pm June 24, 2013)

hello dawn, I would be oh so pleased to win your book and
enjoy a new read
(Michael McClendon 4:57pm June 24, 2013)

Hi, Michael. Thanks for visiting today. Have a nice evening.
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 5:07pm June 24, 2013)

My favorite first meeting to read is in Lisa Kleypas's Secrets of a Summer Night (the first book in the Wallflower series.) Westcliff (an uptight earl) meets Lillian while she's playing cricket in her underwear. They don't fall in love until the next book, but I loved their chemistry right from the start.
(Jamie Fortney 5:37pm June 24, 2013)

I think lots of folks get together due to accidental encounters. I met my guy at a dorm mixer when the girl he was going to ask to dance went off with another just as he reached her--turned around and got me because he didn't want to leave empty handed, so to speak. I hadn't been planning to stay, just stopped for a minute with my room mate who didn't want to go in by herself. That was 51 years ago.
(Janet Martin 6:22pm June 24, 2013)

Thank you for your post and giveaway, Dawn. There's an unusual first-meeting scene in the movie version of "Gone with the Wind". Scarlett learns from Ashley he's dumping her for Melanie. He exits; she throws a vase in anger, and it crashes behind the couch where Rhett is hiding, eavesdropping on her and Ashley. He shows himself and commends her for her dramatic scene. She gets mad at him for the first of many times. Is that any way to start a romance? In this case, yes!
(Mary Anne Landers 6:36pm June 24, 2013)

There's the meet in The Duchess of Love, where he comes upon her swimming in her shift.
(Janie McGaugh 7:46pm June 24, 2013)

Hi, Jamie. I'll have to put those two books on my TBR list. Thanks for the visit. Have a terrific evening.
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 9:10pm June 24, 2013)

Hey, Janet. I love hearing stories like that. I wish you many more years together. Thanks for stopping by. Hope your evening is special!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 9:12pm June 24, 2013)

Oh, Mary Anne, I've always loved that scene from 'Gone in the Wind'. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for dropping in. Have a great evening!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 9:14pm June 24, 2013)

Hello, Janie. Being seen in her shift would have been scandalous. All sorts of possibilities for conflict and romance. :) Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the night!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 9:18pm June 24, 2013)

I think about meeting my children just after birth, and each time I was so surprised to meet the baby I'd been waiting to see after being with them for so long....happily, their lives have been just as much a surprise to me as each has unfolded - I never ever would have predicted the paths they've taken.
(Beth Fuller 10:56pm June 24, 2013)

I don't know that I have seen, heard or of any unusual first
meetings, but they are a great favorite to read.
(Mary Preston 11:47pm June 24, 2013)

Wow, I love your book cover on JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE.
Your great book makes me think about our favorite movie The
Time Machine and Yes, I would love to Journey from the lush
gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the
Scottish Highlands of 1509 with JUST BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE.
Yes, I would love to be Laurie Bernard and truly embrace a
hunk like Patrick MacLachlan. I would truly love to read and
win your fantastic book. Thank You so much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:53pm June 24, 2013)

In Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur, Riley Jensen met Quinn at her front door of her apartment. Quinn was naked and suffering temporary amnesia. The only thing Quinn recalled was that if he was in trouble, he was to head to Rhoan's (Riley's brother), place.

Riley and Quinn were meant to be.
(Kai Wong 12:12pm June 25, 2013)

The Time Traveller's Wife might fit... Henry travels back in time and meets Claire as a child. But when she's a young woman she encounters Henry at a time before, from his point of view, he has travelled to her, so she meets a younger version of him and he doesn't know her.
(Clare O'Beara 5:59am June 25, 2013)

Hi, Beth. Such a special meeting. Children are so full of surprises. I don't have any of my own, but borrow my nieces and nephews. Meeting them in the hospital for the first time was unique. Thanks for popping in and sharing. Hope your Tuesday is great!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:17am June 25, 2013)

Hello, Mary. I enjoy a stories 'first meet' too. Thanks for stopping by. Have a terrific day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:20am June 25, 2013)

Hi, Cecilia. I'm so glad you like the cover. I designed it after taking a workshop on cover design. Brooks Johnson is the cover model and he is exactly the image I had in mind for Patrick. I enjoyed 'Time Machine' too. Thanks for visiting. Have a fabulous day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:25am June 25, 2013)

Hi, Kai. Finding a naked man on my doorstep would be a shocker. All the better if he was hot. :) Another book for my TBR list. Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting. Enjoy your day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:29am June 25, 2013)

Hi, Clare. That is quite the conundrum and a most unusual meeting. Thanks for visiting. Have an awesome day!
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:33am June 25, 2013)

Thank you to Fresh Fiction for having me as a guest and thank you to everyone for stopping by and sharing their 'first meeting' stories. Dare to dream!

~Dawn Marie
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 7:36am June 25, 2013)

An unusual meeting... I have definitely read some interesting ones in books... well for me I guess it would have been meeting a guy after I hit him in the face with a volleyball.
(Colleen Conklin 1:12pm June 25, 2013)

Hi, Colleen. Thanks for the chuckle. That is certainly an interesting way to meet a man.
(Dawn Marie Hamilton 11:32am June 26, 2013)

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