The Woodsman's Rose (Donovan Family Saga Book 2) is now on sale for $0.99 at most major digital retailers. When a friendship is shattered can a fragile young woman with the gift of insight heal the rift? "A historical romance lover’s dream,” says Candlelight Reading. 1880s Arizona Territory: Daniel Donovan wants two things: to get … Continue reading The Woodsman’s Rose on Sale February 21 – 28, 2023
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Love & Romance Festival, February 2023
Love is in the air! Come check out these wonderful Romance Novels at N. N. Light's Book Heaven. More than 40 books are showcased at the Love & Romance Festival, including The Woodsman's Rose (Donovan Family Saga Book 2), which be be on sale for $0.99 from February 21-28. Fill up your reader or bookshelf … Continue reading Love & Romance Festival, February 2023
NORA O’NEAL: American Folksong
I first heard this song on one of my grandmother’s John McCormack records and have thought of it as an Irish song ever since. In fact, it’s become one of my favorites. But it was written by William Shakespeare Hays, the same American who wrote Mollie Darling. Although there seem to be several tunes that … Continue reading NORA O’NEAL: American Folksong
RAINBOW MAN is here!
RAINBOW MAN has been published! And here's the lovely cover chosen by my newsletter subscribers: He'd follow her anywhere, regardless of danger, but her recklessness may lead to his doom. An evocative tale of passion and pitfalls. 1880s Arizona Territory: Renowned silversmith and accomplished woodsman Alec Twelve Trees is arrested and beaten by a rogue … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN is here!
EILEEN OG: An Irish Song
by Percy French (1854-1920) Every once in awhile, authors latch onto a word and it becomes so popular, you virtually can’t get away from it. Lately, one of those words is “petrichor”, meaning the earthy scent of rain that’s fallen on dry soil. Each time I see or hear it, though, it brings this song … Continue reading EILEEN OG: An Irish Song
ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES: An American Folk Song
American folk songs often present both positive and negative facets of life. This traditional lullaby is no exception, as it exemplifies the chasm that exists between the “haves” and “have nots”. The baby fortunate to be born to the manor will have cake for breakfast, while the poor child lies crying, and probably dying, in … Continue reading ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES: An American Folk Song
OLD MAID IN THE GARRETT: An Irish Song
A traditional Irish toe-tapper bemoaning the single state, Old Maid in the Garrett introduces an unmarried woman whose fate would probably lead to a dismal life in her brother's attic. She is extolling her virtues and ready to settle for anyone, even “a wee fat man”, as single women were considered a drain on the … Continue reading OLD MAID IN THE GARRETT: An Irish Song
BRENNAN ON THE MOOR: An Irish Song
Another song that's featured in my Donovan family series, this song tells the story of a bold highwayman of the 1700s in County Cork who, like Robin Hood, stole from the rich to give to the poor. You can hear a live version of it by The Clancy Brothers here. BRENNAN ON THE MOOR 'Tis … Continue reading BRENNAN ON THE MOOR: An Irish Song
RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
One of my favorites! This traditional song is a perfect rendition of the pull-and-tug between a courting couple: a man who's madly in love, and a woman who's trying to 'play it cool'. You can find a version of it by the inimitable Wolfe Tones here. RORY O'MORE Young Rory O'More courted Kathleen bawn. … Continue reading RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
WHEN HE IS GONE: An American Folk Song
Some say this Appalachian folk song dates from the Civil War, and identify it as the lament of a girl for her beau that's gone to war and her promise to remain faithful until he returns. The theme, however, seems to be Scottish, as it bears some distinct semblance to Lass of the Roch Royal … Continue reading WHEN HE IS GONE: An American Folk Song
Gifford MacShane, Author 