Featuring an interview with Andrea Matthews, author of historical timetravel romance Thunder on the Moor
Maggie Armstrong grew up enchanted by her father’s tales of blood feuds and border raids. In fact, she could have easily fallen for the man portrayed in one particular image in his portrait collection. Yet when her father reveals he was himself an infamous Border reiver, she finds it a bit far-fetched—to say the least—especially when he announces his plans to return to his sixteenth century Scottish home with her in tow.
Suspecting it’s just his way of getting her to accompany him on yet another archaeological dig, Maggie agrees to the expedition, only to find herself transported four hundred and fifty years into the past. Though a bit disoriented at first, she discovers her father’s world to be every bit as exciting as his stories, particularly when she’s introduced to Ian Rutherford, the charming son of a neighboring laird. However, when her uncle announces her betrothal to Ian, Maggie’s twentieth-century sensibilities are outraged. She hardly even knows the man. But a refusal of his affections could ignite a blood feud.
Maggie’s worlds are colliding. Though she’s found the family she always wanted, the sixteenth century is a dangerous place. Betrayal, treachery, and a tragic murder have her questioning whether she should remain or try to make her way back to her own time.
To make matters worse, tensions escalate when she stumbles across Bonnie Will Foster, the dashing young man in her father’s portrait collection, only to learn he is a dreaded Englishman. But could he be the hero she’s always dreamed him to be? Or will his need for revenge against Ian shatter more than her heart?
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Excerpt from Thunder on the Moor
Will Foster crouched behind the crumbling stone wall, watching the Armstrongs approach over the opposite hilltop. They pulled up before what he could only assume was a small foraging party, for the strangers traveled on foot. But where had they come from? Moments before, nothing but harebells and thistle had filled that field. He scratched his head. Perhaps they’d walked from a nearby village. Not too clever with the Armstrongs on the prowl. Then again, maybe they were of the same clan, though he certainly didn’t recognize any of them. The Armstrongs, however, he knew all too well, and he thought it best to stay out of their way.
As he peered around the broken wall, one of the strangers turned. An angel amongst a pack of wolves, no doubt. But one of the men tugged her back to his side before Will could determine if she was their hostage. Though he was certain she’d seen him, she didn’t cry out, so perhaps she hoped he’d rescue her.
He inched a bit closer, staying low to avoid detection. Though he still couldn’t make out much of their conversation, the breeze did manage to catch a few words that caused his ears to perk up. “So, he’s a cousin to Archie, is he.”
Will scurried amongst the trees, coming to rest behind an ancient pine. He caught sight of the bonnie wee lass once more, standing off to the side this time. Instinct caused him to grasp the hilt of his sword. If he moved quickly, he could run out and rescue her before the Armstrongs realized he was there. Then one of the men spoke again, his words taking Will by surprise.
“’Tis me daughter, Maggie,” the stranger said.
An Interview with Andrea Matthews
-What inspired you to become a writer?
The pure love of writing. My family and friends have always encouraged me, knowing how much I loved it, but for as long as I can remember, it was something I enjoyed doing. It was my family and friends who pushed me to publish, however, and finally I took their advice.
-If you could visit your book’s world for a day, what one thing would you do?
Just explore – the peel towers and countryside, the inns and cottages. I’d love to go to a gathering and taste the food, listen to the music, and enjoy the dance.
-It’s two in the morning. What does your protagonist reveal in confidence? (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)
“I have to admit, I was a bit concerned about this time travel stuff. And I’m really not crazy about not having a real bathroom. Ok, I know you gave me a garderobe, but really! That stone is cold on my butt.” Maggie
-Which of your characters would you go out for drinks with?
Emma and Betty. I bet they’d be a blast.
-You’re in a tavern, and a dwarf challenges you to a duel. What do you do?
Tell him to chill out, sit down, and have a drink, though I would keep an eye on him. It doesn’t do to be too quick with the sword.
-Is there a genre you could never write? Which and why?
Probably true crime. It’s too real.
About Andrea Matthews
Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. She is the author of the Thunder on the Moor series set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Border, and the Cross of Ciaran series, where a fifteen-hundred-year-old Celt finds himself in the twentieth century. Andrea is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.
Find her online:
Giveaway
Andrea Matthews will be awarding an Ebook copy of books 2 and 3 in the series to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thank you for sharing your interview and book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and I am looking forward to reading your stories
Thanks for hosting!
Thanks so much for hosting. The interview was a lot of fun.
Sounds like a very good story.