Merry Christmas!

It's that time of year again... Christmas!

I just love it! :)

The music, decorations, lights, shows, time with family, that special feeling in the air, everyone trying to be nicer... It's magical!

This year my kids asked for some toys that aren't sold in stores anymore.
That sent us shopping at second hand stores.
Luckily, we snagged some toys on their list!
We should have some happy little girls on Christmas morning!
I can't wait! :)

But I also couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase these beauties for myself!

Check out this photo:

All those Love Inspired Books from one store! I couldn't believe it!

Love Inspired Suspense:

Love Inspired:

And Love Inspired Historical:

It was like meeting friends :)

Definitely an early Christmas gift for me :) But also, a gift for the future, since I hope that when the girls grow up these are the books they'll choose to read.

And those Love Inspired Historicals are soon to be antiques ;)

So thank you to all the Christian writers for their hard work, and the readers who make this all possible! I hope our stories multiply and we all have an abundance of amazing books to read in the New Year!

God Bless you all!

Eva Maria Hamilton


Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her short story, Disinherited Love, can be read in the anthology, A Kiss is Still A Kiss. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac Lane Publishing, which has currently published, Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1895, Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1896, and Jane Austen's Emma Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1896.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton, please visit her at www.EvaMariaHamilton.com or LilacLanePublishing.com

  

The Ultimate List of Free Online Reads for Love Inspired Historical, Love Inspired, and Love Inspired Suspense!

Hi, Eva Maria Hamilton here.

Did you know Harlequin has Free Online Books?

I didn’t know they had so many!

There are free books from every line on their website.

That’s not only awesome for readers, but for writers targeting specific lines, too.

So without further ado, here is:

The Ultimate List of Free Online Reads for

Love Inspired Historical,

Love Inspired, and

Love Inspired Suspense!

Enjoy!




Love Inspired Historicals:

Her Honor-Bound Cowboy – Linda Ford
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1882&chapter=1

A Cowboy’s Promise – Linda Ford
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1566&chapter=1




Love Inspired:

His Amish Bride – Rebecca Kertz
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=2098&chapter=1

An Amish Summer Courtship – Emma Miller
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=2035&chapter=1

Shelter of Hope – Margaret Daley
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1738&chapter=1

Called to Love – Arlene James
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1710&chapter=1

Donnelly’s Promise – Cheryl St.John
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1687&chapter=1

Close to Home – Emma Miller
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1611&chapter=1

The Inn at Hope Springs – Patricia Davids
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1452&chapter=1

Shattered Trust – Margaret Daley
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1442&chapter=1

Yuletide Peril – Terri Reed
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1437&chapter=1

Fireworks – Valerie Hansen
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1421&chapter=1

His American Duchess – Anna Schmidt
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1412&chapter=1

Red Roses – Gena Dalton
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=649&chapter=1

Family Ever After – Linda Goodnight
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1372&chapter=1

Key Witness – Terri Reed
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1367&chapter=1

Small-Town Romance – Arlene James
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1339&chapter=1

An Enduring Love – Jillian Hart
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1317&chapter=1

Dangerous Redemption – Roxanne Rustand
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1309&chapter=1

Where the Boys Are – Kathryn Springer
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1279&chapter=1

Season of Wonder – Marta Perry
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=582&chapter=1

House of Secrets – Marta Perry
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1187&chapter=1

Hope in a Handbag – Annie Jones
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1035&chapter=1

The Best of Friends – Anna Schmidt
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1129&chapter=1

A Sweet Refrain – Felicia Mason
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=910&chapter=1

Hunter and Hope – Lenora Worth
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=476&chapter=1




Love Inspired Suspense:

Her Secret Agent – Lynette Eason
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1827&chapter=1

No End in Sight – Dana Mentink
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1703&chapter=1

Plain Stalker – Alison Stone
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=2107&chapter=1

Dangerous Justice – Terri Reed
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1998&chapter=1

Guarding His Child – Margaret Daley
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1921&chapter=1

Dangerous Secrets – Shirlee McCoy
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1465&chapter=1

Shadows of Blanchard Manor – Lenora Worth
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1239&chapter=1

A Father’s Sins – Hannah Alexander
http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1081&chapter=1


Have Fun Reading!


Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her short story, Disinherited Love, can be read in the anthology, A Kiss is Still A Kiss. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac Lane Publishing, which has currently published, Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1895, and Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1896.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at  www.evamariahamilton.com

Happy New Year from my snow covered area of the world!

Today, I’m excited to share a fun book I recently published!

Do you love Jane Austen?

How about colouring and activities?

If you answered yes, you may enjoy my latest book,
Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book
featuring Illustrations from 1895!

I enjoyed every minute of creating this book!

I adore the old, original drawings, and devising activities based on Pride And Prejudice was pure pleasure!

Currently, I am immersed in the Regency period! Besides all the novels and movies, my short story, Disinherited Love, is set in early Regency. I’m also working on a historical romance series set in that time period, and planning additional colouring and activity books based on Jane Austen’s novels!

I am entering this year filled with optimism. I hope your year is full of wonderment and joy, too!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her short story, Disinherited Love, can be read in the anthology, A Kiss is Still A Kiss. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac Lane Publishing, which has currently published, Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1895.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Christmas and a Smooch!

Today marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in Canada!!!
(Hence why I had to talk about it.)

My DVR is already full of holiday movies to watch, and I have a bunch of Christmas books to read.
(When I’ll actually find the time, is not the point.)

My tree and lights are up.
(But my other decorations still need to find homes.)

In short, my to-do list is longer than a child’s list to Santa.

But I refuse to be bogged down. I have several books in the making that I am so excited about and can’t wait to share! (However, I won’t be dishing on these today. But stay tuned!)

Today, I’m sharing more about my short story, Disinherited Love, in the anthology, A Kiss is Still a Kiss, which is available now!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015EFQZTK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015EFQZTK&linkCode=as2&tag=nexstecri-20&linkId=VJYLCU2N7MJQJZDD

Next Step Books has a page on Facebook that is introducing each story with a Smooch of the Day. I will be featured on December 9th!

“A Kiss is Still a Kiss offers a buffet of stories to tempt the appetites of fiction readers. Twenty authors, from beloved, familiar names to fresh new voices, present tales of love in a variety of genres. Every story shares one thing in common – a kiss.

Over the next few weeks our editor for this book, bestselling author Virginia Smith, will share her thoughts about each story she has included in this delightful collection. We’ll tell you about the author, and include a brief excerpt. We’re calling this series Our Smooch of the Day.
Be sure to check back every few days and smooch with us!”
https://www.facebook.com/nextstepbooks/

Until then,
Blessings!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts
Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Names

Writers often spend an ample amount of time figuring out which name suits a character best.

Research may include checking:

• name definitions, to see if the meaning matches the character’s traits, arc, etc.
• when the name was popular, to match it to a specific time period
• region, to make sure the name matches where the character lives

With all that goes into naming, and creating, characters, is it any wonder that sometimes people name their children after their favorite characters?

Would you ever name your child (or pet) after a favorite character, or perhaps a favorite author?

Better yet, are you named after one? Or do you know someone who is?

In case you might like to see some name suggestions, here’s a site that lists 50 names inspired by authors.
http://www.disneybaby.com/uncategorized/50-baby-names-inspired-by-writers/

Enjoy!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Authors Acting

Authors – I ask you, if your book was made into a movie or TV show, would you want to do a cameo?

Readers – Do you like to see authors do cameos?

I would answer yes to both of these. I love seeing authors do cameos. There’s just something so cool about an author getting to live in the world they created.

So, do you know any films or TV shows that have author cameos in them?

Here are a few fun sites to check out if you want to see some cameos.
The first two deal with movies and the last one deals with TV shows.

Enjoy!

http://mentalfloss.com/article/56564/25-movie-cameos-authors-original-books

http://www.quirkbooks.com/post/ten-best-author-cameos-movie-adaptations

http://www.zimbio.com/Beyond+the+Tube/articles/Eb-SSPC420D/7+Authors+Made+Sneaky+Cameos+Their+Own+Shows


Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Cover Reveal

I'm so excited to reveal the cover for, A Kiss is still A Kiss, the anthology featuring my early Regency short story, Disinherited Love!

This book, comprised of stories from 20 authors, comes out in November, but will be available for a pre-order discount in September!

I simply cannot wait to hold this book in my hands and read all the stories!

Have a wonderful day!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Introducing my Short Story - Disinherited Love

Spring has just begun here in Southern Ontario.

And after a long winter, it’s hard to think about the return of those colder temperatures, not to mention the dark nights.

But this year, there’s a warm, bright light waiting to shine.

I sold a short story that will be included in the anthology, A Kiss is Still a Kiss!

With the publication date set for November 2015, I’m looking forward to Christmas!

I can’t wait to see this book in print and hope readers will delight in my story, Disinherited Love.

I had so much fun writing this inspirational romance set in 1795 England.

With two star-crossed couples forced to deal with the pressures of society, the tension and excitement could barely be contained on the page!

At present, I’m in the editing phase, but I hope to share more information in a later blog.

Until then,
God bless you all!

Eva Maria Hamilton


Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

To be or not to be a writer

Awhile back, I found out that I needed to write a post for this blog today, so I wrote it.

Of course that was before I decided to quit being a writer.

I mean seriously, why be an author?

As Shannon Hale said, “Really, becoming a writer sounds more like a mental illness than a professional choice.”

And Edna Ferber concluded how hard it is, “Only amateurs say that they write for their own amusement. Writing is not an amusing occupation. It is a combination of ditch-digging, mountain-climbing, treadmill and childbirth… amusing? Never!”

Now I know I may be insulting writers here, but as Dan Brown wrote, “Authors, he thought. Even the sane ones are nuts.”

So I ask you, why write?

Even F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Great books write themselves, only bad books have to be written.”

Hence, I vow to write no more!

But then I read what Sinclair Lewis said (sorry for the language), “It is impossible to discourage the real writers - they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write.”

And I get cheered on by Ernest Hemingway,“Once writing has become your major vice and greatest pleasure only death can stop it.”

And I conclude what H. Raven Rose once said, “I write because I am a writer…”

And then I realize it’s April 1^st.

Happy April Fool’s Day! :)

And if you’re a writer like me, I hope you have a good writing day!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748

The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…

Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Happy Writing Zone

I told my daughter that I had to write and she immediately lit up. A smile on her face as she passionately enthused all kinds of story ideas.

Her exhilaration was contagious. And I eagerly listened to her excited narration.

However, I unfortunately did have to tell her that I couldn’t use her tales since I was actually writing a blog.

Nevertheless, she did spark an idea for this post because it made me think…

Is this how electrified we are whenever we sit down to write?

And if not, why?

How do we capture and then release that thrill with every new scene?

Would looking at pictures help? Listening to music? Imagining how good it will feel to write, “The End”?

What do you do to get into your happy writing zone?

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Christmas Movies

There are less than 8 days until Christmas, and I for one am going to miss this season terribly.

Why?

Because this year, I have gotten addicted to Christmas movies!

Yes, it’s true.

My DVR is jam packed.

I am loving all these beautiful movies that center around love and family. These optimistic storylines often have me wondering who wrote them, because they resemble the fantastic inspirational books us Christian writers pen.

And it amazes me that every movie seems to have at least one line that should be hung on the wall.

I just can’t help but paraphrase one from the movie, Christmas on the Bayou.

“You can’t chase happiness, you have to find it where you are.”

A great message for this time of year as we dream about what is to come in 2015.

And I may have some big plans for the coming year, which I’ll be sharing in future posts, but I guarantee you, I’ll be trying to enjoy each moment of the journey and I hope you do, too.

Merry Christmas and All the Best in the New Year!

Enjoy your blessings!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748

The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…

Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

A Message For Everyone

Today,  I’m sharing a message I heard at church.

Are you ready for this?

Because we all need to embrace it!

Love Yourself!

That’s right.

Feel good about yourself.

Don’t put yourself down.

Learn to use positive self-talk.

In loving yourself, you will be able to love others.

If you are happy with yourself, you will see the good in others.

Of course, you shouldn’t take this to the extreme and become selfish or egotistical, but love yourself because you are a child of God.

And if you’re a writer and you’re reading this, make this message apply to your writing, as well. Don’t compare yourself to other writers, don’t let the negative voice in your head win, and as a Christian writer, never doubt your ability to change lives (even if it’s just your own) by the power of your written words.

Blessings,

Eva Maria Hamilton

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Christian Fiction

Last time I posted I had just had our second baby girl.

That was seven weeks ago at the end of July.

And yesterday I had my last appointment with my OBGYN.

What does this have to do with writing you ask?

Well, I gave my doctor my first book, Highland Hearts, as a thank you gift.

And that brings me to today’s topic: Has anyone ever had a bad experience giving a reader a book or introducing them to Christian fiction?

I’m lucky to say that I have not. Most people are quite happy by the gesture—if not shocked to find out that they know an author—and I think that’s wonderful, because I didn’t know that Christian fiction existed until several years ago, and I wish I had known about it all my life, because from the moment I read my first Inspirational novel I was hooked. And now, I’m so glad that God has put me in a position to be an ambassador.

I have much to be thankful for this year and I hope you do as well!

Enjoy the remaining days of summer and God Bless!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748

The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

Fictional Fathers

In honor of Father’s Day yesterday, I thought I’d write about fictional fathers today.

Do you have a favorite fictional father?

I don’t know if I have a favorite, but I must say I really liked Mr. Bennet in the book “Pride and Prejudice” when he didn’t side with his wife who wanted to force Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins.

“And unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

It was a moment when one had to cheer or at least laugh as they read his words.

As for fathers in movies, I think the father in the movie “Life is Beautiful” was extraordinary. To keep his son happy and believing that everything was fine by playing a game while they were actually in peril during war was beyond commendable.

And finally, a father who stands out in a TV show would be Jonathan Kent in Smallville. His love for his family was unquestionable. Here’s an excerpt from one of the episodes:

“Clark Kent: You died because of me. When Jor-El brought me back to life and restored my powers... he told me there'd be a price to - the life of someone I love. I'm sorry, Dad. I'm so sorry.

Jonathan Kent: Clark... believe me, you have nothing to be sorry about. I lived a full wonderful life. I had everything a husband or a father could ever possibly dream of. I am so very proud that I died protecting you.” 

So now it’s your turn to share some of your favorite fictional fathers, because there are plenty more out there.

And for all the real life fathers who put their children and family first, and love them with everything they have and all that they are, I hope you enjoyed the very best of Father’s Days yesterday!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

My Characters are holding my Manuscript Hostage!

Writers - Has this ever happened to you?

Readers – Do you think this sounds crazy?

Well, crazy or not, this is what happened to me while beginning to write my latest novel.

Keep in mind, this novel is the third in a series set during the War of 1812, so I know these characters, I know this setting, I know what needs to happen in this book. But my characters refused to let me write it!

Thankfully, they let me plot the outline of the book, but forget about writing from their points of view.

Why would they do that?

To understand, you must first know my heroine. She did something bad in the first book of this series. Thus, she needed me to figure out why she would do such a terrible thing so I can redeem her in this book. She really does want people to know why she did what she did and offer her forgiveness. Hence, only after I could appreciate what would have possessed her to behave in such a way did she allow me to begin having the fun job of watching her work through her problems, make amends and get her happily ever after.

Ah, a big sigh of relief. Yay! Now I can finally write.

Nope.

About fifteen pages in my hero put on the brakes. He refused to participate until I figured out his entire back story. And boy does he have a part of his past that I was missing that he is seriously running away from. No wonder why he understands my heroine like no one else. They’re perfect for each other, even if they don’t realize it.

But regardless, they’ve finally given me the green light to explore their relationship so they can get past what haunts them, solve the boundless conflicts they find themselves faced with and eventually arrive at a future they can enjoy—together.

Finally, we'll all have a happy ending :) And I do love those!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Eva

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com