Spotlight on Author Laura Strickland
Today I am excited to have the wonderful Historical Romance (Viking), and Steampunk author, Laura Strickland on my blog. Thank you so much for agreeing to visit and share a few words about your new release the Seafarer’s Bride.
Multi award-winning author Laura Strickland delights in time traveling to the past and searching out settings for her books, be they Historical Romance, Steampunk or something in between. Her first Scottish Historical hero, Devil Black, battled his way onto the publishing scene in 2013, and the author never looked back. Nor has she tapped the limits of her imagination. Venturing beyond Historical and Contemporary Romance, she created a new world with her ground-breaking Buffalo Steampunk Adventure series set in her native city, in Western New York. Married and the parent of one grown daughter, Laura has also been privileged to mother a number of very special rescue dogs, the latest of whom is a little boy named Tinker, and is intensely interested in animal welfare. Her love of dogs, and her lifelong interest in Celtic history, magic and music, are all reflected in her writing. Laura’s mantra is Lore, Legend, Love, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
That’s some history there Laura, and so interesting. I love you have such a diverse range of writing. I also love you are rescuing dogs. Amazing.
Now to your latest release – The Seafarer’s Bride
‘From far across the sea comes the one man she can love.’
I’m currently reading this book, and loving it! Once I’ve finished, I promise to post on my socials, also check out Goodreads. So, let’s get straight to it and find out a little more about The Seafarer’s Bride.
Blurb:
A year ago, Magnus Tolljursson helped repel a treacherous attack from his father’s enemies, and discovered he carries the berserker’s seed of madness. Now he must sail to the settlement from whence those attackers came and fulfill a promise to a friend. He doesn’t know what he’ll find in Husavik and never suspects he may lose his heart.
In her father’s absence, Embra Fritisson has been engaged in a desperate battle to keep leadership of the settlement. When Magnus arrives saying her father is dead, she fears her unstable family will splinter into factions and destroy one another. She must retain control, but how can she hope to keep her head while falling in love with the enemy?
I thought it would be great to know a little bit about one of the characters. Laura provided this little tidbit which I found really interesting and wonder exactly how she can come up with something so different. . .
Embra’s brother, Runi, is a character in this story who seems to capture many readers’ attention. He is a singular sort of fellow, possessed by a mischievous and often whimsical spirit, who will say things to antagonize Embra even though deep down he loves her dearly. His upbringing has made him hide in plain sight, so to speak, though he often disappears for long periods of time. Whence does he disappear? Well, during the course of the story Embra discovers Runi has turned to a very particular source for the love of which he has, all his life, been deprived by his family. I won’t spoil the secret and tell to whom he has turned. But one reader did request a follow up tale about his love story!
Oh, my goodness Laura – will you be following up on his love story? It’s such a compliment to be asked by a reader. I’ve also been asked to do something similar after the sequel of The Twenty-One-Year Contract and was thrilled.
So on to an excerpt which Laura has kindly provided. I think it’s just a taste of things to come and I’m sure you will enjoy reading it as much as me and want to purchase her books.
Short excerpt:
A fraught moment ensued. Embra had parted her lips to say, “I am in charge,” when an interruption occurred. Vanja came charging into the hall, pushing folks out of the way, a sword in her hand.
Ach, by Freya’s heart, this was just what Embra needed.
Vanja looked—insane. Her fair hair had escaped its plaits and her eyes were wild. She came with words pouring from her.
“Where is he? Where is he?” Focusing on Magnus Tolljursson the way a wounded cat might focus on its rival, she demanded, “Are you the one? The one who’s brought word of my father?”
Magnus Tolljursson stared, as did the handful of men he’d brought up from the boat with him.
He sounded calm though when he replied, “I am.”
“Where is he?” Vanja repeated and waved her weapon in Magnus Tolljursson’s face. Any man might be expected to back off. He did not, but held up his hands, empty of weapons.
Perhaps he did have balls the size of Odin’s head.
“Dead.” Magnus shot one inquiring look at Embra.
“My sis—” she began, only to have Vanja speak over her.
“Who killed him?” It was a howl of pain. “You?” again she waved the sword. “Was it you?”
Still, he did not step back though all of his men had their hands on their weapons, and had stepped up behind him.
Beside Embra, Runi chuckled.
“He died in battle on our shore, in Sorvagur.”
“By whose hand?”
“Does it matter?” Magnus spoke to Vanja as directly as she spoke to him, disregarding the pain that infused her voice. “Men who come to our shores seeking to defeat us must be prepared to die.”
Vanja blinked at him. “My brother, Gunnar?”
“He too breathed his last at Sorvagur.”
“Ach, by Tyr’s whiskers! I will avenge them. I swear to avenge them.”
Magnus’s men stirred and he narrowed his eyes, giving Vanja a dangerous look. “Mistress,” he bowed slightly, “as you wish.”
“Did you kill them?” She waved her sword in a wild arc. “Need I slay you?”
“I represent Sorvagur here. If you have scores to settle with anyone there, you must take it up with me.”
Ah, Embra thought upon a thrill of rare admiration. He knew not of what he spoke. No one in his right mind would take Vanja on. She was by turns heedless, cunning and treacherous.
A worthy daughter, in fact, of Friti Gunnarsson.
Thank you so much Laura for sharing this today. I am so glad you could come to my blog. It’s been a wonderful experience working with you.
Now folks, below are the buy links and social media. So if you want to check in and follow up – I’m sure she will be thrilled to meet you too.
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Seafarers-Bride-Viking-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNZFLGGT/ref=sr_1_1
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Seafarers-Bride-Laura-Strickland/dp/1509247319/ref=sr_1_1
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seafarers-Bride-Viking-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNZFLGGT/ref=sr_1_1
Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Seafarers-Bride-Viking-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNZFLGGT/ref=sr_1_1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seafarers-bride-laura-strickland/1142835949?ean=2940185674550
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-seafarer-s-bride
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-seafarers-bride/id6445167870
BookBub:
Author Web site: www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Strickland/e/B001KHSACW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Author Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760146.Laura_Strickland
Author Twitter:
Laura Strickland Author @LauraSt05038951
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurastricklandauthor/
One final note: All authors around the world truly appreciate kind feedback. If you read books, please may I ask you consider doing reviews. They can be done on Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon. Thank you.
If you are interested in historical romance you could also check out:
mybook.to/twentyone – 1950’s London and everyone has a secret.
Comments (14)
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Laura Strickland
No problem!
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manager
Thanks Kim, I dont think you'll be disappointed. I'm so busy at the moment, but I cant wait to get straight back to it.
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manager
Well, this is the first time I've begun reading Laura's book, and I'm loving every page! Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Barbara Bettis
Love the sound of this book, Laura. But then you have a fantastic author's voice and i enjoy every one of your books! Cotinued best of luck and Happy Easter :)
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Laura Strickland
Barb, thanks so very much! It's fun getting lost in the Viking world.
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Anastasia Abboud
WHOA! That is one intense, suspenseful excerpt! It always surprises me how varied Laura's titles are. Amazing. Thank you for a great post, ladies!
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Laura Strickland
Thank you so much for inviting me here today! It's a pleasure!