It’s already the week before Thanksgiving? How did that happen? Just so happens, it is also three days pre-release of Hearts of Magic, Chevalier Book 3 and…Wow! That seriously snuck up on me. I blame the trip to Ireland and the subsequent two and a half week bout of pneumonia I came back with for the time warp I just experienced. I’ve been caught unprepared. I have no blog tour or giveaways set up for this release date. For that, I apologize to my fans. As a result, Theran and Colby will greet the world with less fanfare than their predecessors, but I promise they are just as sweet, sassy, possessive, and protective as the rest of the Chevalier Pack is of their mates. Colby was quite the pain in the ass to write, but he’s actually a nice guy (ahem, stubborn and a bit egotistical). I hope you all enjoy reading this series as much I’ve enjoyed writing it. Book 4 is the final installment so stay tuned.
Ireland was the most amazing trip. It’s humbling to be in a country with a history as rich and old as theirs. Dublin was a Viking city established in the 800s. Wow! Upon arriving at Castle Hotel, after the strange experience of being in a European car and driving on the other side of the road, the four of us went to our rooms. Keri and Tigz room looked like any other hotel room – warm creams and browns. Mike and I ended up in a solid white room that looked like a 10-year-old girl’s attic bedroom that brought to mind images of The Shining. I mean, why is there a chandelier? The tight, odd, blood-red hallways with doors that only led to stairs probably didn’t help with that illusion. It was quite the maze. We ended up getting lost at least twice during the week.
I was excited to see Donegal, the county my family heralds from, during the bus tour to Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede. I hate heights so the fact I did the Shepherd Steps at the Causeway and the rope bridge of Carrick-A-Rede was quite the accomplishment. In Dublin itself, we did a walking tour and visited a few museums. One of which was, of course, the Dublin Writer’s Museum. Tigz and I loved that place.
Despite going places and doing things every single day we were there, so many more things to see and do ended up on our list for “next time.” I can tell you, I’ll probably not enjoy Guinness poured in America as much anymore having had it there. So creamy and rich there. For some reason, it just doesn’t taste the same here. The Guinness brewery was a fun excursion. We also did a whiskey tour that was fantastic where we learned how to drink it properly, pair it with cheese and chocolate. So delicious. The only thing I wouldn’t have minded skipping was the walking pneumonia I brought home with me. A week later and I’m still healing from that.
The live music we got to hear on the street and in the pubs was invigorating. Being the introverted writer that I am, this was the biggest social experience I’d had in years. They say travel is good for sparking creativity and hitting that reset button. Now that I’ve experienced it, I agree wholeheartedly. I’m sure the family will continue to push me to spread my wings and experience more of the world in this way.
