Welcome MFRW Author Sherry Ewing.
Sherry Ewing is a self-published author who writes historical and paranormal romance novels to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Her debut historical romance, If My Heart Could See You, hit Amazon’s top ten bestseller list only two days after the paperback release. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. She is a national and local member of Romance Writers of America since 2012 and is currently editing her second novel, For All of Ever, to be released soon.Why did you decide to write romance novels?
My first experience reading a historical romance was as a teenager. Once I read The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, I was hooked. It was only natural that I would attempt to follow in her footsteps and write one myself someday.
What genre is it?
If My Heart Could See You is an historical romance set in twelfth century England.
Tell us about your latest book.
If My Heart Could See You, takes place at the border between Scotland and England. Berwyck castle has been taken over by the English and a conquering knight, Dristan, the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore. The heroine, Amiria, is one of the last remaining descendants of clan MacLaren and would rather be in boots, hose, and tunic than stuck in a solar with needle and thread.
Where did the idea come from?
I was actually working on my Regency, One Moment in Time, when the idea came to me and I couldn't wait to get started. I had no idea If My Heart Could See You would inspire me to write the next four books including a work in progress all with secondary characters from this novel!
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?
I always wanted to write but raising my children was my main priority. It wasn't until 2008 when I was talking with a friend during a rough period in my life that I mentioned I should write that novel that’s been waiting for me to tell its story for years. He asked, “What’s stopping you?” A light bulb went off inside my head and I've been writing ever since.
What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I really have no routine. I write by the seat of my pants but also chapter by chapter. I can’t move forward with the story until I’m satisfied with what I've already written. I get my idea’s at all hours of the day, so when I have them, I have to stop what I’m doing and write it down even if it’s in the middle of the night.
What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing – or are there constant interruptions?
I do my best writing sitting at my mother’s house on NASCAR Sunday’s listening in the background to the roar of the engines. My oldest daughter has all but given up trying to have conversations with me in the evening if I’m writing but she understands. She’s a writer too.
Sherry released If My Heart Could See You, a Mainstream Historical Romance, with Kingsburg Press.BLURB
When you're enemies, does love have a fighting chance?
For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.
Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.
Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT THE BOOK
"Heart Pounding Action! ""This is an outstanding first novel by this promising new author. It was very hard to put down and I spent many nights staying up until the wee hours of the morning! What sets this book apart from other historical romance books that I've read is the character development. I felt that I really understood each of the characters, and not just the main ones. I cared what happened to them and found my heart pounding out of fear when something was about to go wrong. I'd love to see another book in which we get to see the two main characters again. This is an author to watch...I truly believe we will see more five star books!""
A Great Read!!! ""I love this read. This is the kind of medieval conquest romance I love. It was filled with adventure, intrigue and hot romance. The h/h were very likeable because the hero was stern, yet very humane, and the heroine was a warrior type woman, but also very feminine and did not over do herself in terms of wanting to behave like a man. She was tough, but practical. I just could not put this book down. I would recommend this book to whomever loves a great medieval conquest romance where not only does the the hero conquers the heart of the heroine, but of the reader's as well.""
EXCERPT
Young knight MacLaren stood with steady feet upon the narrow parapet and looked down into the inner bailey, surveying the destruction and devastation below. Ian, the guardsman ever by the youth’s side, had the same grim expression as his charge.
The constant thunder of a battering ram slamming upon the solid oak door echoed harshly throughout the keep. Afore long, the wooden portal would give way, and with its demolition, all hope would surely depart from the occupants who had fled inside to find safe haven. Too soon, the enemy would be within, causing more lives to be lost in the castle’s defense. The siege had been bloody, lasting more than two fortnights, and, in truth, ’twas surprising the battle endured as long as it had, given the small number of knights available to defend the castle walls.
For nigh unto sixty years, Berwyck Castle had known peace over its land while governed by the last remaining descendants of the Scottish clan MacLaren. The castle and its people, however, had grown accustomed to constant upheaval, being between two kings struggling for power and control over the region. Situated on a cliff high above the raging sea, the castle towered over a prime port for transporting goods into the interior of the country, both north and south. Its location, bordering Scotland and England, had been the cause of many a battle over the centuries, and the fortress had changed liege lords more often than most could remember. With the arrival of the enemy, and the breaching of the curtain wall, ’twas but a matter of time afore England would once again call this castle its own in the name of their king.
Although young in years and slight of frame, the fledgling knight had fought valiantly and bravely, never giving quarter, even whilst the enemy relentlessly pressed forward in determination to win the day. Only at the command of the castle’s laird and chieftain of the clan did the knight order the garrison to fall back into the keep to protect the family within. Moments earlier, all had watched in horror as a sword laid low their liege and his eldest son, though they continued to pray that perchance the leaders had been spared and yet lived.
Blood, of those whom the young MacLaren’s loyal garrison had slain, covered their armor, and the stench assaulted their senses. The cries of the wounded and dying were but a soft whisper on the wind and had all but quieted. MacLaren knew all of Berwyck’s inhabitants were now focused on the newest threat to come, as the castle’s last defense was about to fall. The distinct sound of splintering wood rang out into the chilled air. The warriors atop the battlement grimaced at the forecast of what their future held.
“Ach, ’twill not last much longer now,” Ian predicted.
“Aye Ian, our fate it seems has been sealed,” the young knight said, retrieving the sword that had been carefully laid up against the stone wall. “We shall soon be held accountable for those lives we have taken this day.”
“I do not relish swearing fealty to some English pig,” Ian cursed loudly, “especially as our laird and the dead of our fellow clansmen lay scattered on these cold grounds, awaiting a decent burial.”
The young knight flinched at the mention of their lord.
Ian mumbled his apologies for his loose tongue.
“My sire and brother died in battle . . . in truth they would have had it no other way,” was all young MacLaren said.
