Guest Post & Giveaway: CALLUM: THE CURSED CLAN by Melissa Schroeder

I want to thank Monique for allowing me to stop by AsianCoca’s Secret Garden to talk about my upcoming release, Callum. It is the first of my five book series, The Cursed Clan. I came up with the idea way back in 2006. I wondered what it would be like to write a big five book series set in modern times but with a curse that had followed the family for several centuries. I have never written a huge world building type of series like this and I was really excited. Of course, I didn’t think it would take several years before I would have a chance to delve into the series.

The one thing that really drew me to the idea, other than hanging out with some modern day Highlanders, was that the plot was steeped in history. I have a degree in history and English, so I love the subject. One of the joys of writing this book was partly the research. My concentration was twentieth century Europe, mainly WWII, so being able to read about the Clan system and the Clearances really caught my attention. Studying that and seeing how actions in those times could affect people today plays very big in this series. And, again, learning more about Scotland and its heritage has made me want to go there even more. Here is a little tidbit about The Cursed Clan, which is releasing January 24th.

~ Melissa Schroeder

The Cursed Clan: Callum
by Melissa Schroeder
Release Date: January 24, 2012

Will Desire be the answer or the ruin of an entire clan?

As Laird, Callum Lennon feels he has always failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused the death of his father and the experience has scarred not only his body, but his soul. From that point on, he made sure to always go with the more logical choice in every matter. When his younger cousin Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly hires Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into their family affairs. Their life would become fodder for the tabloids if anyone were to find out about the curse. It doesn’t help that the instant he meets Dr. Chilton he’s attracted. But, he doesn’t really have a choice because she might be their last hope.

An expert in archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. Their high standards had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her broken marriage have left her needing something more than just diplomas and degrees. She wants to prove that her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time rival breathing down her back, she jumps at the Lennons’ offer her, hoping it will ensure her the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.

Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they fail. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new love, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.

Click Here to read an excerpt.

Giveaway:

Melissa is giving away a digital copy of Callum: The Cursed Clan to one lucky reader!

To enter, leave a comment with your email address. This giveaway is open internationally.

Entry Deadline is Sunday, January 15^th. Good luck!