Congratulations to Pat S., Jackie M. and Mary C., the winners in Carla's giveaway. Thank you to all who participated!
NY Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Carla Neggers joins us today with a little taste of Ireland.
It's almost August? Where did July go? I swear I can smell snow in the air! Okay, that's an exaggeration. It's been a fun, busy summer of writing, traveling, gardening and—best of all—getting ready for our daughter's second baby (a girl!), due in mid-September. Little Leo is now three, into Thomas the Tank Engine. We were in Ireland when he was born, three weeks early. We got the call at the Hertz car rental counter at the Shannon airport as we rushed home.
We were in Ireland again in July, walking on lanes in the tiny bayside village where Leo's and his soon-to-be-born baby sister's paternal great-great-grandfather was born. They and their dad still have family there. It's an incredibly beautiful spot. I love to let my mind wander as I walk for miles in the Irish hills.
In fact, Finian Bracken, the Irish priest and whiskey expert who appears in SAINT'S GATE, the launch book of my Sharpe & Donovan series, and now HERON'S COVE, came to life during my time in Ireland. Finian ends up serving a parish in a small Maine fishing village and becoming friends with Colin Donovan, an FBI deep-cover agent, and Emma Sharpe, an FBI art crimes expert and former nun.
When HERON'S COVE starts, Colin is on assignment and hasn't been heard from in too long. Finian gathers her and Colin's three rugged brothers for a whiskey tasting. Here's how the story starts:

"Dearly," Finian Bracken, the Irish priest, said. "You're not one for a heavily peated whiskey, I see."
Emma tried to distinguish the other flavors of the sample—spices, fruits, whatever—but only tasted the peat. "I don't know if I'm one for a lightly peated whiskey, either."
A cold wind penetrated Hurley's thin walls and sprayed the old windows with salt water and rain. The restaurant, a fixture on the Rock Point harbor, was basically a shack that jutted out over the water. Now only a few lights penetrated the dark night and fog. Finian had organized the impromptu tasting, setting up on a back table away from what few diners were there on a windy, rainy late-October Friday. He and Michael, Andy and Kevin Donovan were already gathered over a half-dozen bottles of highend whiskey when Emma had arrived in southern Maine an hour ago, up from Boston and her job with a small, specialized FBI unit.
Only Colin, the second-born Donovan, wasn't in Rock Point. Mike was a Maine guide, Andy a lobsterman and Kevin a state marine patrol officer, but, like Emma, Colin was an FBI agent.
Not like me, she thought.
She specialized in art crimes. Colin was a deep-cover agent. He'd left his hometown a month ago, pretending to return to FBI headquarters in Washington. The true nature of his work was known to only a few even within the FBI, but his brothers had guessed that he didn't sit at a desk. Initially he'd kept in touch at least intermittently with his family and friends—and Emma—but for the past three weeks, no one had heard from him.
The silence was far too long, not just for his family and friends but for the FBI.
And for Emma.
I hope you enjoy SAINT'S GATE and HERON'S COVE! I'm working on DECLAN'S CROSS now...which starts out in Ireland…
Thanks so much for your time, and happy reading,
Carla
Carla would like to hear from you. Stop by and say hi, or share a tale where you have been away and missed an event back home.
Carla will be awarding three prizes, a hard cover of her new release, HERON'S Cove, a paperback of SAINT'S GATE and a T-shirt!
Giveaway ends 11:59pm EST July 31st. Please supply your email in the post. You may use spaces or full text for security. (ex. jsmith at gmail dot com) If you do not wish to supply your email, or have trouble posting, please email maureen@justromanticsuspense.com with a subject title of JRS GIVEAWAY to be entered in the current giveaway. This giveaway is for US and CANADA mailing addresses only.
When your safety depends on living a lie. . .
After escaping certain death, deep-cover agent Colin Donovan is back home on the Maine coast with his new love, FBI art crimes expert Emma Sharpe. Then Tatiana Pavlova, a London-based jewelry designer, arrives in Heron’s Cove, asking for Emma’s help–a prized collection from a lost era of Russian opulence, decadence and rare beauty has resurfaced, and Tatiana warns Emma it’s about to be stolen again. And Colin realizes his nightmare isn’t over. It’s just begun.
And everyone you love is a target. . .
Emma guards her past closely, and Colin is determined to unlock her secrets. As they investigate the mysterious collection and the equally mysterious Tatiana, they confront their greatest challenge. Now they must count on their expertise–and each other–to outwit an enemy who wants to destroy them and everyone they love most.
Who can you afford to trust?
Hello! I'm looking forward to reading "Heron's Cove". Keep up the wonderful writing!
ReplyDeleteHi Carla! I love your books and I am looking forward to reading your latest! jaclynlavigne@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this series! lilli530 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWhoo! So stoked to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Ireland, and it's gorgeous... but I must admit that I prefer Scotland. The Highland scenery is just something else! And now I really want to go on holidays, instead of being stuck in lab all summer to finish up experiments so I can graduate... :)
stalkers00(at)yahoo(dot)com
Omgosh! I been "waiting" on this one! Been reading "short stories" just so I don't get "into" another series.. LOL I can't wait to read more on these characters, especially Finian .... I love to follow Carla's pictures especially when she is over in Ireland. Of course love all of Carla's books/stories! Thanks for stoping by Carla and thanks for a another great interview/contest!
ReplyDeletevanettalq @ gmail . com
I must admit that I love books set in Ireland and Scotland. I am half Italian, 3/4 Irish and 1/4 Scottish.
ReplyDeleteI have been blessed to visit Ireland and Scotland although, unfortunately, the last time was many years ago.
I love both countries but of all the places, the Highlands of Scotland in the Fall is breathtaking!
Anyway, I love your books but I must admit, I have yet to read "Heron's Cove" and cannot wait to do so.
Please keep your books coming!
Marijane Diodati
mjdiodati@yahoo.com
I have read Saints Gate and can't wait to read Heron's Cove. Would love to win it! Hint Hint...lsscarchuk@att.net
ReplyDeleteIreland is on my.bucket list of places to visit. Loved Saint's Cove and can't wait for Heron's Cove. I discovered Carla a few years ago and glommed her backlist ... All good. Love to win a copy. gator_Trish at msn dot com
ReplyDeleteJust recently discovered Carla Neggers and can't get enough. Been reading ever since I retired 15 years ago. I'd love to win Heron's Cove. I get my books mostly from the library. And have to wait for a favorite sometimes. Thanks and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWell, I did live 'away' for a few years and missed several home and family events. Other times, I simply had to work. Carla, I sure do hope to see you in South Portland very soon!
ReplyDeleteGot a touch of Irish in me and enjoy reading romance books with the Irish flare. Look forward to reading Heron's Cove. Thank you for holding the contest.
ReplyDeletegrandmabkr at yahoo dot com
Can't wait to read Heron's Cove. Loved Saint's Gate. Actually I really like all of your books. jjrrdavid@live.com
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading Heron's Cove.Thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteWe have an email entry:
ReplyDeleteLove your books! -- Linda A.
Your books are super. I am looking forward to reading this one. Dee
ReplyDeletegrammyd 01 at comcast dot net
My birthday is coming up in August. What a gift it would be to receive these prizes from a favorite author. gericapen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to this next installment!! smokeyec@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your books so much. They take me to places I long to go to.
ReplyDeletedjehlick@gmail.com
Loved Saint's Gate and am looking forward to reading the new one! nsheldon6@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletewould love to read your books-must admit i havent yet!! also would love a free t shirt!! becoming a fan!! thanks jackie morris morris.jackie49@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWe have an email entry:
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name into the Giveaway contest. I love Carla Neggers novels! -- Joy
Your books are terrific~! I've read the Cold series and have the Whisper waiting to be read. Would love to win a book in the new series.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
We have an email entry:
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name into the Giveaway contest. I love Carla Neggers novels!--Krista
looking forward to another great read, thanks@
ReplyDeleteHow have I not read these books yet? I must run to the book store now, again. I would love to win one of your books!
ReplyDeleteCariBellaCreations at gmail dot com
Am eagerly awaiting your newest book.
ReplyDeleteSharon@mhssystemsinc.com
I'm a huge Carla Neggers fan! I like how every book takes me to the place; the details are great. Congratulations on the release of Heron's Cover.
ReplyDeleteCambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I absolutely love your books. Once I gain a copy and read it, i cannot seem to part with it! I have them all put in one special area! Thanks for taking the time to write all your wonderful books!
ReplyDeleteOh and I e-mailed you my e-mail address!
Thanks for all the comments! They're great fun to read. I'm planning a trip to Scotland now, by way of Ireland, of course. ;-) -- Carla
ReplyDeleteCarla: We had the 2012 Dana Reunion, and although you didn't attend, one of your books did. We had it on one of the information tables and explained that your family did (and still does) live in the region affected by the Quabbin. It sounded like we helped you make a few new fans. Here's a link to Kayley's story on the new permanent photos in Dana: http://www.telegram.com/article/20120730/NEWS/107309964/1246
ReplyDelete(Get a real taste for the region Carla grew up in and still writes about.)
--Dave Clark, ricevillage@gmail.com
I'm thrilled and wait impatiently for ALL your new releases - I've already read all the older ones! I wish you had them put into movies for Lifetime showing!! How wonderful this would be to see characters come to life.
ReplyDeleteLove all your books.Thank You. pjk516@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI forgot to include my email address as I'd love to be entered in your giveaway... Luvbaja@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI am on the waiting list of my library to read Heron's Cove. I cannot wait until it is published. I am glad to hear you are working on another book also. I cannot get enough of your books. Thanks for writing interesting stories. - cwendy56@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, Dave! I was "home" on Saturday for my niece's bridal shower.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all the great comments. Always some jitters ahead of a book's release... -- Carla
Here is my email...:veeriggs@aol.com ..Come back to AZ.
ReplyDeletewow thanks for the chance
ReplyDeletelove your books keep up the terrific writing and ill keep on reading again thank you for this chance
Congratulations on the book! This sounds like a good series.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Looking forward to reading the series! Am trying to catch up on your novels! Congratulations on this series, sounds great.
ReplyDeletePat Sherwood
Here is my email: pksherwood@hotmail.com
Congrats on the new release, Carla. I wish miss my cousin's upcoming wedding, but my mom will make the trip and represent the family.
ReplyDeletejanie1215 AT excite DOT com
Oh Ireland... one day I will see it!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to your newest book... I have it on my list of wants! :)
Can't wait to dive into Heron's Cove. jennile82@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have always loved your books and I am looking forward to Heron's Cove as well.
ReplyDeletesamgirl_99_99(at)yahoo(dot)com.
I have been reading all of your books for years, including Saint's Gate. jbrecka at sympatico dot ca
ReplyDeleteHello Carla,
ReplyDeleteI finally get to correspond with you. I have seen your name over the past year many times as a wonderful author.
Please enter me in your draw. I would very much like to read one of your books!
Jan
janet_kerr(at)msn.com
Love the trailer - can't wait to read Heron's Cove!
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
I'm looking forward to adding Heron's Cove to my collection of your books - I love each and every one of them!
ReplyDeleteThe event that I was away from home for (actually out of state on a major software conversion) was my daughter's 7th birthday. Twenty some years later and she still doesn't let me forget it!!
k(dot)cherub2011(at)gmail(dot)com
Heron's Cove sounds great! I'd love to read it. I'd also love to travel to Ireland, I imagine it's beautiful country! Well, maybe some day.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I always feel so connected to your books; I live in Maine, love to visit Vermont and can't wait for my visit to Ireland - hope to find distant relatives! Have read and enjoyed all of your books, and can't wait for Heron's Cove!
ReplyDeletepb04090 at gmail dot com
Thanks for the great giveaway and congrats on the newest release! I've always wanted to read Carla's books... they sound so good!
ReplyDeleteefender1(at)gmail(dot)com
I love your books especially the ones set in Ireland. Would love to visit the country some day.
ReplyDeletekmccandle(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the chance to win such great books. The event I missed was when my only daughter started school. I had to take my husband to hospital a state away and my dear mother got the joy of sending her off for the first week.
ReplyDeletemichyellowrose@gmail.com
I have not heard of these books. I would love to read them! My dream is to go to Ireland.
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
Your trip sounds like a dream. Ireland is such a magic land. Can't wait to read Heron's Cove. ellis at ellisvidler dot com
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Ireland! One day I hope to visit too!
ReplyDeleteI love your books and thanks for a chance to win a copy of "Heron's Cove"!
I love Carla's books - she creates such wonderful characters and fascinating plots! :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this series! Thanks for the great excerpts. Added them to my list.
ReplyDeleteHeather E
hregtvedt@aol.com