I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of time travel. Also, to satisfy my own curiosity, I’ve read a lot about differing theories regarding dimensions and the multi-verse model of reality. Couple that with a deep and abiding appreciation for the history of Ireland, and a love of Celtic myths and legends, and how could I not create a romance weaving together all of these intriguing elements? Blame it on my Irish heritage and an overactive imagination, I guess.
I’ve visited Ireland twice, and both times I experienced an overwhelming sense of homecoming. Maybe genetic memory is a thing? I haven’t yet explored the northern half of the island, so I will be going back. In fact, I’d really love to rent a cottage by the sea there for a summer.
Anyway, while doing research for TANGLED IN TIME, my daughter and I spent two weeks touring Ireland in 2014. It was a happy discovery for me to learn we both share a love for all things ancient and Celtic. We spent fourteen glorious days exploring ruins, museums and landmarks. Many of the sites we visited have been incorporated into Fáelán and Regan’s tale, and I’d love to share a few pictures of our trip with you.
Three sites stood out for me: Brú Na Bóinne, aka Newgrange, Staigue Fort (a “ring” fort) and Ballycarberry Castle. Newgrange figures significantly in TANGLED IN TIME. It’s where our hero and heroine first meet. Regan believes Fáelán is a ghost, but he’s far from dead. He’s been cursed to dwell in the void realm by a selfish, vindictive fae princess.
Newgrange is referred to as a “passage tomb,” but I have my doubts. The ancient structure is a fascinating feat of engineering genius predating the Egyptian pyramids. One time per year, during the winter solstice, the sun lines up perfectly with the entrance, and the entire interior is illuminated with bright light. There are three chambers inside, and each one holds a slab of stone that is slightly concave. Tombs? Or . . . was this a sacred place where sacrifices were made to the gods to ensure a prosperous and fruitful new year. Human remains have been found within, but no one knows how they got there.
Now, see, stuff like that really stirs my muse. The Hill of Tara is also marvelous for inspiration, not to mention the site offers an amazing 360° vista of Ireland’s lush, green rolling hills. It is the place where the Tua Dé Danann (The fae) were banished to dwell beneath the hill (a portal to the void realm, I imagine.) by the Milesian wizard Amergin. Tara was also the ancestral seat of the ancient high kings of Ireland. It where coronations took place, and where the heirs to the throne proved they were the rightful king by making Lia Fail (the Stone of Destiny) sing at their touch. I touched the stone. It did not sing. It did not even snort. Ah, well.
There are so many more places I’d love to explore in Ireland. I haven’t been to the northern regions yet, and I look forward to many more “research” visits, and to the telling many more Celtic inspired tales of adventure and romance.
TANGLED IN TIME by Barbara Longley
To set him free from an ancient curse, she must travel to a time of myth and legend…
Regan MacCarthy’s ability to see ghosts is a gift inherited from her Irish ancestors, but it’s one she’d dearly like to give back. In an attempt to return her powers to their source, she travels to Ireland to harness the ancient magic that still permeates the mystical site of Newgrange. Instead, something far more unexpected awaits her: a strapping, gorgeous stranger who insists he’s a centuries-old Celtic warrior.
Fáelán was one of Fionn MacCumhaill’s elite soldiers before being cursed by a resentful fae princess. The only way to free himself is to fall so deeply in love that he’d sacrifice his life. Not an easy matter when he’s invisible to most. Yet Regan sees him—not just the proud, handsome warrior on the surface, but the complex man beneath. Only when it’s too late does Fáelán realize that drawing this beautiful mortal into his world has endangered them both, and may destroy the happiness he’s waited an eternity to claim…
Romance Time Travel | Romance Paranormal [Montlake Romance, On Sale: October 24, 2017, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781542048231 / ]
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About Barbara Longley
As a child, award-winning, Amazon bestselling author Barbara Longley moved frequently and learned how to entertain herself with stories. As an adult, she’s lived in a commune in the Appalachians, taught on an Indian reservation, and traveled from coast to coast.
Once she had children, she decided it was time to plant roots and made Minnesota her permanent home. Barbara holds a master’s degree in special education and has been an elementary school teacher for many years. While she loves teaching, reading and writing are her passions.
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