Patriot's Blade by Susan Leigh Furlong
A little bit about Author Susan Leigh Furlong…
I’ve been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. A gift of Japanese kimonos when I was nine years old, inspired me to write my first play and have the neighborhood kids perform it. Since then, my writing life has been defined by first handwritten pages jammed in my dresser drawers, then on a manual typewriter on the dining room table, then to my first computer, a Commodore, and now on the latest in desktops.
I taught first grade and fourth grade for thirty years. I taught creative writing regardless of the child’s age or ability. Tell me your story and I will write it down for you.I also coached creative writing competitive teams for an Ohio program called “Power of the Pen.”
I am a lifelong lover and reader of history, and I write historical romance/adventure to bring stories of the past to life. Since time travel has not been invented – yet – and I have a deep respect for historical details, I want my characters to thrive, love deeply, and conquer dangers unknown to us in the modern world. My Scottish Heritage draws me to the Highlands while my American-born history leads me to explore how our fight for freedom began.
Research leads me to fascinating places, and I often say, “You can’t make this stuff up!” But then I do, on every page.
This is Author Susan Leigh Furlong’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
Inspiration to start writing…
I have always had a curiosity about historical figures, places, and times. I remember a series of orange-covered books about famous notables as children. I read the entire series and asked for more. It wasn’t the dates and/or battles. It was the people. I had to know more about them.
My favorite genres to read and write in are historical fiction and non-fiction. It fascinates me about how these characters lived, how their lives were much different from ours, and at the same time the striving for survival, the love of family, and the need to achieve something lasting are so familiar. I first fell in love with historical romance after I won a free book – Jude Deveraux’s Velvet Song. From then on I was hooked.
Susan’s works…
I have written six books for The Wild Rose Press. Four of them are set in the Scottish Highlands in 14th and 15th century, all based on true events. Steadfast Will I Be, By Promise Made, Keeper of my Dreams,and Forgiven Never Forgotten.
Two of my more recent books are set during the early American Revolution. Desperate Hopeand Patriot’s Blade.
All are available in paperback and e-book at online sellers (Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and at my website: www.SusanLFurlong.com)
Here are quick e-reader book links:
Patriot’s BladeBlurb
In the chaos of the Revolutionary War, Dr. Sophie Dougal fights her own battle – saving lives in a time when women are banned from the medical profession. When a wounded soldier, Birch Johansen, arrives at the makeshift clinic, Sophie’s world shifts. Birch, a daring patriot, challenges her guarded heart. Their bond grows, but duty, danger and lies threaten to tear them apart.
Birch Johansen works for General George Washington to expose conspiracies threatening the success of the war. When whispers of treason implicate him, he must make sacrifices to find the truth before he is hanged. Will one of them be Sophie? Can their love withstand the trials of war, or will it be destroyed by the Patriot’s Blade?
One of Susan’s favourite scenes from Patriot’s Blade…
Pastor Massey pushed against Joseph’s arm, but to no advantage. “This man dragged me here. I demand he release me!”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” replied Samuel. “I’m sure that was a bit uncomfortable. May I offer you tea while you wait?” Samuel stepped closer until he and the preacher were almost nose to nose. “My daughter isgetting married to a fine young soldier today. You will say all the proper words, and sign all the proper papers or…” He paused. “Or I will have to reset your arm again.”
“My arm isn’t broken,” stuttered Massey.
Samuel spoke through gritted teeth. “It will be…before I reset it.”
Forgiven Never ForgottenBlurb
Rory Campbell, falsely accused of participating in the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe killings, is sentenced to hang as a sacrificial lamb while the real agents of the slaughter escape blame. He risks everything to convince the love of his life, Joneta MacDonald, of the truth. He can never forget how completely she owns his heart.
Joneta MacDonald watches helplessly as her family is murdered by the king’s men, but forgiving Rory for his seeming participation is harder than she imagined. What must she endure besides the clan’s hatred? With overwhelming odds against them, she clings to her love for a man labeled a traitor.
One of Susan’s favourite scenes from Forgiven Never Forgotten…
The Highland Fair – August 1690
When she saw him coming across the path to her stall, the way he strode toward her – proudly, purposefully, as if he owned the world – made her heart nearly stop. A love for life sparkled around him, especially when he smiled. She fell into that smile. He was like a splash of color in her gray world. He drew her in, and she went willingly.
After he left the booth, Joneta kept her eyes on Rory as he walked away, until her older brother, John, came from behind the stall rolling a keg of ale. “What are ye looking so happy about?”
She tried to force the smile off her face, but she couldn’t. “Nothing special. Just another customer.”
“Did he tell ye a joke?”
She shook her head.
Connect with Author Susan Leigh Furlong
FACEBOOK: Susan Leigh Furlong
INSTAGRAM – sfurlong90
TWITTER (X) – @FurlongLeigh
Two stories that grab a reader’s attention, Susan. I love it when an author captures authentic dialogue used in an earlier time and place, as you do.
As a history major I have a special place in my heart for historical romances. I’m putting yours on my TBR lost. Best of luck
Enjoyed your spotlight and excerpts. They have done a nice job of showing off our books here. Best of luck with yours.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to the LL article. I greatly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy Patriot’s Blade, Forgiven Never Forgotten, and any of my other books.