Kristy McCaffrey's Blog: Author Kristy McCaffrey - Posts Tagged "halloween"
New Releases ~ Two Short Novellas
By Kristy McCaffrey
My series on Women's Sexuality will continue on Thursday with Part III: What Do Women Want? but I wanted to pop in to share two short novellas that released today.
The Crow and the Coyote and Lily and Mesquite Joe are available in digital for only 99 cents.
The setting for The Crow and the Coyote, a paranormal western romance just in time for Halloween, is Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de shay). This national monument is located in northeastern Arizona within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Rock art and other excavations have revealed human habitation for at least 4,500 years, encompassing not just the Navajo but the ancient Anasazi as well. In the 18th century, the canyon became a major stronghold of the Navajo—the high walls offering protection and the streams helping to grow corn crops and peach trees.
It was here that Kit Carson, under orders from James Carleton—governor and commander of New Mexico Territory—sought to purge the Navajo and relocate them to the Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. The Long Walk, an arduous journey which encompassed well over 50 separate treks led by the U.S. Army, occurred from 1863 to 1866. The accounts of death by starvation, sickness, or violence left an indelible trauma on the people. Although they were allowed to return to Canyon de Chelly in 1868, they would never forget this painful period of their history.
Hannah Dobbin is after an evil Navajo sorcerer who murdered her father, and she's determined to see him dead. But she'll need a bounty hunter—The Crow—to help find this vile man. With Hallowtide upon them, more evil is afoot than they can handle; but love will find a way.
(This story was previously published in the anthology: Cowboys, Creatures and Calico Vol. 2)
Excerpt:
Hannah awoke before dawn from her pallet by the tiny fire she and Sani had allowed themselves. For the first time since her pa died some three weeks ago, her dreams had been calm. She turned on her side and watched the man called Crow, slumbering several feet away beside a horse he'd retrieved the previous night. The presence of both had kept the spooks at bay, and a feeling of safety washed over her.
She wondered if trusting the man was wise, but Sani grudgingly accepted him. Truthfully, they could use his help. None of the Navajo men would accompany them—they insisted on distancing themselves from the actions of two women not in their right minds. Hannah knew the beliefs of the Navajo—that stirring up spirits would not end well—but she had no choice, not if she wanted to help her pa. She knew, however, that if she and Sani weren't careful they could both end up dead.
Mr. Crow consumed a large space in this world with his obvious physical presence, and a look in his dark eyes that was both remote and calculating. She sensed he walked a fine line between justice and violence. It didn't frighten her, but she did wonder if she could trust him.
He awoke, stood, and immediately checked his horse. Then, he looked directly at her.
"Mornin'," he said.
* * * *
Also available today ~ Lily and Mesquite Joe.
Lily Kingston has long loved Mesquite Joe Riordan, but when he doesn’t step forward to protest her betrothal to another man—arranged by her papa—her heart breaks. When Joe is blamed for the murder of a ranch hand and disappears, Lily knows exactly where to find him. Facing the truth of his past will test her resolve, but only her stubbornness can win his heart.
(This story was previously published in the anthology Cowboy Cravings.)
Excerpt:
The following day and night she stayed close, waiting for the fever and delirium to break. That evening he awoke.
Relief blanketed her, along with anticipation. She scooted close to him.
“Joe?”
He opened his eyes, trying to focus on her but his confusion was clear.
“Lily? You’re…still here?”
“I came to help you.”
The flash of anger he directed at her took her by surprise. Her fingers halted mid-air; she’d been reaching for his arm as she spoke, wanting to touch him just as she had all these past hours. Slowly, she lowered her hand to her lap, and swallowed against the flush of humiliation that heated her cheeks. Deep down, she’d been certain he’d be happy to see her. Now, she wondered if she should’ve come. But if she hadn’t, he’d likely be in worse shape, his wound festering and no one to care for him.
“What happened?” he asked, his deep voice worn-down and hoarse. “I don’t remember…”
“You were shot,” she replied, trying not to feel angry herself.
* * * *
Coming October 22 ~ A BRAND NEW short novella featuring another bounty hunting Boggs brother. Stay tuned!!
To catch all the latest news from Kristy, sign up for her newsletter
BUY LINKS
The Crow and the Coyote
Amazon
Nook
iBooks
Kobo
Smashwords
Lily and Mesquite Joe
Amazon
Nook
iBooks
Kobo
Smashwords
My series on Women's Sexuality will continue on Thursday with Part III: What Do Women Want? but I wanted to pop in to share two short novellas that released today.
The Crow and the Coyote and Lily and Mesquite Joe are available in digital for only 99 cents.
The setting for The Crow and the Coyote, a paranormal western romance just in time for Halloween, is Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de shay). This national monument is located in northeastern Arizona within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Rock art and other excavations have revealed human habitation for at least 4,500 years, encompassing not just the Navajo but the ancient Anasazi as well. In the 18th century, the canyon became a major stronghold of the Navajo—the high walls offering protection and the streams helping to grow corn crops and peach trees.
It was here that Kit Carson, under orders from James Carleton—governor and commander of New Mexico Territory—sought to purge the Navajo and relocate them to the Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. The Long Walk, an arduous journey which encompassed well over 50 separate treks led by the U.S. Army, occurred from 1863 to 1866. The accounts of death by starvation, sickness, or violence left an indelible trauma on the people. Although they were allowed to return to Canyon de Chelly in 1868, they would never forget this painful period of their history.
Hannah Dobbin is after an evil Navajo sorcerer who murdered her father, and she's determined to see him dead. But she'll need a bounty hunter—The Crow—to help find this vile man. With Hallowtide upon them, more evil is afoot than they can handle; but love will find a way.
(This story was previously published in the anthology: Cowboys, Creatures and Calico Vol. 2)
Excerpt:
Hannah awoke before dawn from her pallet by the tiny fire she and Sani had allowed themselves. For the first time since her pa died some three weeks ago, her dreams had been calm. She turned on her side and watched the man called Crow, slumbering several feet away beside a horse he'd retrieved the previous night. The presence of both had kept the spooks at bay, and a feeling of safety washed over her.
She wondered if trusting the man was wise, but Sani grudgingly accepted him. Truthfully, they could use his help. None of the Navajo men would accompany them—they insisted on distancing themselves from the actions of two women not in their right minds. Hannah knew the beliefs of the Navajo—that stirring up spirits would not end well—but she had no choice, not if she wanted to help her pa. She knew, however, that if she and Sani weren't careful they could both end up dead.
Mr. Crow consumed a large space in this world with his obvious physical presence, and a look in his dark eyes that was both remote and calculating. She sensed he walked a fine line between justice and violence. It didn't frighten her, but she did wonder if she could trust him.
He awoke, stood, and immediately checked his horse. Then, he looked directly at her.
"Mornin'," he said.
* * * *
Also available today ~ Lily and Mesquite Joe.
Lily Kingston has long loved Mesquite Joe Riordan, but when he doesn’t step forward to protest her betrothal to another man—arranged by her papa—her heart breaks. When Joe is blamed for the murder of a ranch hand and disappears, Lily knows exactly where to find him. Facing the truth of his past will test her resolve, but only her stubbornness can win his heart.
(This story was previously published in the anthology Cowboy Cravings.)
Excerpt:
The following day and night she stayed close, waiting for the fever and delirium to break. That evening he awoke.
Relief blanketed her, along with anticipation. She scooted close to him.
“Joe?”
He opened his eyes, trying to focus on her but his confusion was clear.
“Lily? You’re…still here?”
“I came to help you.”
The flash of anger he directed at her took her by surprise. Her fingers halted mid-air; she’d been reaching for his arm as she spoke, wanting to touch him just as she had all these past hours. Slowly, she lowered her hand to her lap, and swallowed against the flush of humiliation that heated her cheeks. Deep down, she’d been certain he’d be happy to see her. Now, she wondered if she should’ve come. But if she hadn’t, he’d likely be in worse shape, his wound festering and no one to care for him.
“What happened?” he asked, his deep voice worn-down and hoarse. “I don’t remember…”
“You were shot,” she replied, trying not to feel angry herself.
* * * *
Coming October 22 ~ A BRAND NEW short novella featuring another bounty hunting Boggs brother. Stay tuned!!
To catch all the latest news from Kristy, sign up for her newsletter
BUY LINKS
The Crow and the Coyote
Amazon
Nook
iBooks
Kobo
Smashwords
Lily and Mesquite Joe
Amazon
Nook
iBooks
Kobo
Smashwords
Hallowtide
By Kristy McCaffrey
Halloween is near, but it wasn’t always a one-day celebration. It evolved from a triduum called Hallowtide (derived from halig, meaning saint, and tide, meaning season). While many cultures celebrate the dead from October 31 to November 2, the most notable contributions to our westernized celebration of Halloween come from the Roman Catholics, the Mexicans, and the Celts.
In Catholic theology, November 1 is All Saints’ Day and commemorates those who have reached perfect salvation. The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day, devoted to those who have not reached a beatific vision. It stands as a day of prayer for the dead, and lighting a fire or lantern was often done to provide guidance to the souls of the dead. Public worship, or liturgy, would begin on the eve of All Saints’ Day, thus making Halloween All Saints’ Eve or Hallows Eve.
In Mexican culture, celebrations of the dead can be traced back thousands of years. Giant skulls, sugar skulls, shrines, decorated rabbits, poems and dancing with colorful costumes and devil masks in the town center are all part of Day of the Dead (October 31 – November 2) celebrations, and are thought to bring good luck and peace. It encompasses All Hallows’ Eve, when spirits of dead children are welcomed with the presence of a children’s altar; All Saints’ Day, when adult spirits are invited; and All Souls’ Day, when families visit cemeteries.
In ancient Gaelic culture, the end of harvest season was celebrated with the festival of Samhain, beginning at sunset on October 31 and lasting until sunset on November 1. This is a liminal period for the spirits, or aos sí, to enter our world. Lighting bonfires served as protection from the spirits and costumes were thought to help in appeasing them. Divination and feasting rituals were also practiced.
Looking for a spooky and romantic read this October? Check out these two historical western romance novellas with paranormal twists.
THE CROW AND THE COYOTE
In Arizona Territory, Hannah Dobbin travels through Cañon de Chelly, home to the Navajo, in search of a sorcerer who murdered her pa. Only when she retrieves the silver cross taken from her father's corpse will she be able to free her pa's spirit, and allow him to be at peace.
Bounty hunter Jack Boggs—known as Crow—is on the trail of a vile Mexican bandito when he discovers Hannah and her companion, a superstitious old Navajo woman. He knows he must protect them, but with the shadows of Hallowtide descending, more dark magic is at hand than any of them know.
Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited
THE CROW AND THE BEAR
Bounty hunter Callum Boggs—sometimes called Crow—arrives in the mining town of Silverton on a cold October day in search of a man who has committed unspeakable crimes. Skilled in the technique of dream scouting, Crow has narrowed the location of the criminal to Silas Ravine. No normal man would dare to venture into this region, where so many gruesome and unexplained murders have taken place—a piece of land forever haunted where Death still walks. But Crow is no normal man...
Jennie Livingstone knows her papa is in trouble. When none of the local men will come to her aid, she must accept a newly-arrived stranger—a half-Comanche bounty hunter—as her only ally. As they head into the mountains to track Jennie’s father, she can hear more than the whispers of man. The mines carry spirits, and her only hope in navigating the living and the dead lies with the Crow.
But is Jennie prepared for the consequences of where her fate with Callum Boggs may lead? And is she the woman who can hold fast to the Crow’s heart after all his years alone? Bewitched by the beautiful young woman, Callum must do everything he can to stay one step ahead of the spirits that can’t rest—just to keep Jennie and himself alive.
Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited
Connect with Kristy
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
Halloween is near, but it wasn’t always a one-day celebration. It evolved from a triduum called Hallowtide (derived from halig, meaning saint, and tide, meaning season). While many cultures celebrate the dead from October 31 to November 2, the most notable contributions to our westernized celebration of Halloween come from the Roman Catholics, the Mexicans, and the Celts.
In Catholic theology, November 1 is All Saints’ Day and commemorates those who have reached perfect salvation. The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day, devoted to those who have not reached a beatific vision. It stands as a day of prayer for the dead, and lighting a fire or lantern was often done to provide guidance to the souls of the dead. Public worship, or liturgy, would begin on the eve of All Saints’ Day, thus making Halloween All Saints’ Eve or Hallows Eve.
In Mexican culture, celebrations of the dead can be traced back thousands of years. Giant skulls, sugar skulls, shrines, decorated rabbits, poems and dancing with colorful costumes and devil masks in the town center are all part of Day of the Dead (October 31 – November 2) celebrations, and are thought to bring good luck and peace. It encompasses All Hallows’ Eve, when spirits of dead children are welcomed with the presence of a children’s altar; All Saints’ Day, when adult spirits are invited; and All Souls’ Day, when families visit cemeteries.
In ancient Gaelic culture, the end of harvest season was celebrated with the festival of Samhain, beginning at sunset on October 31 and lasting until sunset on November 1. This is a liminal period for the spirits, or aos sí, to enter our world. Lighting bonfires served as protection from the spirits and costumes were thought to help in appeasing them. Divination and feasting rituals were also practiced.
Looking for a spooky and romantic read this October? Check out these two historical western romance novellas with paranormal twists.
THE CROW AND THE COYOTE
In Arizona Territory, Hannah Dobbin travels through Cañon de Chelly, home to the Navajo, in search of a sorcerer who murdered her pa. Only when she retrieves the silver cross taken from her father's corpse will she be able to free her pa's spirit, and allow him to be at peace.
Bounty hunter Jack Boggs—known as Crow—is on the trail of a vile Mexican bandito when he discovers Hannah and her companion, a superstitious old Navajo woman. He knows he must protect them, but with the shadows of Hallowtide descending, more dark magic is at hand than any of them know.
Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited
THE CROW AND THE BEAR
Bounty hunter Callum Boggs—sometimes called Crow—arrives in the mining town of Silverton on a cold October day in search of a man who has committed unspeakable crimes. Skilled in the technique of dream scouting, Crow has narrowed the location of the criminal to Silas Ravine. No normal man would dare to venture into this region, where so many gruesome and unexplained murders have taken place—a piece of land forever haunted where Death still walks. But Crow is no normal man...
Jennie Livingstone knows her papa is in trouble. When none of the local men will come to her aid, she must accept a newly-arrived stranger—a half-Comanche bounty hunter—as her only ally. As they head into the mountains to track Jennie’s father, she can hear more than the whispers of man. The mines carry spirits, and her only hope in navigating the living and the dead lies with the Crow.
But is Jennie prepared for the consequences of where her fate with Callum Boggs may lead? And is she the woman who can hold fast to the Crow’s heart after all his years alone? Bewitched by the beautiful young woman, Callum must do everything he can to stay one step ahead of the spirits that can’t rest—just to keep Jennie and himself alive.
Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited
Connect with Kristy
Website
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
Grimoires and A New Release
By Kristy McCaffrey
A grimoire is a book of magic. It often included instructions on how to create talismans and amulets, how to perform spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In many cases, the books themselves were considered imbued with magical powers, not unlike other sacred texts (such as the Bible). The term ‘grimoire’ comes from the French word ‘grammaire,’ which originally referred to books written in Latin. But by the 18th century, it had begun to be used to describe books of magic.
While grimoires are believed to have originated in Europe—the earliest were written on cuneiform clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)—they have also been found around the world, from Jamaica to Sumatra.
In the 18th century, with the rise of the Enlightenment (a movement devoted to science and rationalism), there was also a persistent belief in magic and witchcraft, and many grimoires were produced during this time.
A grimoire plays a role in my upcoming release A MURDER OF CROWS.
A Short Novella
Only 99 cents
Coming October 11, 2018
Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
Available for Pre-Order
Bounty hunter Kester “Kit” Boggs, along with his brothers, tracks and destroys the vilest of men, both from this world and the next. With a Scottish and Comanche lineage, his connection to the supernatural is tied directly to the crow. For too long, he’s been hunting El Viejo del Saco, a demon known as The Bag Man who feeds on the blood of children. A rumor leads Kit to the Mexican frontier, where he must find a man called Hamish Kerr. But with Hallowtide descending, Kit has lost his ability to hear spirits, and his only hope is a woman whose family is a sworn enemy to the Boggs’ clan.
Eliza McCulloch’s ancestors hail from Scotland, her clan carrying an ancient curse and a warning—a McCulloch may never bind herself to a Boggs. When Eliza learns that Hamish Kerr stole her family’s book of spells, the McCulloch Grimoire, nearly two decades ago, she sets out to reclaim it. Often called witch, she possesses a unique skill to open doorways to the other side. But when she finds herself beholden to a Boggs for protection, her abilities take an unexpected turn.
As Kit and Eliza unearth far more than a stolen book, they must work together if they are to survive. But with the past pushing into their future, can they resist the growing desire between them? Is it possible for a Boggs and a McCulloch to find lasting love? Or will defeating the demon separate them forever?
Don’t miss all the books in The Crow Series
Book 1: The Crow and the Coyote (Jack’s story)
Book 2: The Crow and the Bear (Callum’s story)
Book 3: A Murder of Crows (Kit’s story)
Excerpt from A Murder Of Crows
The door opened, startling Eliza, and Mister Boggs entered. He tossed a pile of clothing at her. “Put this on.”
She quickly sorted through it—a sturdier blouse and skirt, and new undergarments. “Thank you.” It was a kind gesture, considering the tattered state of her current clothing.
His gaze lingered on her, and she felt his interest as clearly as if he had touched her. Kester Boggs did want her.
A flash of warmth bloomed in her face and shot straight to her toes.
Why did she feel a sense of victory? Why did a part of her wonder what would happen if she agreed to the desire in his eyes?
Ambivalence held her rooted in place. She waited for Kester Boggs to be like all men, because surely he was like all men. But her woman’s sense, her witch’s sense, strummed a tune that said he wasn’t.
“I’ll be back in an hour,” he said. He pulled his Colt and held it out to her.
She stared at his hand, stunned. “What are you doing?”
“Do you know how to use it?”
“Yes.” She’d taught herself how to shoot. Her cousins had had little interest in learning about weapons, believing their other skills would keep them safe, but Eliza had always hedged all her bets. It was why she was willing to enter into an agreement with The Crow.
“Take it.”
She grabbed hold of the gun.
“If someone other than me comes in, then shoot.”
Was he seriously giving her his weapon? “But it’s the only gun you have.”
“No.”
“What if I shoot you?”
“Sweetheart, you need to make up your mind. You’re not my prisoner. But if you’re about to go with me into the wilds to find Hamish, then you need to accept that I’m not your enemy.” Amusement glittered in his eyes. “At least, not yet.”
Copyright © 2018 K. McCaffrey LLC
Connect with Kristy
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
A grimoire is a book of magic. It often included instructions on how to create talismans and amulets, how to perform spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In many cases, the books themselves were considered imbued with magical powers, not unlike other sacred texts (such as the Bible). The term ‘grimoire’ comes from the French word ‘grammaire,’ which originally referred to books written in Latin. But by the 18th century, it had begun to be used to describe books of magic.
While grimoires are believed to have originated in Europe—the earliest were written on cuneiform clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)—they have also been found around the world, from Jamaica to Sumatra.
In the 18th century, with the rise of the Enlightenment (a movement devoted to science and rationalism), there was also a persistent belief in magic and witchcraft, and many grimoires were produced during this time.
A grimoire plays a role in my upcoming release A MURDER OF CROWS.
A Short Novella
Only 99 cents
Coming October 11, 2018
Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
Available for Pre-Order
Bounty hunter Kester “Kit” Boggs, along with his brothers, tracks and destroys the vilest of men, both from this world and the next. With a Scottish and Comanche lineage, his connection to the supernatural is tied directly to the crow. For too long, he’s been hunting El Viejo del Saco, a demon known as The Bag Man who feeds on the blood of children. A rumor leads Kit to the Mexican frontier, where he must find a man called Hamish Kerr. But with Hallowtide descending, Kit has lost his ability to hear spirits, and his only hope is a woman whose family is a sworn enemy to the Boggs’ clan.
Eliza McCulloch’s ancestors hail from Scotland, her clan carrying an ancient curse and a warning—a McCulloch may never bind herself to a Boggs. When Eliza learns that Hamish Kerr stole her family’s book of spells, the McCulloch Grimoire, nearly two decades ago, she sets out to reclaim it. Often called witch, she possesses a unique skill to open doorways to the other side. But when she finds herself beholden to a Boggs for protection, her abilities take an unexpected turn.
As Kit and Eliza unearth far more than a stolen book, they must work together if they are to survive. But with the past pushing into their future, can they resist the growing desire between them? Is it possible for a Boggs and a McCulloch to find lasting love? Or will defeating the demon separate them forever?
Don’t miss all the books in The Crow Series
Book 1: The Crow and the Coyote (Jack’s story)
Book 2: The Crow and the Bear (Callum’s story)
Book 3: A Murder of Crows (Kit’s story)
Excerpt from A Murder Of Crows
The door opened, startling Eliza, and Mister Boggs entered. He tossed a pile of clothing at her. “Put this on.”
She quickly sorted through it—a sturdier blouse and skirt, and new undergarments. “Thank you.” It was a kind gesture, considering the tattered state of her current clothing.
His gaze lingered on her, and she felt his interest as clearly as if he had touched her. Kester Boggs did want her.
A flash of warmth bloomed in her face and shot straight to her toes.
Why did she feel a sense of victory? Why did a part of her wonder what would happen if she agreed to the desire in his eyes?
Ambivalence held her rooted in place. She waited for Kester Boggs to be like all men, because surely he was like all men. But her woman’s sense, her witch’s sense, strummed a tune that said he wasn’t.
“I’ll be back in an hour,” he said. He pulled his Colt and held it out to her.
She stared at his hand, stunned. “What are you doing?”
“Do you know how to use it?”
“Yes.” She’d taught herself how to shoot. Her cousins had had little interest in learning about weapons, believing their other skills would keep them safe, but Eliza had always hedged all her bets. It was why she was willing to enter into an agreement with The Crow.
“Take it.”
She grabbed hold of the gun.
“If someone other than me comes in, then shoot.”
Was he seriously giving her his weapon? “But it’s the only gun you have.”
“No.”
“What if I shoot you?”
“Sweetheart, you need to make up your mind. You’re not my prisoner. But if you’re about to go with me into the wilds to find Hamish, then you need to accept that I’m not your enemy.” Amusement glittered in his eyes. “At least, not yet.”
Copyright © 2018 K. McCaffrey LLC
Connect with Kristy
Website
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
Author Kristy McCaffrey
Kristy McCaffrey writes western historical and contemporary romances. She and her husband live in Arizona with their two dogs. Visit her online at kristymccaffrey.com.
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