About the Book

Book: Winter’s Maiden

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Adult Viking Fantasy

Release date: August 6, 2024

Warrior. Survivor. Daughter of the North.

From the moment she is born, Brighid fights to survive in the wastelands of Nordica as a clanless one. But when a new power arrives offering a trial to join the Nordic warriors, Brighid enters, hoping to rise above her station. Soon she becomes one of their fiercest fighters and joins the war against the south.

Kaeden carries the blood of the ancient Eldaran race in his veins but turns away from his heritage after the death of his parents. Years later, he is called back to his homeland and invited to be a healer for the southern forces. With the help of an old mentor, the power inside of him starts to awaken. However, his life is turned upside down when a mighty warrior of the Nordic forces is captured.

As Kaeden interacts with the enemy, he discovers there is a darkness behind the Nordic Wars, one that is manipulating the people of the north. But who will believe him? And is there a power strong enough to break the hold of this hidden adversary? Or will the world burn in the flames of war?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of multiple series including The Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and won the INSPY, Selah, and Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

More from Morgan

A long time ago when I wrote Daughter of Light (the first book in my Follower of the Word series), I mentioned the Nordic Wars and how it changed people’s perspective on beings with power. It was a side comment to answer my main character’s question, but I was intrigued with the idea and knew someday I wanted to write about it.

Now almost twenty years later, here is that story.

Some questions I’m asked when people realize Winter’s Maiden ties in with Daughter of Light is do they need to read my first series? The answer is no. Winter’s Maiden takes place 400 years before the events in Daughter of Light. It involves a country and culture I never explored in my previous series, not to mention the world looked different back then. However, fans of my first fantasy series will appreciate seeing familiar places, races, and what happened back then to create the world in Daughter of Light.

So, what do new readers have to look forward to? Here are a few: a Viking-Inspired culture with my own twist, a female character who is strong but doesn’t need to prove that, a healer who is built like a berserker but is actually a pacifist, a power that allows a person to see inside the soul of another, battles that don’t read like a historical textbook, and deep questions I’m known to explore in my novels.

In the end, I love that I was able to revisit a world I created over twenty years ago and write a story that’s been on my heart for almost as long. I consider it one of my best books yet and cannot wait for readers to finally get to read Brighid’s story.

Interview with Morgan

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Most of my writer friends knew when they were a kid, they wanted to be a writer when they grew up. I wanted to be a unicorn. Yeah, that didn’t happen. However, I was always an avid reader. I would read anything I could get my hands on. It wasn’t until after my second child was born, I needed a creative outlet. My husband always thought I should write since I have an active imagination. I told him no, other people write, and I read.

Then one day I stopped into a Christian bookstore and asked to see the fantasy and science fiction books. The lady pointed to one lone Frank Peretti book. What? Where were the rest of them? So, my husband said I needed to write those books. (Later I found out the reason was most publishers would not come near fantasy or science fiction, but that’s another story about how my books were finally published). 

It wasn’t until we were on a long car drive that I suddenly had this idea of what would eventually become my first book, Daughter of Light. I went home, got on the computer, and started typing. Years later, I finished my manuscript and realized I wanted to be a writer.

How long does it take you to write a book?

About a year. I’m a slow writer. I call myself a turtle. I plod along, writing around 500-1k words a few days a week. I’m also a mom and work part time, so this is about the pace I can handle in order to write and meet my deadlines.

What are your favorite books to read?

I read everything as long as it’s a good story. The last few years I’ve gotten into manga and webcomics thanks to my daughters (we read the stories together).

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

Writing. Haha. One time I heard Jerry Jenkins at a conference and when he was asked what the best part of writing was, he said “having written.” I understand that now. I love the completed story, but to get there, I must write it. Which means sitting down and being disciplined and writing. Even when I’m tired, life is crazy, or the muse hides. It’s hard, but in the end, very fulfilling.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 10 books published and the 11^th one comes out in August (Winter’s Maiden). Book 2 of my new series is now with my editor and I’m working on book 3. So, I guess you could say I’m writing my 13^th novel. As far as favorite, I love them all. It’s like asking me to choose my favorite kid. They’re all different and amazing!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 15

Madi’s Musings, August 15

By the Book, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Inklings and notions , August 18

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21

Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings , August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24 (Author Interview)

Romances of the Cross, August 24

Labor Not in Vain, August 25

Hannahbandanarama, August 26

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 26

Wishful Endings, August 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d973/winter-s-maiden-celebration-tour-giveaway