Meredith Hart's Blog, page 5

This is a safe place.

For the most part, I like to keep my social media presence focused on books and escapism, in the Tolkien sense of the word.

But I want to go on the record here: This is a safe place.

If you’re LGBTQ+, like Eadberh in the Dragons series, you’re welcome here. If you’re persecuted or mistreated for the way you were born, like Vethe in Flame and Blade, you’re welcome here. If you have to fight to be taken seriously because you’re a woman, like almost every woman I write, you’re welcome here, and if you were forced to flee your home, like Rowan and Phaedron in the Fallen Hearts series, you’re welcome here.

If you’re exhausted, discouraged, and afraid after America’s election – my friend, so am I. Sit down by the fire, have some tea, and know that you are always welcome here.

Photo from Pexels.com

Social Media Break

I’m taking a break.

I’m exhausted and afraid, and I need time to process what is happening to the democratic ideals I wish I could still take for granted.

I want my social media feeds to be fun, comforting places to laugh and talk about fantasy romance books where love triumphs over darkness. I can’t provide that right now, but don’t worry, I’ll return.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Tolkien. When I ask myself what difference I can possibly make in this broken world, this quote comes back to me.

Escape if you need to. That is the highest purpose of fiction, and of fantasy.

We need to know another world is possible.

How was the signing?!?

It was awesome! 

I had an absolute blast on the 19th at Grump & Sunshine, an amazing romance bookstore in Belfast, Maine. (Yes, I’m a little slow to post the recap…)

My friend Mason wins the award for “farthest trip” because he flew in from VIRGINIA to buy some books. 

And I realized my in-person sales pitch still needs a bit of work, because saying “this book? Oh, it’s about this guy who’s kind of an asshole, and this woman who makes bad life choices, and then there are monsters” isn’t exactly tight. (Also, it describes all of my books.)

Overall, it was a fantastic time. I loved hanging out with fellow authors, chatting with readers, and checking out the autumn colors around Belfast. I can’t wait to go back!

Of Storms and Stardust is Available!

Of Storms and Stardust is now available!

In the heart of the storm, love shines its brightest!

This 2,000+ page romantasy charity collection includes Heart’s Mission, the story of Princess Elanerill and Prince Orryen from the Fallen Hearts series, and it’s now available on Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, Google Play.

You can even spread the love by requesting a copy for your local library!

100% of the proceeds from this anthology will go to support hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina.

Click here for Of Storms and Stardust

We’d also be honored if you’d consider buying from us directly. We make a greater percentage and are paid right away, allowing us us to disburse more to charity and faster. Direct books will be sent via BookFunnel and are readable on any device.

Click here to buy direct

We do not have a new Amazon link yet, but we will update you as soon as we do!

Thank you for reading for good!

It’s my first time…

I’ve never done this before!

This Saturday, I’ll be part of a romance author meet and greet at Grump & Sunshine, a romance bookshop in beautiful Belfast, Maine!

It’s the first time ever I’ll appear in public as Meredith Hart.

It feels like a big deal, honestly. When I published my first romance novel – Trickster’s Lover, for those of you keeping track – I didn’t even tell my mom.

Over the past eight years, I’ve been slowly coming out of the smut-writing closet. My friends know I’m a writer. My co-workers even know I’m a writer. But I’ve never showed up, in person, with a huge stack of books and announced “Hey, world, I wrote these steamy romantasy adventures!”

I’m excited! I’m scared! And I’m hoping to see you there!

Cover Reveal: Of Storms and Stardust

Over 1,000 pages of romantasy!

In the heart of the storm, love shines its brightest.

Of Storms and Stardust is a collection of over 30 enchanting fantasy romance short stories and novellas where beloved tropes ignite the imagination—engagement balls, enemies turned lovers, slow-burn romances, and destined fates. From forbidden love and second chances to cozy fairy tale retellings and trials of destiny, each tale offers a spark of hope and heart. This anthology includes Heart’s Mission, the prequel novel to the Fallen Hearts series.

100% of proceeds will support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, reminding us that even in the fiercest storms, love and community can weather anything.

Click here for retailers, ARC sign-up form, contributing author list, and content warnings

NC on my mind

Some of you know I have Horse People in my life.

A few months ago, a reader who filled out my Ask Me Anything wanted to know how I’m able to write such memorable equine characters.

The answer is that I have patient, loving family members who currently own, or have owned, horses and donkeys. They’re also willing to answer texts like “hey, I need to know how to steal a horse.”

Two of those Horse People are my wonderful aunts, and they live outside of Asheville, NC, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

They’re okay, their homes are okay, and their donkeys and horses are also okay. FEMA is in their town right now, providing food and water. Their WiFi was restored last week, and they finally both have electricity again, but it will be a long time before things return to anything resembling normal. 

Still, you can always find the helpers. I’ve been reading stories about mules delivering diapers and insulin over washed-out roads, and it makes me smile. Theo the (fictional) donkey, who was inspired by several real-life North Carolina donkeys, would be happy to lend a helping hoof. If you feel the same, please consider donating to the American Red Cross or World Central Kitchen, which is currently serving meals in Asheville.

Also, I’ve joined a group of authors who are pooling our resources to create a charity anthology to benefit the victims of Hurricane Helene. Click here to join the reader’s FB group, and stay tuned. I’ll share more about the anthology soon!

Finally, no matter where you live, please vote for leaders who take climate change seriously and will push for legislation to address the climate crisis. We need to take better care of the only home we’ve ever known. 

“A Must Read Series!”

Reviews make my day! And this one is just too good to keep to myself.

ASF DeWeese reviewed Demons and Darkness on Goodreads, and this is what she had to say:

“This series has taken top spot in my most enjoyed reads list. There was not a moment I didn’t hang on each word, zipping from chapter to chapter. Each character was perfectly crafted to bring just exactly what was needed at that moment to the story. Even though I barely slept the past few days…I only regret that it’s over. I vote for Vethe for Book Boyfriend of the Century!”

Thank you so much for taking the time to review! You really made this writer’s day.

Click here for the flame & Blade series

Book Boxes!

Thank you so much to everyone who filled out the form for a chance to win a paperback with a retired cover!

I had a lot of fun looking through the reviews and packing the books for my winners.

What book is it..? Only the winner knows!

And, thanks to you, I’m now completely out of old paperbacks. Thanks for helping me clean out my bookshelves!

I do have a few Samantha MacLeod titles kicking around. So, if you’d like to win a book from my paranormal romance pen name, I’ll keep the form open with just that option – click here to see it.

Stay tuned, because I’d love to do something like this again!

Click here to join my newsletter for more updates

Save the Date

My first ever in-person author event!!!

Yes, I’ll be signing books and doing whatever else it is authors do in a bookstore (browsing, perhaps?) on October 19!

I’ve been wanting to check out Grump and Sunshine since they opened, and this is the perfect reason to make the trek. I’ll be there at 11, along with a few of my friends from the Maine Romance Writers (including Danielle Bannister).

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to see spectacular fall foliage, support a romance-centered bookstore, and meet me (!!) – then I’ll see you in Belfast, my friend!