Summer Days, New Adventures, and Four Very Determined Witches

I don't know about you, but this summer seems to have developed a mind of its own. 

One minute I was celebrating the release of The Witch and the Gatekeeper, and the next I looked at the calendar and wondered where all those weeks had gone. Some days have been filled with the usual summer happenings: spending time outside, tending to the flowers and the dogs (who are convinced every trip outdoors is an adventure worthy of great fanfare), trying to enjoy the warmer weather while it lasts, and stealing quiet moments with a cup of tea whenever I can.

There have also been some unusual, not remotely enjoyable happenings. For those who subscribe to my newsletter, you will have heard some of this already. 

I’ll just give everyone the condensed version: Steady rainfall for weeks, flooded basement, disturbed wasps nest––three nasty, inflamed stings, ravenous mosquitoes––numerous bites–– allergic reaction––trip to emergency, brakes failed on my car, air conditioner dying during extremely hot humid weather, having to say goodbye to our seventeen-year-old cat whose health had rapidly declined. 

Of course, no matter what is happening in my life–– happy, stressful, or sad––my mind has never been good at taking a holiday or even a short break.

While I'm driving, out walking, puttering around the house, or using a wet vac, stories have a habit of finding me. Characters start talking. A conversation works itself out. Someone (usually everyone) decides to ignore the outline I'd carefully planned. It's all part of the process, and after more than twenty-five books, I've learned it's far easier to listen than argue.

Lately, my thoughts have belonged almost entirely to the daughters. When I first imagined The Daughters of Time, I knew each of these women deserved her own story. They're connected by blood, by magic, and by an extraordinary friendship that stretches across centuries, but each one has a distinct personality and a path she must walk herself. Getting to spend more time with them has been one of the greatest joys of writing this series. Readers have already met gentle, compassionate Eilis. She leads with her heart, even when it puts her in danger. She sees the good in people, believes healing is worth every sacrifice, and quietly discovers there's far more strength inside her than she ever imagined. 

Next came Darian; and let me tell you, Darian has opinions. Where Eilis pauses to think, Darian acts. She's fiery in every sense of the word. Independent, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and absolutely unwilling to let anyone decide her future for her. She keeps me on my toes, which probably explains why I smile so much while writing her scenes. I loved creating her story. I can’t wait for readers to get to know her better.

Now, I find myself spending much more time with Fiona (Fi.) She just might be the most complicated of all four witches. She’s a people pleaser, a rule-follower, who the others tease about being a prude. I am eager for readers to learn more about Fiona…the real Fi. Her complex backstory surprised even me. 

All the while Trista, the carefree, easy-going, accept and love-everyone witch, has become restless waiting for her turn in the spotlight. She’s been unusually persistent. I’ve had to gently push her into the background, while of course still including her in Fiona’s story.

One of my favorite things about this series is watching these women discover one another. They come from different centuries, different lives, and different experiences, yet they understand each other almost instantly. They encourage one another, challenge one another, good-naturedly tease one another, and remind each other that they never have to face darkness alone. Perhaps that's why I've found myself moving through this series a little faster than I originally planned. These stories are eager to be told, and I don't like keeping impatient witches waiting any longer than necessary. The world keeps growing every time I sit down to write, revealing new corners, new dangers, and new friendships I hadn't expected when I first began.

Don't worry. There will still be romance! There will certainly be magic, of course. There will be heroes who think they're in charge until they meet the remarkable women destined to change their lives. And yes, there will be villains, both human and supernatural. I still firmly believe they deserve their comeuppance. Some traditions are simply worth keeping.

As summer continues, I'll be writing, plotting, making notes that only I can decipher, and enjoying these precious weeks while they last. Before long, the leaves will begin to turn, another season will arrive, and with it, more adventures for the daughters. Until then, thank you for reading, for sharing these stories with fellow book lovers, and for welcoming Eilis, Cian, and this new generation of witches so warmly. 

Book two, The Witch and the Time Traveler will release August 21, 2026 and I’m excited for readers to get to know Darian better and to meet Magnus. And soon the other guardians. 

I have a feeling the best is still to come.
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Magical wishes,
Leigh Ann