Hello everyone! I’m happy to be back on Tule’s blog to celebrate the release of

Are you wearing green? Do you have any Irish heritage? 

I’m Canadian, with English, Irish, Norwegian, Scottish, and Welsh ancestry. Despite the mixed lineage, for as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to Ireland. As a child I loved reading tales of leprechauns and fairies. Even then, hearing the Irish harp or fiddle, stirred something inside me. 

I still listen to Celtic music to nurture my muse. While writing my first wedding scene (yes it was Alainn and Killian’s for those who’ve followed my stories) I must have listened to “The Water is Wide” from the Celtic Wedding album by Carlyle Fraser, about forty-seven times. 

A harpist played that much-loved song when my husband and I were married in 2013. It was lovely and emotional. 

So why my profound love of Ireland? My maternal great-grandparents (who I never met) left Ireland when she was pregnant with my grandfather. He was born in Canada not long after they arrived. My paternal family tree also has various Irish branches. But would those connections explain why Ireland calls to me so strongly? 

Several years ago, I purchased a DNA ancestry kit. The results showed I’m 32% Irish. I’ve since done more genealogy research and found several Irish branches from a few timelines. My Welsh ancestors even moved to Ireland sometime in the 1300s. 

It was interesting learning names of ancestors from past centuries who share my DNA. Thinking about their life stories piqued my imagination. I’m sure many Irish ancestors experienced hardships. Ireland’s history is steeped in tragedy, yet the people are resilient, and the land remains magical.

After a lifetime of longing to travel to Ireland, I made my first trip to the Emerald Isle in 2008. It was everything I hoped it would be and much more. The whole island was simply enchanting. The fields were as green as I’d heard. The scenery was breathtaking. The friendly people were welcoming and helpful. The music was poignant, the food fantastic. And the history…it just blew me away. One church I visited was over a thousand years old and still being used for services. The centuries-old graveyards with uneven moss-covered headstones and ornate Celtic crosses, told endless stories. 

While touring a number of castles I felt transported back in time. A word of caution if you’re planning any historic tours, castle steps are steep and extremely narrow. I was relieved that most stairwells had handrail ropes to cling to or I might’ve met a tragic end in a not-overly-exciting story. 

Some castles were only ruins; others were largely as they would’ve been when people lived there. I was as intrigued by the tiny alcoves, murder holes, and arrow slits as the massive Great Halls. The dungeons were dark and scary.

We enjoyed a medieval banquet in Bunratty Castle’s enormous Great Hall with authentic fifteenth century mead wine, food and entertainment. Blarney Castle’s lovely gardens with the mysterious wishing steps and gnarled ancient trees were a highlight. I opted not to kiss the Blarney stone. Not only did you have to bend over backwards…literally, to kiss it. But ew! 

I could’ve stayed forever in the little seaside town of Kinsale with the colorful buildings and unique shops. We drove the ring of Kerry, saw the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, and while in Dublin sat in a snug––a tiny room only big enough for two in one of the oldest pubs in Ireland.  

The first time I stood on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland it felt eerily familiar. Even the scent of the Irish Sea that separates Ireland from Scotland, twigged a distinct memory… of being there before. Of course, I hadn’t been–– not in this lifetime–– but I firmly believe I’ve spent several past lives in Ireland. I learned months later that precise location was where my paternal Irish roots originated. 

Naysayers would claim it’s possibly cellular memory, but Ireland is too close to my heart to be explained by anything scientific. I prefer to believe I have a magical connection. 

When planning that first trip we arranged to be in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. We spent the previous night in Ashford Castle. Part of that magnificent yet imposing structure was built in the thirteenth century. A knight in full armor stood just inside the door. Rich wood and stunning tapestries were found throughout. Thankfully the castle’s guest rooms had been updated with modern conveniences. 

We crossed a stone bridge (formerly a draw bridge) to dine in an old cottage that had been transformed into a quaint restaurant. The dessert was my first introduction to sticky toffee pudding–– quite possibly the most delicious food I’d ever tasted before… or since. 

Ashford Castle’s St. Patrick’s Day morning buffet offered nearly every breakfast food imaginable. The most memorable decoration was a two-foot-high leprechaun butter carving.  Yes, butter! 

In retrospect we should never have planned to travel on St. Patrick’s Day. We couldn’t enjoy the festivities as we might have as our flight home was the following day. 

Also, it’s a national holiday in Ireland. We encountered or had to detour around several parades and people celebrating on the streets. Thus, it took even longer driving from County Mayo to Dublin.  

I’ve been to Ireland three times now. The city and county of Cork have become among my favorite places. If not for missing my family here in Canada, I’d gladly relocate to Ireland. I prefer the temperate Irish climate. But mostly it’s because it’s my happy place that resonates within my soul. It’s always difficult to leave.

The last time I was in Ireland was 2018, and I’m experiencing a compelling need to return. Between my husband’s job, some family health scares, everyday adult/ homeowner responsibilities and having four pets, add in a few book deadlines and the cost of traveling I haven’t ventured anywhere other than a couple of road trips. 

Not to mention we experienced a pandemic. Murphy’s Law…I was scheduled to travel to Ireland late March 2020 to stay with a friend, a fellow author, who’d invited me to a private month-long writer’s retreat in her 200-year-old Irish cottage situated near a fairy glade. I was over the moon excited. Oh, how the words would have flown! I even had my plane, train and bus tickets.

But alas, then the entire world was grounded. Consequently, my much-anticipated trip never came to fruition. (Insert heavy sigh.)

I was understandably disappointed yet considering everything that was happening and how many people were far more seriously affected, I simply had to put it into perspective.

Regardless of why I’ve always been entranced by the land of forty shades of green, little did I know how my enduring love for Ireland would one day change my life. After my very first trip I was so inspired by the history, scenery and mystical locations I’d seen, only days after I returned home, I began writing The Farrier’s Daughter, the first in my seven book Irish Witch series.

This is where I could say, and the rest is history but that would make it seem unrealistically simple. It was a super long process. I’ll always be grateful to my family and friends who supported me every step of the way when I self-published the first two novels, and to Tule Publishing for making my dream of becoming a traditionally published author come true. 

I’m honored to have a wonderful following of loyal readers who fell in love with Alainn and Killian and the bewitching Irish magic I’ve always felt. If my series aren’t set in Ireland, there’s at least one key Irish character––even in my Norse and Mystical Stones series. 

After the Irish Witch series, came the sequel, The Witches of Time, then the spinoff, the Witch and Demon Hunter that’s since been renamed Realm of Fractured Time. 

Now… squee I have news!!! I’m so excited I could do an Irish jig, if I could actually do an Irish jig. I’m bursting to tell someone…anyone…everyone, although details aren’t finalized, another spinoff witch series featuring the daughters of the witches of time is in the works with Tule. The first book could release in spring/ summer 2026. (Just a guess.)

Yikes! In my enthusiasm of telling you about my love of Ireland and my upcoming series, I’ve barely mentioned my newest book. Admittedly, promotions aren’t always my strong suit. 

Druids’ Dark Curse released March 13th. It’s a thrilling romantasy adventure that ties up storylines in this and the previous four books. The book touches on the mystical Druids. I’m eager for readers to know how Fiona and Lorcan’s story ends…and of course a little sad, too. I love Lorcan and Fiona.  Their character arcs might be the best of any I’ve written. They were both a bit broken after all life had thrown at them. Telling their story was rewarding. 

They infuriated me at times when it seemed they were in charge, and I was just along for the ride. But they also made me smile, cry, and laugh. I hope readers feel all those emotions and enjoy Druids’ Dark Curse and the Realm of Fractured Time series as much as I loved writing it. 

There are numerous wonderful Irish sayings/blessings I could leave you with today but here’s one I believe fits best.

May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold ––and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.

I feel incredibly lucky being able to do what I love. And my supportive family, friends, readers and publishing team are my pot of gold. 

Have an amazing St. Patrick’s Day.  

Magical wishes,

Leigh Ann

About the Author.

Leigh Ann Edwards writes smoking hot romantic fantasy with badass heroines, alpha heroes, history, castles, and magic. She believes love is love, that villains should get their comeuppance (sometimes with a stake through the heart), that pleasure is NOT a four-letter word, and that “dog” is another word for “joy.”

Don’t let her gentle appearance fool you; this grandmother of four ditched a sad story and is now enjoying her happily-ever-after with the love of her life in north central Alberta, Canada. Her heroines don’t need to be rescued but they’ll gladly work with a competent partner to right the wrongs of whatever world they inhabit.