Paty Jager: Spirit of the Lake

This Week's Author: Paty Jager 

Featured Title: Spirit of the Lake by Paty Jager
Buy links: Amazon, Wild Rose Press

Read Paty's bio here.

RTW: In 100 words or fewer, tell us about your book.

Two generations after his brother became mortal, Wewukiye, the lake spirit, prevents a Nimiipuu maiden from drowning and becomes caught up in her sorrow and her heart. Her tribe ignores Dove's shameful accusations—a White man took her body, leaving her pregnant, and he plans to take their land.Wewukiye vows to care for her until she gives birth, to help her prove the White man is deceitful and restore her place in her tribe.

As they travel on their quest for justice, Dove reveals spiritual abilities yet unknown in her people, ensnaring Wewukiye’s respect and awe. But can love between a mortal and a spirit grow without consequences?

Contest Announcement!

One person who answers the question at the end of this blog will receive their choice of a pdf of either Spirit of the Mountain or Spirit of the Lake.

RTW: You write about the Nez Perce in Sprit of the Lake. What interested you in the culture and customs? Did growing up in Oregon influence your fascination with cultures and love?

PJ: I grew up in Wallowa County, Oregon, the area where the Lake Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) summered. Even though I never saw them in the county I felt their presence and felt empathy for what they went through. Nez Perce stories like the one about the antlered monster who lived in Wallowa Lake, ignited my imagination. I made Wewukiye an antlered spirit who lived in the lake.

RTW: If Scotty beamed you to Wewukiye’s lake, what survival skills would be the most valuable to you?

PJ: I guess fishing so I could eat and knowing when the icy water could give me hypothermia.

RTW: Misinformation about native cultures abound. Are there any common to western historical romances that annoy you?

PJ: Sometimes the dialogue doesn't ring true. I tried to keep my dialogue in the tone and cadence that I read in the legends and in books that had accounts told by a Nez Perce. As for misinformation…I can't think of anything off the top of my head at the moment.

RTW: Why is Wewukiye perfect for Dove?

Wewukiye is perfect for Dove because he believes in her and her truths. He also has the patience and compassion to help her through the ordeal of having been violated and carrying a child from that attack.

RTW: Introduce your excerpt, please.

Wewukiye has talked Dove into keeping the child within her alive. It's her proof the Whiteman the elders favor is not what they think. Since he's a spirit he can't show himself to the band of Nez Perce where she's living. Every day she meets him in a meadow where he chants and helps her keep the food she eats in her stomach to make her strong. This except is when he walks her back to the village.

Excerpt of Spirit of the Lake by Paty Jager:

Wewukiye tugged her hand, drawing her closer. His warm breath puffed against her ear.

"You need only think of me and you will have strength."

His soft silky voice floated through her body like a hot drink.

Dove swallowed the lump in her throat and asked, "When will I see you again?" The thought of sleeping on the hard ground next to the fire in Crazy One's dwelling didn't sound near as inviting as using his lap to rest her head.

The days and nights grew colder; to be wrapped in his arms would warm her through and through.

"You will find me at the meadow every day when the sun is directly overhead." He brushed his lips against her ear.

She closed her eyes, relishing the silky feel of his lips and the heat of his touch.

"Think of me," whispered through her head.

Dove opened her eyes. She stood alone. Her palm still warm from their clasped hands, her ear ringing with his whisper.

RTW: Thanks for the sneak peek!  What other books do you have for us?

PJ: There is Spirit of the Mountain, the first book in this trilogy.

I have four books in the Halsey Brother series about five brothers who find their mates in feisty women of unusual occupations--Marshal in Petticoats, Outlaw in Petticoats, Miner in Petticoats, and Doctor in Petticoats. I 'm writing the fifth one now- Logger in Petticoats.

And I have two contemporary Westerns available--Perfectly Good Nanny, which won an award, and Bridled Heart.

RTW: Wow, you're a busy lady!  Anything else you’d like to add?

PJ: You can read the first chapter of each book at my website and find links to purchase them. And every Monday on my blog I'm posting an excerpt to a Christmas book that will be out in November.

Contest Details!

To win a pdf copy of either Spirit of the Mountain or Spirit of the Lake you have to go to my blog and find out the name of the Christmas book and post it in the comment section here at RTW. I'll draw a name from the people who put the right answer.

Thank you, Paty, for visiting us at Romancing The West this week!