How an Author Becomes a Time Traveler Kathryn Hills
- Liz Flaherty
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
It’s been years, yet in some ways it feels like yesterday. Hard to believe it was almost seventeen years ago, in fact, when my life changed forever. Wow, that sounds dramatic, but it’s true! That’s when I became a time traveler.
It was a cold December day in 2008 when I visited my sister on Cape Cod. I had Christmas presents to deliver—some were glass—so I decided to bring them in person instead of mailing them to ensure their safe arrival. It was also an opportunity for us to catch up since we both live busy lives.
Following a wonderful lunch together, during which we laughed and covered every topic imaginable, I was reluctant to go. My big sister, feeling the same way, suggested we visit Highfield. I believe my response was, “What’s a Highfield?” Turns out it was the Victorian-era mansion that would change the trajectory of my future.
Highfield Hall & Gardens is a historic estate turned cultural center in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Besides the 19th century house, it includes a theater, restored gardens, walking trails, and conservation land. Don’t hold me to it, but I believe that day back in 2008 was its opening for tours following extensive renovations. My sister and I waltzed right in, following a private group, not realizing it required tickets. Hahaha – Leave it to us to crash an event and discover pure gold!
We spent hours meandering through the beautifully restored “summer home” of wealthy Bostonians. Everywhere we looked was golden hardwood flooring, polished trim, stained glass, shiny brass, and glittering crystals. Plus, it was decorated for Christmas with themed trees throughout. The vibe was exquisite! Warm and welcoming, in contrast to the dreariness of the December weather.
But there was something else there … I kept getting the feeling we had company as we strolled through the refurbished rooms and brightly lit hallways. It was hard to pin down. A sense of pride, maybe? As if “someone” was exceedingly pleased that their house was glorious once again. Did I stumble into a haunted house by way of a holiday tour? I pressed my sister, “Is this place haunted?” She shared that there were rumors about the house going back to its darker days before being renovated. And that set my imagination on fire!
I drove home that afternoon with a story exploding in my brain. By New Year’s Day, I’d penned my first romance novel. It would take seven years to get it published, but I was on an exciting new path. It was akin to being struck by lightning, and that spark of inspiration is still with me today. Talk about “right place, right time” for this author!
I recently re-released that first book, HAUNTING HIGHLAND HOUSE – A TIME TRAVELER’S JOURNEY, BOOK 1, after receiving my rights back from the publisher. It’s been refreshed, slightly updated, and given a new cover. After all, it’s been a few years, and any decent time traveler keeps up with the times! Check it out if you’d like to embark on your own romantic time traveler’s journey. https://books2read.com/u/mgx90q
***
She’s looking to escape her man troubles. Instead, she finds the man of her dreams. There’s only one problem. He’s dead.
Living in a haunted house and uncovering a gateway in time were not in the job description when Samantha Merrill agreed to be the property manager of Highland House. Old photos of the reclusive master of the manor captivate her, yet she’s terrified when he appears out of nowhere. How can Robert Pennington be making love to her by the parlor fireplace when he died over a century ago?
Robert Pennington is a powerful industrialist charged with caring for an ailing father, a meddling mother, and two wayward siblings. Weary of his burdens, he longs for change. Is he ready for a woman from the future? His disciplined world turns upside down when the mysterious Samantha Merrill crashes his sister’s birthday ball. He is wildly attracted to this intriguing beauty, but is it magic or mischief motivating her? When Sam vanishes before his eyes, he knows only one thing for certain. He wants her back.
Excerpt:
Summoning all her strength, she stepped into the light before him. Her heart pounded as if it would explode right out of her chest. “Why are you haunting me?” she demanded in her bravest ghost hunter voice.
“Haunting?” He gave a bitter laugh though he still did not look at her. “Is that what I am doing? I believed you to be a spirit sent to torment me.” Vacant eyes traveled up her body and then widened. “Samantha!” He jumped to his feet and snared her wrist. “Dear God, where have you been?”
“Let me go,” she cried, twisting in his grasp.
“But Samantha, it’s me.” He pulled her close.
“Help!” She yelled, though no one would hear.
“I’ll not harm you, I swear.” His arms encircled her. “How could I hurt the woman I love?”
“No,” she cried, fighting with renewed strength. “I don’t know you.”
“You do, Samantha, remember. Remember me,” he commanded. He captured her face, forcing her to look at him. His voice dropped to a pleading whisper. “It’s just the doorway working its evil magic. You know me. You must.”
Sam went still. She dared to meet his gaze. He was sinfully gorgeous, like some dark fallen angel. Golden firelight flickered across his features. It was madness. She was alone in a far-off mansion with a stranger, and yet…
Sanity fought for a toehold. “I’m not who you think I am,” she rasped, barely able to speak.
He caressed her cheek. “I know everything about you.”
***
You can also check out Highfield Hall & Gardens online or visit in person. The grounds open daily, year-round from dawn to dusk. I highly recommend it! https://highfieldhallandgardens.org/
Thanks for reading how I got my start as a time traveling romance author. And thank you, dear Liz, for hosting me today!
KATHRYN HILLS...Best-selling romance author, ghost hunter, dog lover, and iced
coffee addict. She’s hauntingly romantic unless she’s writing sweet. From graveyards to
country inns, get ready to explore spooky mysteries and have some sexy fun!
Gosh! I want to see this house!!!! I love old houses. They sure get the imagination going. Thank you for sharing!
I enjoyed hearing about that spark that ignited your writing career! God was certainly working that day! I'm grateful for that spark and for all the books it created!
That was an interesting story. Thank you for sharing. I will look into finding your book.
Thanks for coming today, Kathy!