Picture a storyteller who traded hospital halls for the misty highlands of medieval Scotland—meet Ceci Giltenan! This bestselling author of historical and time-travel romance novels spins tales of love and adventure that whisk readers from modern-day America to the rugged beauty of 13th-century Scotland. With her Fated Hearts and Pocket Watch Chronicles series, Giltenan proves that true passion can leap across centuries.
Her journey from oncology nurse to literary sensation is as enchanting as her stories. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of Ceci Giltenan, whose heart for romance and knack for historical detail have captivated readers worldwide.
The Making of Ceci Giltenan
Born with a storyteller’s spirit, Ceci Giltenan—whose real name is Susan Cusack—didn’t always plan to be an author. As a young girl, she boldly declared her dream of becoming a nurse, but a sixth-grade classmate’s prophecy pegged her as a writer. Turns out, she became both! Giltenan started her career as an oncology nurse at the National Institutes of Health, later transitioning to a medical writer and regulatory affairs specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. Her life took a romantic turn in 1989 when she met her Irish carpenter husband at a friend’s wedding. They married in 1991, raised a family in central New Jersey, and now live in sunny southwest Florida, where palm trees inspire her writing.
After her children left for college, Giltenan swapped clinical endpoints for happily-ever-afters. Her medical background and love for history fueled her leap into romance writing, blending meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling. This unique mix set the stage for her literary success.
Ceci Giltenan’s Unforgettable Stories
Giltenan’s novels are a love letter to historical romance, with a dash of time-travel magic. Her debut, Highland Solution (2013), kicked off the Duncurra series, introducing readers to Niall MacIan and Lady Katherine Ruthven in a tale of arranged marriage and clan loyalty set in 14th-century Scotland. The book’s vivid historical backdrop and emotional depth won fans instantly.
The Fated Hearts series, starting with Highland Revenge (2015), explores love amidst clan feuds. In Highland Echoes, Grace Breive’s resilience and romance with Bram Sutherland showcase Giltenan’s knack for strong, relatable heroines. Her most beloved work, the Pocket Watch Chronicles, began with The Pocket Watch (2015), where Maggie Mitchell time-travels to 1270 Scotland via a magical pocket watch. The Midwife (2016) follows Elizabeth Quinn, a modern obstetrician, as she navigates 13th-century challenges. These stand-alone novels weave paranormal twists with tender romance, earning praise for their immersive settings and heartfelt characters.
Giltenan’s style blends historical accuracy with emotional resonance. Her heroines are independent yet vulnerable, and her heroes are chivalrous but flawed. Themes of love, duty, and destiny resonate, set against richly detailed Scottish landscapes. Readers adore her ability to make history feel alive, with just the right touch of “steam” in romantic scenes.
Why Ceci Giltenan Matters
Ceci Giltenan has carved a niche in historical romance by blending meticulous research with time-travel intrigue, appealing to fans of both genres. Her stories celebrate strong women who defy societal norms, resonating with modern readers. The Pocket Watch Chronicles, in particular, have sparked a devoted following, with fans praising their creative premises and emotional depth on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.
Her transition from nurse to novelist inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and perseverance can lead to new chapters. By focusing on social history—daily life, faith, and relationships—Giltenan brings medieval Scotland to life, making her work both educational and enchanting. Her legacy lies in crafting stories that linger in readers’ hearts, proving romance transcends time.
- Pen Name: Ceci Giltenan (Real name: Susan Cusack)
- Key Works: Highland Solution, Highland Revenge, The Pocket Watch, The Midwife
- Genres: Historical Romance, Time-Travel Romance
- Current Home: Southwest Florida
Ready to fall in love with medieval Scotland? Snag The Pocket Watch and dive into Ceci Giltenan’s enchanting world of romance and adventure!