Books

I write stories about transformation, identity, and belonging. Many of my stories take place in the lands of my ancestors, and typically my tales are set in the past, pre-Industrial Revolution (and in some cases by many centuries).

My current work-in-progress takes place in 15th-century Florence. I’m currently in my research phase.

Daughter of the Seven Hills

Aurelia knows exactly what she’s doing when she engages in a clandestine affair with Cassius, a plebeian soldier: plotting her escape from her mundane and privileged life on one of Rome’s seven hills.

Her plans are routed when Cassius’s legion suddenly leaves Rome, she realizes she’s pregnant, and her family arranges her betrothal to Domitius, a power-hungry senator. Abortion or exile are now her only choices. Aurelia sacrifices her baby and her freedom in order to wed Domitius, all in the name of duty and satisfying her ancestors, whom she has the power to visit in the Underworld.

Resigned to a dull and loveless life, Aurelia is shocked to discover that her husband and uncle conspire to kill the emperor and destroy the empire—a move that would disgrace her, her entire family, and her ancestors. Unable to stand by while her uncle razes everything her family once stood for to the ground, she poisons him. Now a criminal, Aurelia flees, undertaking a thousand-mile odyssey which threatens poverty, slavery, death, and dishonor. What is Rome to her now? That is the question she must face as she forges a new life with people she would have called “barbaric” from her ancestors’ hilltop perch.

Praise for Daughter of the Seven Hills

“Daughter of the Seven Hills is a captivating and thought-provoking read, merging meticulous historical research with a high-stakes plot and compelling characters. From the first page to the last, readers will find themselves desperately rooting for Aurelia, Vita and the good people they meet on their way, even when all the odds are stacked against them…” - Reedsy Discovery

“In a riveting tale of sacrifice and finding one’s identity among the shambles of an old life, author Margaret McNellis brings Aurelia and ancient Rome to life vividly in this thrilling narrative. Readers will cry between smiles and cheer on the protagonists every step of the way. Hold your breath because the battle for Britain—and freedom—is now underway.” - Historical Novel Society

More formats are coming.

Heroes of Sherwood Series

The Red Fletch

You thought you knew the legend of Robin Hood…

When Alys’ older brother Hob leaves England—and her—to follow Robin of Locksley to Jerusalem for a Holy War, she expects Robin to do all he can to bring her brother home safe. Robin returns and causes havoc in Nottinghamshire, threatening everything Alys holds dear. Hob is still at war. Her family has lost their home. Alys blames Robin for everything.

The Sheriff of Nottingham promises Alys that, with Prince John’s favor, he has the power to bring Hob home and restore their family to their village farm. All Alys has to do is infiltrate Robin’s band of merry thieves to help bring the outlaws to justice.

Alys is confident she’ll have Hob back within a year…until she discovers everything she thought she knew about the outlaws was wrong.

Outlawed

Can Alys restore the Lion's Heart to England's throne?

Alys Fletcher Hood is leaving Nottinghamshire and England for the first time in her life, on a quest to save King Richard the Lionhearted from captivity following the end of his crusade. But she's not the only one racing to find the king, and when her journey over the waters ends abruptly, she faces new challenges and meets new friends on her journey.

Charged with leading warriors in greater numbers than ever before, Alys's attempt to win the king's freedom takes an unexpected turn, and the king himself orders Alys to return to England and protect her people until he can return.

Back in Nottingham, can Alys rally the Merry Many to restore justice when it means standing against not only family but also the prince and legal regent of the land? Alys must choose between protecting those whom she loves and fighting for what's right.

Praise for Heroes of Sherwood

“The Red Fletch is a compelling tale told through the eyes of a female archer as she grapples with choices that affect the lives around her. It’s also simply a fun adventure!”- Historical Novel Society

“…the meticulously crafted setting, which readers get to explore and feel immersed within, will captivate.” - Historical Novel Society review of Outlawed

“The Red Fletch is a solid debut, likely to capture younger audiences and adults alike, and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next. Highly recommended to historical fiction fans and lovers of feminist retellings of beloved legends.” - Reedsy Discovery

“Outlawed follows in the footsteps of the previous book to continue building on a beloved legend, expertly blending action and introspection.” - Reedsy Discovery

The Golden Apple

A headstrong heroine. A brooding violinist. A village festival—and one golden prize that neither of them wants to lose.

Susanna Greenfield knows what’s expected of her: marry well, smile sweetly, and secure her family’s future. But she wants more than a well-mannered husband with decent prospects—especially if it means sacrificing her independence.

Elias Montrose has returned to Greenmeadow to recover from a professional blow he’d rather not discuss. He has no interest in gossip, society, or becoming a local curiosity—especially not to Susanna, who sees far too much and hides even more.

When a hastily arranged music lesson forces them together, neither is pleased. She finds him aloof and infuriating. He finds her impertinent and impossible. And yet, something between them begins to shift—note by note, glance by glance—until rivalry gives way to something far more connection.

As the village’s Harvest Festival draws near, and with it the symbolic awarding of the golden apple, Susanna and Elias must decide what matters: the lives they were raised to live—or the future they never thought to dream.

A slow-burn Regency romance

A note about this story

I wrote this story as an experiment, to see if I could craft and publish a story in 3 months, to see if I could become a romance authorpreneur. I loved this story and the characters, but I did not love the rush. I did not love writing the genre as much as I thought I might, either. So, the series will not continue but I’m offering this ebook for free.

I like taking more time with a story, so I learned a lot from this experience — not that I couldn’t produce at that rate, but that I did not wish to.

No need to give me an email address, no need to promise a review. You can just download the ebook, read, and hopefully, enjoy, as my gift to you.