Monday, January 12, 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Captivated by his Kiss by Cheryl Bolen & others


Captivated by his Kiss
by Cheryl Bolen, Bronwen Evans, Barbara Montajem,
Collette Cameron, Wendy Vella, Heather Boyd,
and Lauren Smith

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
Release Date: January 12, 2015





New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Cheryl Bolen and USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans are joined by Barbara Monajem, Collette Cameron, Wendy Vella, Heather Boyd, and Lauren Smith in this exciting collection of short regency romances. Be CAPTIVATED BY HIS KISS in these seven emotional stories of second chances, scandalous wagers, and the quest for true love. Lose yourself again and again in beautifully written romance.

Cheryl Bolen ~ His Lordship’s Vow
Bronwen Evans ~ To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone
Barbara Monajem ~ The Christmas Knot
Collette Cameron ~ Bride of Falcon
Wendy Vella ~ Christmas Wishes
Heather Boyd ~ Miss Watson’s First Scandal
Lauren Smith ~ The Duelist’s Seduction




HIS LORDSHIP’S VOW by Cheryl Bolen

Bereft of beauty as well as fortune, the exceedingly plain Miss Jane Featherstone has failed to attract any suitor during her three Seasons. Rather than be a burden to her brother and his obnoxious wife, Miss Featherstone vows to accept the first man who asks—even though she’s always worshipped a lord who’s far above her touch. . .

Lord Slade must marry an heiress in order to honor the deathbed vow he made to his father, and he needs Miss Featherstone’s help in wooing her beautiful cousin. After her initial anger, Miss Featherstone agrees to his scheme, telling him she’s doing so because she admires his Parliamentary record of humanitarian legislation and his reverence for truth. But the more he’s with the two cousins, the more attracted he becomes to Miss Featherstone. What’s a man of his word to do? Break a vow to a beloved father—or follow his heart with Miss Featherstone?


TO WAGER THE MARQUIS OF WOLVERSTONE by Bronwen Evans

Marcus Danvers, the Marquis of Wolverstone, is renowned for his cynical demeanor. It's rumored that long ago, a beautiful woman broke his heart. Now he lives life for pleasure. That is, until the beautiful, as she is deceitful, Contessa Orsini re-enters his life with a wager he cannot resist.


THE CHRISTMAS KNOT by Barbara Monajem

Widowed and destitute, Edwina White takes a position as governess in a remote village in the north of England—in a haunted house. She’s so desperate that she’ll take anything, and besides, she doesn’t believe in ghosts. Little does she know that her new employer is the seducer who lied and deceived her many years ago.

Sir Richard Ballister inherited an estate with a ghost and a curse, and every governess he hires leaves within a week. Finally, a woman desperate enough to stay arrives on his doorstep—but she’s the seductress who dropped him many years earlier for a richer man.

The last thing Richard and Edwina want is to work together, but they have no choice. Can they overcome the bitterness of the past in time to unravel a centuries-old knot and end the Christmas curse?


BRIDE OF FALCON by Collette Cameron

After five Seasons, Ivonne Wimpleton has accepted she’s a haute ton undesirable. Always a bit ungraceful, her suitors are men desperate to get their hands on her marriage settlement. Guarded and aloof, she’s resigned herself to spinsterhood. She doesn’t mind her fate, since Chancy Faulkenhurst—known as Chance to his friends and the man who once held her heart—left for India years ago without an explanation.

When Ivonne’s father, Viscount Wimpleton, refuses Chance’s request for her hand in marriage, he transfers to the East India Troops. Chance’s dreams of making Ivonne his wife are soundly dashed. Ignoring her letters, he closes the door on his heart and Ivonne and remains in India.

Six years later, severely injured during a battle, Chance returns to England physically and emotionally scarred. His love for Ivonne remains just as strong. When he learns due to a whim of Prinny’s she must choose one of the despots whose offered for her hand, Chance is determined that none should have her but him. Except, not only is she infuriated he made no effort to contact her, in Chance’s absence, his father arranged a marriage for him and fully expects Chance to honor the agreement.


CHRISTMAS WISHES by Wendy Vella

Past experiences have taught Miss Hero Appleby to distrust noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers. However she was desperate for money to support the orphans in her care this Christmas, so it is to him she must go. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to point out his many faults so boldly, but the man had reeked of last nights over indulgences, and that coupled with his indolent lifestyle, drove her to distraction and all thoughts of lady-like behaviour disappeared in his infuriating presence.

Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long forgotten Christmas wish really come true?


MISS WATSON’S FIRST SCANDAL by Heather Boyd

Overworked London banker David Hawke has two goals for his week in the seaside town of Brighton: one, recover an overdue debt from a good friend and neighbor and two, relax for the remaining holiday without any further distractions. When his friend’s impulsive younger sister barges into his home to beg his aid, he’s drawn deeper into her life and scrambling to keep their relationship on a professional level.

Abigail Watson may be considered too young to have the cares of the world on her shoulders but her brother is in financial trouble and she’s desperate to help him recover. Despite the impropriety, she appeals to the bachelor next door for an extension on the debt and his help to secure her brother a wealthy wife. However, matchmaking never runs smoothly and falling in love is something neither one counted on.


THE DUELIST’S SEDUCTION by Lauren Smith

Helen Banks is going to die. There is no other option: either fight a duel in her twin brother’s place or see him die. But Helen never counted on the man she was to duel with being the same man she admired from afar for so long, Gareth Fairfax, a wealthy lord and the man sworn to exact his payment from the Banks twins through any means.

When Gareth discovers his opponent is a woman and more importantly, the sister of the man he means to kill, he demands satisfaction of some kind. He gives her two choices. She can return to his estate and become his mistress, or he can send her home and settle the matter with her brother by finishing the duel. Helen, unable to ignore the secret longing she’s had for Gareth, decides to accept his proposal and go with him back to his estate, thankful that her desire for him also saves her brother’s life.

Helen accepts the devil’s bargain and agrees to stay with Gareth, at his beck and call, putting more than her innocence in danger as Gareth begins his slow seduction. With each passing hour, she sees the tortured heart of a man who’d once loved and lost. Helen fears she may lose her own heart to him, and believing she can never lay claim to his heart. But as they challenge the limits of their passion and the sensual delight they find in each other’s arms, they may find that love is within their reach.










CHERYL BOLEN

Since her first book was published to acclaim by Harlequin Historical in 1998, Cheryl Bolen has written more than 20 books, mostly historical romances. Several of her books have won Best Historical awards, and she's been a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Connect with Cheryl


BRONWEN EVANS

USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 201,2 and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

Connect with Bronwen


BARBARA MONAJEM

Barbara Monajem wrote her first story at eight years old about apple tree gnomes. After dabbling in neighborhood musicals and teen melodrama, she published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young. Now her kids are adults, and she's writing for grownups. Her Bayou Gavotte series of paranormal mystery and romance takes place near New Orleans and features hereditary vampires, a Native American telepathic rock star, and other characters with paranormal abilities. She also writes sexy Regency romances with bold, passionate heroes, spirited, adventurous heroines, and the occasional touch of magic. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays.

Connect with Barbara


COLLETTE CAMERON

Award winning, Amazon best-selling author, Collette Cameron, has a BS in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Teaching. Author of the Castle Brides Series and Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, Collette writes Regency and Scottish historicals and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five mini dachshunds. Mother to three and a self-proclaimed Cadbury Chocolate chocoholic, Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, trivia, and all things shabby chic. You'll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels. Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, or too many flowers. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list.

Connect with Collette


WENDY VELLA

Wendy Vella is a lover of all things romantic. Her novels are sensual with just a touch of wicked and set in the often intriguing backdrop Regency England. Writing is something she has always found time for; and penned her first novel at eighteen, though she is adamant it will never make an appearance further than the closet in which it currently resides.

Connect with Wendy


HEATHER BOYD

Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes sizzling regency romance stories that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over twenty novels and shorter works. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family (including cat Morpheus) into submission.

Connect with Heather


LAUREN SMITH

Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets—a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She's won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Connect with Lauren









Sunday, January 11, 2015

AUTHOR BLAST & WINE TOOL SET GIVEAWAY: Five Great Authors & Their Books

Five amazing authors have teamed up to bring you this fun contest. Check out their books and sign up for their newsletters.
bonniebanner2
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Paulinebanner2


Amazon

jillcopperbanner
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Kobo


SMbloodingbanner
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo

JohnORileybanner


Amazon /Barnes and Noble / Kobo




Each author is giving something awesome away.
 Check out the rafflecopter and enter to win. 
Open INT for digital and US for the wine tool set.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY-- Inspiration, Playlist, & Dream Cast: Stages of Desire by Julia Tagan


Stages of Desire
by Julia Tagan
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)
Release Date: January 5, 2015



To be or not to be—in love…

As a ward of the Duchess of Dorset, Harriet can hardly expect more from a match than the ringing endorsement of “from what I’ve heard, the man is financially secure and his teeth are quite regular.” After all, she’s only the lowly daughter of traveling actors, not the actual daughter of the duchess.
William Talbot, Earl of Abingdon is set to marry the duchess’s daughter. After his elder brother’s scandalous death, his family’s reputation is paramount, and he’ll allow nothing to damage it again. But when Harriet disappears to save her father from debtor’s prison, the scandal threatens William and his intended’s family.

The simple task of fetching the duchess’s runaway ward turns complicated when Harriet insists on traveling with her father’s acting company. William’s forced to tag along, and finds himself entranced. The stage transforms Harriet into a free-spirited, captivating beauty. But someone’s been sabotaging the theater company, and instead of facing scandal, William and Harriet discover a threat not only to their growing passion, but to their lives…



Finding the Perfect Castle

Part of the best job of writing a romance is finding the ideal setting for a particular scene. As a writer of historicals, I love to scour the web for the perfect London townhouse or country manor and imagine my hero and heroine running down the hallways or up the stairs.

For my Regency-era romance, Stages of Desire, I needed to describe a duke’s castle where my hero and heroine have their first kiss. Harriet Farley is a runaway ward determined to save her actor father from debtor’s prison, even if it means heading north to Birmingham by foot. Her guardian, a stuffy duchess, asks our hero William, Earl of Abingdon, to save her family name from scandal and bring Harriet back to London. As William’s been wooing the duchess’s daughter, he’s loath to refuse.

After several mishaps on the road, William and Harriet, along with a motley crew from her father’s theater company, spend the night at the duke’s castle. I found the perfect location in Warwick Castle, which was built in the Middle Ages on the banks of the River Avon.  The building has it all: ramparts, towers, and a green courtyard where the actors perform one of Shakespeare’s comedies. Later that evening, Harriet and William find themselves on top of the highest tower looking across the starlit countryside: the perfect place for true love to blossom. Although I’ve only viewed photos of Warwick Castle online, I feel like I know the place inside and out, and I’d love to visit some day.

What places do you find to be the perfect settings for a romance? Even better, what kind of intrigue might take place there?



Bad Self Portraits - Lake Street Dive from Bad Self Portraits album
A raw, joyous sound erupts out of this band. The lyrics are all about getting over someone you love. Perfect background music when my heroine, Harriet, hits her low point.

Joyful Sounds - The Word from The Word album
No matter what mood I’m in, this track makes me feel that all is right with the world. The song would be a perfect soundtrack as Harriet and our hero William begin their journey north to Birmingham on a gorgeous English day, when the possibilities are endless. Also works for the last chapter: HEA to a tee.

Bleeding Out – The Lone Bellow from The Lone Bellow album
William is a physician who finds himself in over his head during the course of the novel, and this song embodies the panic and worry he feels during that scene. Gorgeous harmonies soar above the dark poetry.

Crack the Sky - Tina Shafer from The Good Ones album
The minor key and the singer’s pure voice get me every time. I love the line “It’s not too late to live life the way you want to … far from the old mistakes.” Sums up the theme of Stages of Desire perfectly!

Stay - Alison Krauss from Forget About It album
After a major love scene in my novel, everything falls apart (don’t they always)! This is what I imagine is going through Harriet’s mind.

Like A Fool – Keira Knightly, from the Begin Again soundtrack
More songs about being broken-hearted. Keira Knightly never appealed to me as an actress until I saw the movie Begin Again, with Mark Ruffalo. I loved the movie and immediately bought the soundtrack, and this song is one of the reasons why. It’s about wishing things were different, but trying to accept them as they are.



Harriet Farley – Lizzy Caplan

The lead from Showtime’s “Master’s of Sex” would make a perfect Harriet – headstrong, tough and not conventionally pretty. She’s gorgeous because she has such a strong life force. Of course, Harriet’s eyes are blue so we’d have to use contacts, but that’s fine with me. The key to the character is finding an actress who appears rather plain in real life, but turns into an enchanting beauty under the footlights of the stage.

William, Earl of Abingdon – Damian Lewis

I liked the idea of using Brody from “Homeland” as my hero. The Earl of Abingdon starts out as a cold and calculating sort of guy, but softens up (don’t they all).  And I loved his unusual coloring – a strawberry blond with serious muscles and a strong build. Not to mention that jawline.

Sam Farley – Alan Rickman

Sam is Harriet’s father, who runs a traveling acting company but is an absolute mess and a drunk. Alan Rickman is one of my favorite actors, and has the dramatic chops to tackle Shakespearean poetry yet a rumpled demeanor that works well for Sam. And his deep, sonorous voice makes everyone stand up and take notice.

Marianne – Kristin Chenoweth

She’s a wee bit too old for Marianne, but Kristin captures the kewpie-doll beauty of the spoiled Marianne, with a tough-as-nails exterior that gets her exactly what she wants. And what she wants is William.





Julia Tagan lives with her husband and goldendoodle in New York City. A journalist by training, she enjoys weaving actual events and notorious individuals into her historical romances. Her favorite activities include walking her dog in Central Park, scouring farmers’ markets for the perfect tomato, and traveling to foreign cities in search of inspiration.







Monday, January 5, 2015

GUEST POST & $25 GC GIVEAWAY: By Mike Hartner, Author of I, James

Why I love the Surrey International Writer's Conference

I have to confess, I’m not an expert.  I regularly attend the Surrey International Writer’s Conference (Siwc), and I love every minute of it.


In Surrey, the hotel is populated by a large number of very well known experts in their community.  Donald Maass, one of the writing world’s most prolific agents, speaks about composition and character, as well as pitch.  Sean Cranbury, a social media guru, speaks about integrating social media into the author’s life, and leads by example with his sites.  Robert Dugoni gives inspirational talks including, “This Day we write.” Chuck Wendig, Sarah Wendell, and others talk about their experiences in the literary world.  Mary Robinnette Kowalt leads conversations on diversity in writing.   And they all do it at the same time that Jack Whyte is using his very rich Scottish brogue to read entries in the SiWC Idol contest.   And ANYTHING Jack reads sounds fantastic.


SiWC is a Thursday to Sunday conference, with Master classes on Thursday, and then three time slots on Friday and Saturday, and two more on Sunday.   Each of those slots have eight classes that involve the audience.


There are always numerous great topics at the same time, and by the end of the day, every participant is swimming with too much information.

Friday night is a ‘Halloween’ type evening with live theatre, including Michael Slade’s shock theatre.   And Saturday evening is book signings, and parties. 

In the middle of all this are plenty of agents, editors, and authors willing to help you strengthen your pitch, or your opening scene.


None of this is talking down to the participant.  Whether starting writers or established authors, editors or agents, everyone is at the conference because they ENJOY the industry.  Sarah Wendell says it well when she points out that “we interact with our entertainment.”   Everyone is approachable, and willing to converse.   It’s fantastic.

And the people who manage the conference and the volunteers who work there are FANTASTIC.  There is a whole community of individuals with positive feedback.


And that is why I go to SIWC.



About the Book:


Title: I, James
Author: Mike Hartner
Publisher: Eternity4Popsicle Publishing
Pages: 293
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Format: Kindle


James Crofter was ripped from his family at age 11.
Within a year the prince was a pauper in a foreign land.

Is nature stronger than nurture? And even if it is, can James find the happiness he so richly desires? 


Book Excerpt:


It required two days of marching to get to what I’d learned was a plantation, which was in the middle of nowhere.  When we finally arrived at our destination, I considered how memorable my last 16 months had been since I was removed from a prince’s life.  Yes, they were memorable.  And even though I had a pouch full of coin hidden inside my drawers, I was now a slave on a plantation in Africa.

About the Author

Mike Hartner was born in Miami in 1965. He's traveled much of the continental United States. He has several years post secondary education, and experience teaching and tutoring young adults. Hartner has owned and run a computer firm for more than twenty-five years. He now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with his wife and child. They share the neighborhood and their son with his maternal grandparents.

Mike won first place blue ribbon for the 2013 Chaucer Award for Historical Fiction and first place blue ribbon for the 2013 Dante Rosetti Award in the YA category for I, Walter.

His latest book is the historical fiction/romance, I, James.


For More Information




Mike Hartner is giving away one $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter.
  • This giveaway begins November 3 and ends January 30.
  • Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, February 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!


RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Stages of Desire by Julia Tagan


Stages of Desire
by Julia Tagan

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)
Release Date: January 5, 2015







To be or not to be—in love…

As a ward of the Duchess of Dorset, Harriet can hardly expect more from a match than the ringing endorsement of “from what I’ve heard, the man is financially secure and his teeth are quite regular.” After all, she’s only the lowly daughter of traveling actors, not the actual daughter of the duchess.
William Talbot, Earl of Abingdon is set to marry the duchess’s daughter. After his elder brother’s scandalous death, his family’s reputation is paramount, and he’ll allow nothing to damage it again. But when Harriet disappears to save her father from debtor’s prison, the scandal threatens William and his intended’s family.

The simple task of fetching the duchess’s runaway ward turns complicated when Harriet insists on traveling with her father’s acting company. William’s forced to tag along, and finds himself entranced. The stage transforms Harriet into a free-spirited, captivating beauty. But someone’s been sabotaging the theater company, and instead of facing scandal, William and Harriet discover a threat not only to their growing passion, but to their lives…









London, 1808

“Miss Farley. I would like an answer to my question.”

She leaped down from the wagon, landing as lightly as a cat. Her back was ramrod straight as she approached him, and she met his eyes with an unwavering gaze. “I presume Her Grace sent you to talk sense into me.”

“She did indeed.”

“Well, you’re too late. We’re preparing for a journey to Birmingham. These are the Farley Players, the esteemed strolling theatrical company you may have heard me mention the other day.”

Esteemed seemed far too grand a word for this shabby group.

Undeterred, she waved her hand with a flourish at William. “I’d like to introduce Lord Abingdon.”

“I’d like a word with you.” He motioned to the door. “Alone. Outside.”

She led the way out of the barn to a small creek, knelt down, and washed her hands, drying them off on her skirt. William couldn’t help but notice the flash of petticoats when she did so, as well as a view of her slender ankle. The sight of her was disconcerting. He cleared his throat in an effort to regain his composure.

“If I remember correctly, Miss Farley, the duchess and I both forbade you from leaving London.”

She pushed her hair off her face with an irritated gesture. “I’m of age now, and am free to do as I please.”

Her arrogance was astounding. William wished he could grab her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. “You would run off with these troublemakers and shame the woman who raised you, as well as the woman I am going to marry? What kind of ungrateful person are you that you’d even entertain such a notion? Is your father near death?”

“Not exactly.” She bit her lip. He’d struck a chord; she didn’t appear as sure of herself anymore. “I don’t mean to do anything to harm Her Grace. She’s been like a mother to me. But she’s not my true mother and, at this moment, I must see my father.”

“What will happen to him if you don’t charge up to Birmingham with your army in tow?”

“He’ll be sent to debtor’s prison.”

William laughed. “Debtor’s prison?”

“I’m deadly serious about this and find your humor most unkind.”

Relief surged through him. The solution was easier than he’d believed possible. “I am sorry, Miss Farley. I didn't realize how simple the solution is. I’ll give you the money. Have one of your troupe bring it to your father, and you and I will return to London. Simple as that. I understand why you wouldn't want to trouble the duchess with this kind of request, but as I have certain plans with regard to the family, I’m happy to extend you this favor. As long as you don’t have other family members popping up requesting handouts. And there will be no more lies.”

“You’re doing me a favor?” She fixed him with a stare. “I’m not some poor relation of yours to order about. I won’t take your money.”

The girl was stubborn when there was no need to be. How had the duchess ever put up with her in the first place? “Take the money and let’s get going. We’ll stay overnight at my estate and have you back in London by tomorrow afternoon.”

She shook her head. “It won’t do. The producer to whom my father is indebted demands a production within the week. He has promised his patrons As You Like It, starring the famous Mrs. Ivey, and nothing less will do.”

“I see. And who is this famous actress? Is she the one who curtseyed so deeply I heard her knees creak?”

Miss Farley almost smiled. “No. That’s Mrs. Kembler. She’s one of ours. Mrs. Ivey is already up in Birmingham, awaiting our arrival.” She placed her hand on his arm, the pressure of her touch as light as a feather. “Sorry, my lord. I know this seems like a rash act. But I need to take care of my father right now. I’m fully capable of comporting myself in a ladylike manner. I have no intention of bringing shame upon Her Grace’s household.”

“So just now, when you were heaving trunks around like a common dockworker, it wasn’t scandalous?” An uncomfortable warmth swept over him, remembering it.

“That was work. Nothing scandalous about work.”

“It was the way you were working.”

“And what way is that?” She put her hands on her hips and breathed heavily. He couldn't help noticing the rise and fall of her chest.

At a loss for words, he stammered as he tried to regain the upper hand. “Never mind now.”

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. “My lord, I understand why you might be worried, and why my running off alone was not proper. I am sorry. Allow me to go to Birmingham and sort out this mess. Please. I haven’t seen my father in a long time.”

She plucked at the fabric of her skirt like a small child might. For a brief moment, he couldn’t help but sympathize with her, remembering his own turbulent history with his father.

“He left me a book of sonnets, you see, but I didn’t receive it until yesterday. He inscribed it to me and, well, it’s difficult to explain. But now I realize how difficult it must’ve been for him to give me away. My mother died when I was born and life had been rough.”

“My mother died giving birth to my younger brother. But you must carry on. Life is not meant to be easy.”

She shook her head slowly, in disbelief. “There are varying degrees of easy. Losing a mother, yes, we’re even on that point. But have you gone for days slogging through the mud in the hopes of finding a warm bed and supper? I remember quite clearly what it’s like to not eat for a couple of days, the way the hunger climbs from your stomach up your throat until even your jaw aches.”

She had him there. He only missed a meal by accident, when he was absorbed in his work. And any cravings were satisfied immediately.

“My lord, I’d like to thank my father for allowing me to live with the duke and duchess. It’s the least I can do.”

He almost suggested she write a letter instead, but stopped himself. What if he were given the opportunity to talk to his father, or his brother, again? What would he say?

He understood her desire to make amends, and her honesty cut him to the core.

“Please, my lord.”

Sounds of merriment spilled out of the barn.
Perhaps they could reach an agreement. “I will allow it, on two conditions.”

“My lord?”

“My former nursemaid, Miss Entwhistle, shall act as chaperone. She’s here with me now and will accompany you to ensure you meet the standards of respectability. Two: You’ll stay with her at all times, and be back in London by next week. I will tell the duchess I allowed you to visit family in Birmingham, and leave it at that. No mention of the theater.”

“I suppose I can agree.”

“Very well, I’ll make the introductions.”

Eager to break the unexpected connection between them, William headed to the carriage while she returned to the barn. Miss Farley’s voice rang out.

“My lord, you might want to come quick.”

“One moment, I must see to Miss Entwhistle first.”

“That’s what I mean.”

William caught up with Miss Farley inside the barn. She pointed in the direction of several bales of hay, where Miss Entwhistle stood wearing a long purple scarf and swaying side to side, singing a colorful ditty at the top of her lungs. The rest of the troupe had gathered around her clapping and singing along.

“I think I’ll have no problems with Miss Entwhistle at all, my lord,” said Miss Farley. “In fact, it appears she’ll be able to teach me a few things.”









Julia Tagan lives with her husband and goldendoodle in New York City. A journalist by training, she enjoys weaving actual events and notorious individuals into her historical romances. Her favorite activities include walking her dog in Central Park, scouring farmers’ markets for the perfect tomato, and traveling to foreign cities in search of inspiration.




















Sunday, January 4, 2015

BLOG TOUR: The Towers of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram

01_The Towers of Tuscany Cover


Publication Date: December 16, 2014
Lake Union Publishing 
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 366 
Genre: Historical Fiction


  Add to GR Button  



BLURB:


 Sofia is trained in secret as a painter in her father’s workshop during a time when women did not paint openly. She loves her work, but her restless spirit leads her to betray her extraordinary gifts to marry a man who comes to despise her for not producing a son. After Sofia’s father is crushed by his own fresco during an attack motivated by a vendetta, Sofia realizes she must escape her loveless marriage. She flees to Siena, where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her. Meticulously researched settings and compelling characters are united with a strong heroine in this rich portrait of medieval Italy.



MY REVIEW:



The Towers of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram is an amazing work of historical fiction, and a great adventure by a true heroine. I loved the main character, Sophia. In a time where women were supposed to grin and bear it, Sophia chose to take her own path, and run away from her unhappy marriage. The adventure that follows truly makes for a great story. The entire book is perfectly written, and I found it easy to lose myself completely in the story. Sophia’s character was easy to relate to, and as a reader you were rooting for her from the beginning. At the beginning you can really feel Sophia’s frustration with her role in life because she is a female. Her husband married her because she is beautiful, and refuses to allow her to do what she loves, which is to paint. She married below her, even though her father tried to stop her from doing so, because she thought she was in love. She realized that her father was right, but was unable to do anything about it, until her father’s dying wish to take a fresco painting to an acquaintance of his in another city gives her the chance to leave that she so desperately desires. 

I give this novel a FIVE out of FIVE stars!


Praise for The Towers of Tuscany

“From the very first page, Carol M. Cram captivates with her writing, transporting you to the rolling hills and rich palette of 14th-century Tuscany. You care for the protagonist, Sofia, from the outset and become an ally throughout the perilous pursuit of her beloved art. The twists and turns of the plot, and the fast pace of the writing, make it a book that is very hard to put down. I cannot praise this novel highly enough. It is a story that lingers long after you have reluctantly reached the last page. I highly recommend this book as a must-read and wish this debut novelist great success with her career. She is definitely an author to watch and has earned a firm fan who will be buying her next book.” —Janis Pegrum Smith, Historical Novel Society 

"The Towers of Tuscany is a delightful escape to the Siena we all love. Carol Cram has crafted a delicious story about a strong woman torn between her secret past, her love of painting, and the forbidden charms of her rich patron. Hard to resist and highly recommended!” —Anne Fortier, author of the New York Times bestseller Juliet and The Lost Sisterhood 

"The Towers of Tuscany has all the elements of a wonderful historical novel—a talented, frustrated heroine; a treacherous, feckless husband; and a promise to a dying, much loved father who orders the heroine on a dangerous mission. Carol is a first rate storyteller. The research is well done. Every chapter displays a fine knowledge of painting technique of the 14th century, and customs and mores of the age. The details of dress, fabric, food, are flawless. The clever dialogue and fast pace make the novel zing along." —Roberta Rich, bestselling author of The Midwife of Venice and The Harem Midwife



Buy the Book

Amazon
Barnes & Noble


About the Author

02_Carol CramCarol M. Cram is the author of The Towers of Tuscany, an historical novel about a woman painter in fourteenth century Italy. In addition to writing fiction, Carol has enjoyed a great career as an educator, teaching at Capilano University in North Vancouver for over twenty years and authoring forty-plus bestselling textbooks on business communications and software applications for Cengage Learning. She holds an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Carol is currently focusing as much of her attention as she can spare between walks in the woods on writing historical novels with an arts twist. She and her husband, painter Gregg Simpson, share a life on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, Canada. 

Visit her at www.carolcram.com.



The Towers of Tuscany Blog Tour Schedule


Monday, December 15
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, December 16
Guest Post at The Book Binder's Daughter
Wednesday, December 17
Review at Unshelfish
Thursday, December 18
Spotlight at The Never-Ending Book
Monday, December 22
Guest Post at Boom Baby Reviews
Saturday, December 27
Review at Book Nerd
Monday, December 29
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective
Sunday, January 4
Review at HF Obsession
Review at I'd So Rather Be Reading
Monday, January 5
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Tuesday, January 6
Review at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews
Thursday, January 8
Interview at Dianne Ascroft's Blog
Friday, January 9
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time



 photo 7b1c3b37-f365-4441-8304-e2eee7a19412.png