Guest Author: Cheryl Bolen & Giveaway!!

I’m so pleased to have acclaimed historical and romantic suspense writer Cheryl Bolen on the blog today.  Cheryl is the author of more than a dozen Regency-set historical romance novels. Her books have placed in several writing contests, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into 11 languages. She was named Notable New Author in 1999, and in 2006 she won the Holt Medallion (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent) for Best Short Historical Novel. Her books have become Barnes & Noble and Amazon bestsellers.

Cheryl also writes romantic suspense as well as Regency romance, so let’s find out about that, too.

You had a distinguished career as a journalist before you began writing romance.  Why the switch and why the Regency Period?

I didn’t consciously decide to switch. I wrote the two simultaneously for many years. My first efforts at fiction were romantic suspense, but I wasn’t able to sell those. After I sold my first book, a historical romance titled A Duke Deceived, in 1997, I just decided I’d rather write fiction exclusively. I still like doing articles and blogging about Regency England, which is all non-fiction.

You’ve recently taken another branch in your career – writing for Amazon’s Montlake imprint.  Was it hard to switch gears from historical romance to romantic suspense?

When Montlake originally approached me to write for them, it was on the strength of my historical romance sales, but then when they said they were looking for serial authors, I instantly thought romantic suspense was a better fit for serials. Before I sold my first book, I’d had a lot of success with romantic suspense in contests for unpublished authors, but after I sold a historical, I put all my eggs in one basket, which isn’t the best thing to do for job security. After I started indie publishing some of my out-of-print historicals, I decided to publish some—but not all—of the romantic suspense novels that had never found a publisher. Not every one was well written enough, but surprisingly, the first book I ever wrote (Capitol Offense) when I was in my early twenties didn’t suck too badly. After re-editing it and updating it a lot, it’s now out, and the reviews have been favorable.

What can you tell us about the new book.  It’s in serial form, right?

So glad you asked about my serial, Vanessa! In my Kindle Serial I’ve combined two of my favorite things: traveling to see England’s stately homes with researching English history. My lighthearted romantic suspense, Falling for Frederick, is about a lovely doctoral student who comes across the dead body of the curator of archives in the basement of Siddley Manor, owned by Frederick Percy, Lord of Rockford. Together, my heroine and Frederick have to crisscross England, searching stately homes for a priceless medieval artifact which may lead them to the murderer.

I’d like to say a word here about the Kindle Serials. At present, they offer a new episode of approximately 10,000 words (3 chapters for me) every two weeks. They may be changing the frequency to every week. Whenever someone purchases one of these serials, they pay a one-time fee of $1.99 and automatically get all episodes that have thus far been published. Then each new installment is free. When mine is finished at the end of April, Falling for Frederick will be available as a full-length novel as well as an audio book. It won’t be available internationally until that time. Currently, it’s only available at Amazon.

What’s up next in Cheryl’s writing world?

I’ve been catching my breath. I just finished writing the serial. I had two books come out in October, including a Regency-set inspirational romance (Marriage of Inconvenience) for Love Inspired Historical, a division of Harlequin. Like with Montlake, the senior editor there asked me to write for Love Inspired. She was a joy to work with, and I’ve found a huge market of readers who don’t necessarily want their romances sexy. I need to do proposals for a second stately home murder featuring Frederick and Antonia as well as Book 3 in my well-received Regent Mystery series.

Sounds great!  Folks, Cheryl is graciously giving away a copy of her new Harlequin book, Marriage of Inconvenience.  To be eligible to win, just tell us which genre you prefer, historical romance or romantic suspense, and a bit about why.  Or do you like both?

And by sure to stop by Cheryl’s website for info on all her books!


Guest Author: Brenda Jernigan & Giveaway!

I’m very pleased to have historical romance author Brenda Jernigan visiting the blog today.  Brenda’s books have won The Book Seller’s Best Award, the Maggie Award, and the prestigious Holt Medallion.  As Publishers Weekly said, her books are all about “romance, adventure, and magic.”

Like many wonderful authors, some of Brenda’s books have been out of print or just too darn hard to get.  Fortunately, digital and indie publishing has changed all that.  Here’s what Brenda herself has to say on the subject:

I’m Brenda Jernigan and I’ve been writing for what seems like a long time.  I sold my first book on April Fool’s day 1978.  I like that.  At least I can always remember when I first sold!

I’ve taken the last few years off from writing.  Between writing books and driving 45 minutes each way to a regular job it became too much, so I called a halt to everything and cancelled the last 2 books of my last contract.  However, now that I’ve retired it is fun to pick up the books again.  I’ve been trying to get all my old books into e-book format for everyone who has an e-reader. 

And we’re certainly glad you have, Brenda!  And the book we’re featuring today looks awesome–it’s called Christmas in Camelot.  How perfect for the upcoming holiday season!

Isn’t that a beautiful cover?  And I am so down with the idea of spending Christmas in Camelot!  This book got great reviews, including this one from Pages Magazine:

“Brenda Jernigan does what no other author has accomplished yet: create a special place of honor for you at fabled Camelot’s Christmas holiday celebration. It’s a fresh change of pace and picked number 1 in my book.”

Here’s the blurb for Christmas in Camelot:

The Greatest Gifts . . . Are always unexpected . . .

There was a king – King Arthur of Camelot

There was a knight – Sir Nicholas the Dragon

There was a wager that each swore he would win . . .

Lady Noelle has no intention of marrying just to save her family’s castle. She feels nothing for Sir Gavin, the man who will become her husband on Christmas Day. Then she spies Camelot’s newest knight, the notorious Sir Nicholas the Dragon, a champion as renowned for his prowess in the beds of Camelot’s maidens as for his skill in battle. Noelle’s heart has found the man she longs for, even as her hand is promised to another.

Christmas may never come to Camelot.

Sounds great!  To read an excerpt and to check out Brenda’s other books, visit her website.  Brenda is currently putting her backlist up in digital, which is great news for her readers!

For my readers today, Brenda is giving away a copy of Christmas in Camelot.  I always loved reading the legends of King Arthur, and I really enjoy all the various movies and TV shows that recreate the legends.  Who’s your favorite Camelot character?  Or is there any TV show or movie adaptation that you particularly liked?  Just tell us to win a copy of Brenda’s fab book!

 

 


Guest Author: Angela Benson & Giveaway!

My guest author today is an incredibly interesting, talented, and accomplished woman.  She’s Angela Benson, and she’s an award winning author of both contemporary romance and faith-inspired fiction.  Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas, and a nonfiction writing book, all for top-notch publishers.  Her books have appeared on national and regional bestseller lists, and she’s won a number of awards, including the Romantic Times Award for Best Multicultural Romance, and she was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award in Multicultural Romance.  On top of that, she was also nominated for the prestigious RITA Award, sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.

Wow!  That is one heck of a writing pedigree, isn’t it?

Angela’s writing creds are certainly distinguished, but the other parts of her life are equally impressive.  She majored in both math and industrial engineering, and holds two Masters Degrees AND a Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Georgia.  Angela is currently an associate professor of educational technology at the University of Alabama.  My goodness—when does the woman even find time to write books?!

Like many romance writers with established careers, Angela is moving into digital publishing.  Three of her previously published, out of print books are now available as e-books.  The Way Home and The Nicest Guy in America were originally published with Pinnacle Arabesque, both to great reviews.


The Way Home was an RT Reviewers Choice winner, and was also a finalist for the prestigious Holt Medallion.  Here’s what the Literary Times had to say about it:

“A realistic, romantic tale of regaining lost love! Ms. Benson writes from the heart and it is reflected in her characters. Readers will be thrilled with Angela Benson’s newest love story!”

Here’s the blurb for The Way Home:

Marlena Rhodes returns to her hometown of Gaines for a visit only to discover that the past she left behind is still fresh in her memory. As a successful attorney in Washington, D.C., Marlena has made a name for herself and the wealthy black society people of Gaines are clamoring to meet her. They may be dazzled by her name and her reputation, but deep down Marlena is still Josie Rhodes’ daughter and Josie hadn’t been accepted by most of the people in Gaines. When she comes face-to-face with her ex-love, Marlena remembers why she loved Winston Taylor so much and why she’d said goodbye . . .

Doesn’t that sound like a great read?  To check out an excerpt of The Way Home, take a hop to Angela’s website.  While you’re there, you can also read the blurb, excerpt, and reviews for her other book, The Nicest Guy in America.

And just in time for Christmas, Angela has a holiday novella called Friend and Lover.


Here’s the review for the novella from RT Book Reviews:

Angela Benson’s “Friend and Lover” is a hilarious, sensual romp of friends turning into lovers. Reed Lewis has loved his best friend, Paige Taylor, for years. In a determined effort to make his New Year’s dreams come true, Reed pulls out all the stops. Paige tries to fight her attraction to Reed, but when he brings in his secret weapon-his 80-year-old, 5-foot-nothing, 80-pound grandmother named Big Momma-she loses her heart to the incorrigible grandmother/grandson duo.

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?  Stop by Angela’s website to get all the details and to read an excerpt of Friend and Lover.

For my readers today, Angela is donating a copy of The Way Home.  Since Angela’s just released a Christmas novella, let’s talk about the holidays.  What’s your favorite thing about the holiday season—family, food, or all those fabulous books you’re going to get as presents!  One person who comments will win a copy of Angela’s book.


Guest Author: Kathryn Shay & Giveaway!

I’m very pleased to feature author Kathryn Shay on the blog today.  Kathryn has an outstanding romance writing pedigree, having penned twenty-five books for Harlequin and nine mainstream contemporary romances for Berkley.  She also has a number of on-line novellas, some of which were subsequently published in print by Berkley.

Kathryn writes very emotional books with powerful, heart-wrenching characterizations.  And she’s won tons of accolades, too, including five RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Awards, four prestigious Holt Medallions, a Booksellers Best Award, and many more.

And here’s an even more impressive statistic – Kathryn has 40 books all told, with five million copies in print.  Wow!

Even better, Kathryn now has 16 formerly out-of-print backlist titles available as e-books.  For instance, if you haven’t read her well-loved Hidden Cove firefighter’s trilogy, here’s your chance.  Originally published by Berkley, here’s what Booklist had to say about the first book in the series, After The Fire:

“Powerful and compelling, this novel reinforces Shay’s well earned reputation as a first rate storyteller.”


And then there’s the popular O’Neil Family series, which garnered a ton of great reviews including this one from Fresh Fiction:

“Shay’s writing trademark is taking seemingly impossible relationships and developing them into classic tales of true love, which is what she does here.”

You can find all of Kathryn’s backlist on her website.

I’m also thrilled to report that Kathryn has a new book out – an indie published, woman’s fiction novel called A Price Worth Paying


Here’s the blurb:

Nick and Callie Muscato have been lovers since high school. They married at eighteen and Callie gave up Vassar to go on the road with Nick as he builds his major league baseball career. Once he becomes a superstar, their perfect life is marred by their inability to have children. And then a miracle happens and they adopt twin boys.

Both are happy until Nick gets hurt and is demoted to the minors. Instead of going with him, Callie takes the twins and returns to their home town to teach at the high school they both attended.

Eventually Nick is forced to give up his baseball career, gets his college degree and when the story opens, both he and Callie are teaching at their Alma Mater. Then tragedy strikes them with two major blows: Callie confesses she’s pregnant with another man’s child and, only an hour later, Nick is accused of sexual misconduct with a female student; he is suspended from teaching until hearings can be held.

Though this stress might split up a lesser couple, Nick and Callie fight the accusation and try to keep their marriage together.

I have to say, this sounds like a compelling and intense read.  I love novels that deal with married couples and the challenges life can throw in the path of a loving relationship.  Kathryn has already been receiving wonderful reviews for this book, so I can’t wait to read it!

You can check out Kathryn’s books, read excerpts, and find her buy links on her website.

Kathryn has graciously donated a copy of  A Price Worth Paying for my readers today.  Just tell me what kind of book you most like to read on a rainy day – historical romance, women’s fiction, a juicy mystery…enquiring minds want to know!  One person who comments will win a copy of this wonderful book!

 


Guest Author: Cheryl Bolen & Giveaway!

I’m really excited to be featuring the acclaimed Regency historical author, Cheryl Bolen, on the blog today.  Cheryl writes elegant Regency romances that have been wowing readers and reviewers since she was first published in 1998.  That debut book, A Duke Deceived, won the Notable New Author Award of 1999, and also received an Honorable Mention in the presitgious Holt Medallion contest.  Cheryl ultimate went on to win the Holt Medallion with her book, One Golden Ring, which took the award for Best Historical.

The Huntress Book Reviews said that One Golden Ring “has got to be the most PERFECT Regency romance I’ve read this year.”  That I can well believe!  And RT Book Reviews had this to say about An Improper Proposal, Cheryl’s fourth book in her charming The Brides of Bath series:

“Bolen’s writing has a certain elegance that lends itself to the era and creates the perfect atmosphere for her enchanting romances.”

All of Cheryl’s books have garnered high praise, and she’s finaled in and received a number of awards.  You can check those out on her website, which also includes excerpts of her books.

Until recently, some of Cheryl’s books were out of print.  Thanks to the magic of digital books, that’s no longer the case.  Many of her books, including those in The Brides of Bath series, are now available in digital format on the Kindle and Nook, and in various e-reader formats.  Cheryl has a very handy page on her website with all the info and the ordering links.

The book I particularly want to feature today is With His Ring, which Cheryl has just released in digital format.



It’s the second book in The Brides of Bath series, and was a finalist in the Texas Gold Romance contest.  It also received a stellar review from Happily Ever After:

With His Ring has plenty of sensuality, a villain that will make your skin crawl, and a voluptuous rival for Glee who becomes the heroine of the third Brides of Bath book, The Fallen Woman, due out in August—sure to be a steamy read for a steamy month.  Even if you’re not a Regency fan, check these books out. 

RT Book Reviews also gave it 4 stars and said:

Cheryl Bolen does it again! This is the second book in Bolen’s Brides of Bath series. There is laughter, and the interaction of the characters pulls you right into the book. 

Here’s the blurb for With His Ring:

At the tender age of 19, Glee Pembroke, sister of Viscont Sedgewick, feels she is on the shelf.  And why not, when the man she loves thinks of her as a sister?

Gregory Blankenship, or Blanks to his friends, has an aversion to marriage.  But the death of his father turns his world upside down. Either he marries or loses his inheritance to his likable half-brother.

Seeking advice only gets Blanks into more trouble, and with Glee of all people! Placed in a compromising position by his dear friend Glee, Blanks is at first angry, then relieved.  A marriage of convenience could solve his problems.  But Glee’s cinnamon-red hair and emerald-green eyes may not be so convenient for Blanks after all.

Doesn’t that sound great?!  You can find With His Ring on Amazon and at other e-retailers.  All the details are on Cheryl’s website.

And for you Regency history lovers, I really recommend you spend some time looking around Cheryl’s website.  She has some wonderful features, including a series of top-notch articles on various aspects of the Regency.  In addition to penning wonderful historical romances, Cheryl is an accomplished journalist and I think you’ll really enjoy her articles.

For my readers today, Cheryl has donated a copy of One Golden Ring, the book that won the Holt Medallion.  To be eligible, tell me which novel is your favorite Regency or historical romance, and why.  One person who comments will win One Golden Ring.


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