Welcome Ella Quinn!

Today on my blog we have the soon-to-be NY Times Best Selling author of Regency Romance... Ella Quinn!

I had the honor of interviewing her. Come and meet this awesome lady!  Leave a comment with your name and email for a chance to win a copy (either print or ebook - your choice) of her Regency Romance - The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh!

     Ella’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

     She is married to her wonderful husband of twenty-nine years. They have a son and granddaughter, Great Dane and a Chartreux. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make St. Thomas, VI home.

     Ella is a member of the Romance Writers of American, The Beau Monde and Hearts Across History. She is represented by Elizabeth Pomada of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency, and published by Kensington. Her debut novel The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, will release in September 2013

Website: (Up soon) www.ellaquinnauthor.comwww.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom

 

Marie: Ella, how long have you been writing?

Ella: Just over two years.

Marie: What inspired you to write your first book?

Ella: I knew I wanted to write something, but didn’t know what. I’d heard “write what you know,” but I didn’t want to do that. Then I read an interview with an author who said, “write what you read.” After that, my muse moved in, and a scene of an angry Regency lady came into my head, so I wrote it down. A month later, I had 100,000 words.

Marie: Which of your characters do you relate to most and why? 

Ella: I don’t think I relate to any one character. I bond with my males first. I know exactly where they are coming from. My females take a little longer to finally give me their stories.

Marie: What book have you read too many times to count? 

Ella: Probably all of the Georgette Heyer historical romances. Devil’s Cub is one of my favorite.

Marie: What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received? 

Ella: Write three books for publication. I’ve since learned that some people write many more than that, but that advice started me off.

Marie: If you could hop into the life of any fictional character, who would it be and why? 


Ella: Probably Sophy Stanton-Lacy from Heyer’s Grand Sophy. I love the way she goes out and does what she wants to. Though I probably wouldn’t marry my cousin.

Marie: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

Ella: How absolutely amazing and generous the romance writing community is. I have never met such a wonderful group of people in my life.

Marie: Ella, please tell us about your story: (I love your cover, by the way....)

Ella: You’ll meet Miss Anna Marsh and Lord Rutherford in The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. Anna is twenty-one. When she first came out, she expected Rutherford to propose. He didn’t for two reasons: First, he was her brother, Harry’s, best friend and second, he thought she was too young. When Anna’s brother died, they sort of drifted apart, though Rutherford always intended to ask Anna to marry him at some point. What Rutherford doesn’t know is that life changed drastically for Anna after Harry died. Because of that she now insists that he accept her as she is now and not as she was before. But when Anna hears Rutherford describe her as easy to manage, all bets are off.

This story has two and a half love stories, spies and smugglers.

Here is the blurb and a marvelous cover quote from the lovely Sally MacKenzie.

THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH on pre-order now. Releases ~ November 7th,  2013

“Let yourself be seduced by this sexy mix of spies, smugglers, and happily ever afters.” —Sally MacKenzie

Since she was a young girl, Anna Marsh has dreamed of Sebastian, Baron Rutherford asking for her hand in marriage. But that was in another life when her brother Harry was alive, before she vowed to secretly continue the work he valiantly died for. Now as Sebastian finally courts Anna, she must thwart his advances. Were he to discover her secret, he would never deem her a suitable wife…

Sebastian has always known Anna would become his wife someday. He expects few obstacles, but when she dissuades him at every turn he soon realizes there is much more to this intriguing woman. Somehow he must prove to her that they are meant to be together. But first he must unravel the seductive mystery that is Miss Anna Marsh…

Excerpt:

     “Good morning, my dear,” Aunt Lillian greeted her. “Are you riding with Lord Rutherford again today?”

     Anna swallowed. “Yes, he should be here soon. I need your advice. How do I convince Percy that I have no interest in him? The man is a coxcomb and a dead bore.”

     Lillian laughed. “Get betrothed. That will stop him. Unfortunately, he is the type of man who cannot understand that he is not irresistible to women.”

     Anna took a sip of tea and said thoughtfully, “I wonder if I can deny him when he comes to visit.”

     Her aunt raised a brow. “That’s rather hard to do when he brings his mother along.”

     Almost every day since Anna’s return, Lady Blanchard had come to call, accompanied by Percy. “I suppose you’re right.”

     “You’re spending quite a bit of time with Lord Rutherford. Do you have intentions?”

     Anna shook her head. “No. He does.”

     “I thought you liked him.”

     Anna set her cup down. “I do, but we won’t suit.”

     Lillian frowned slightly. “This conversation is becoming distressingly akin to an interrogation. If you don’t wish me to know . . . ”

     “Oh, no. It’s not that.” Anna rushed to reassure her aunt. It would be good to talk with someone. “Rutherford wants to marry me, but I heard him describing what he wants in a bride, and it is not who I am.”

     “Ah, I see.” Her aunt’s eyes sparkled. “A challenge?”

     “Not really. We haven’t spent much time together since shortly after Harry’s death. He will soon come to realize I am not for him. We will be no more than friends.”

     Aunt Lillian brought her cup to her lips. “Are you quite sure?”

     Anna sighed. “Yes. So you see, Rutherford is not the problem. Percy is.”

     “I take your point. He is rather a bother.” Lillian’s brow wrinkled. “Let me put my mind to it and see what I can come up with.”

     “Who is rather a bother?” a pleasantly deep voice asked from the door. “I hope you don’t mind. I told Ledster not to announce me.”

     Anna couldn’t help smiling. Having him around was like old times. Still, it hurt, and she wished he’d figure out soon that he didn’t want to marry her. “Good morning, Rutherford. No, I don’t mind. Would you like some tea?”

 

Witty dialogue

A good friend and writer friend of mine, Ella Quinn, has inspired me. She faithfully posts wonderful blogs, and sometimes they are about her stories. On her blog today fellow authors are welcome to post an excerpt of witty dialogue. Well...because I'm not at work and I actually have the time, I couldn't resist. That also got me thinking...why don't I do this on my own blog?

So, without further ado, I will post an excerpt from book #3 of my sweet Regency romance series, which is what I'm currently working on and nearly finished with - "The Sweetest Love".

 

 

This scene is about my secondary characters - Lord Hawthorne (Dominic / Nic) who is the hero's friend, and Tabitha who is the heroine's maid. Dominic isn't used to women ignoring him and turning away his charm, but Tabitha can see right through him and doesn't like him one bit. **HINT...Nic and Tabitha are my hero and heroine in book #4 - The Sweetest Secret** Also in this scene, Nic is trying to keep Tabitha occupied while Tristan & Diana (hero & heroine in The Sweetest Love) are having a private talk. At this point in the story, Tristan and Nic think Tabitha is a killer...

 

Nic grumbled under his breath. Tabitha was more intelligent than he gave her credit for. But of course she was smart. Who else could have killed two lords without leaving a trace of evidence?

“Forgive me for upsetting you, my dear. I fear I’ve been doing that quite a lot lately, and it’s not my intention.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Then tell me, Lord Hawthorne, what exactly is your intention?”

“Just to get to know you better.” He set his empty glass on the table next to him.

“Why?”

“Because you intrigue me. Is that not enough reason?”

“No.” She placed her glass on the small table beside the sofa before turning to look at him again. “Lords like yourself have no business wanting to get to know women servants so personally. There is only one reason masters want to chum with us, and it’s only for seduction reasons. As I told you before, I will not allow that to happen.”

“And as I told you before,” he moved closer, sliding his arm along the back of the sofa until it touched her shoulder, “that is not my purpose. In fact, I’m getting quite annoyed that seduction is all you can think about.”

“Me?” She gasped. “I assure you, that is not what I’m thinking about.”

“Yet, every time we have talked, our conversations always end on this subject. Tell me why that is, especially if you never think about it as you proclaim.”

“Once again, my lord, you are putting words into my mouth.”

He dropped his focus to her lips and wished she would stop bringing his attention to that most tempting feature on her face. “Actually, I think you are trying to put ideas into my head, my dear.”

“I am not.”

He met her heated gaze. “No? Then why are you talking to me like this? I never once mentioned seduction, and already in our short conversation, you have brought it up a few times.”

“Lord Hawthorne, not only do I wish we could cease this most improper topic, I can assure you seduction is the last thing on my mind.”

He narrowed his gaze on her and tilted his head slightly as he studied her. “You know, Tabitha I believe you.”

Her eyes widened. “You do?”

“Indeed, I think I have been mistaken about you. Now I can clearly see that seduction is not what you want at all. It’s obvious that you are too frigid to be the kind of woman who is passionate like that.” He nodded. “Now I see why no man has claimed you for his own yet.”

She inhaled sharply and her whole body went stiff. “What?” she shrieked. “You cannot be serious.”

“Oh, I’m indeed very serious. Everything is beginning to make sense.” He gave a light laugh as he stood and walked to the liquor tray, tempted to pour himself another drink, but refrained for the moment. “You are the first woman I’ve come across who didn’t enjoy my attention. Now I know why.”

“That is not why!” She jumped to her feet and stormed toward him.

He held up his hands in surrender. “No need to get upset. It’s all right to admit that you are not interested in men.”

“For the love of—” she muttered something incoherently. “You are the most infuriating man I’ve ever met, and you are very wrong. I am indeed interested in men.”

“Actually, you’re not.” He grinned.

Tabitha stomped her foot. “I am!”

“Forgive me for not believing, but you have shown nothing of the sort, my dear.”

Her face turned so red he thought it would explode. She grumbled under her breath.

He’d give anything to know her thoughts right now. Taunting her this way was quite enjoyable, and yet…it was as if he wanted to goad her into doing something that only happened in his dreams.

Shame on him because he’d never had to sink to this level with a woman before. If teasing her and seeing the fire in her eyes wasn’t so stimulating…

“You insufferable…jackanapes! If you weren’t so thick-skulled, you’d see…” She gnashed her teeth. “Augh!”

He wanted to laugh out loud, but he worried she’d catch on to his game. “Tabitha, there is no need for name-calling. I promise I shall not speak a word to anyone about this discovery.”

Stepping closer, she clutched his shoulders. “If I didn’t hate you so much, I’d…I’d…”

“You would what, my dear?” he said almost in a whisper, hoping she’d do what he wanted her to do.

Her gaze pierced his before it wandered over his face, coming to rest on his mouth. Dryness gathered in his throat, and he didn’t dare move, especially when her angry expression slowly disappeared and was replaced with one he never imagined he would see on her.

 

 

**COMING SOON - The Sweetest Secret** - Nic & Tabitha's story...

 

 

Love in Bloom Book Giveaway Hop

I'm excited to be part of this giveaway hop "Love in Bloom"....because you know how much I love romance.

For this giveaway hop, I'll be giving away a paperback copy of my sweet Regency romance - "The Sweetest Kiss". My book just got a face lift, and I ADORE my new cover!

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog with your name and email, and follow my blog.

Lord Trey Worthington isn’t about to give his heart to a woman. He does not want a marriage like his parents. But when his mother brings a childhood acquaintance into the home to sponsor into society, Trey has to get Miss Faraday trained properly. The more he gets to know Judith, the more he yearns for something he doesn’t dare reach for. Judith is after a faithful husband—something Trey has been convinced most of his life he’ll never become.

Judith Faraday is only after one thing—to marry her Naval Officer and enjoy a life full of love. She’s doubtful her dream will ever come true while living as the ward to the dowager duchess. However, the longer Judith is with the dowager’s son, Trey, an attraction blossoms. Judith now wonders if God has different plans for her life, because Trey doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage…the very thing Judith cannot do without.

If you'd like to find more blogs that are participating in this hop, go here -
http://www.iamareader.com/2013/04/love-in-bloom-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-may-16th-to-22nd.html

My day at the Renaissance Faire

Saturday, May 11th was a great day to attend my very first Renaissance Faire. My daughter, Chrystal, and her friend invited me, and my grandson wanted to go with us. I talked my daughter into dressing up since I thought it would be fun! But...it was HOT! Yeah, first hot day of the year. We lived for the moments we could find shade - or a breeze.

So here are some pictures for your viewing entertainment. I'm exhausted now, so I'm not going to do anything for the rest of the day and maybe tomorrow. (grins)

Real swords!

I liked his name - Hawke. :)

I even bowed to Her Majesty - the Queen! I probably embarrassed my grandson

My daughter and Xavier

Lady was playing a harp. So beautiful!

This is the frog prince and Chrystal was trying to see if she could change him into Prince Charming...
DIDN'T HAPPEN!!

Xavier just wanted to be in the picture frame. lol

Kid ship - he loved that!

 

 A kid's cruise... lol

They were just two people who'd come to the fair, but I loved their
costumes. I'm glad they let me take a pic of them! Doesn't he
look like Prince Charming?

Horsey ride!

Chrystal...she must have been very bad!

Xavier didn't quite fit

And these next three pics my hubby is going to get framed, I just know it!

HELP! I can't get out!!

 

 

Okay, so that was my day - all 3 hours of it. I look forward to going next year! Who wants to come with me? Maybe we'll get to see the jousting tournament then since we missed it this year.

It's that time again!!

By now, you probably have heard me say how fun it is to get a new book covers. So...this time I won't say it.  I'll just jump up and down, squeal, and clap my hands. (can you hear me - or at least feel the ground shake?)

I don't really know when this book will be out, mainly because I'm finishing up one story, and I still have two more to finish before I even get to this one, so keep in mind, the blurb might change before this story is finished.

Worth Fighting For by Marie Higgins, a clean historical romance

Phoebe Alphius, daughter of the governor of Turkey, was told at a tender age that she was the goddess Artemis, reincarnated. Just because she has the silver-blonde hair of the goddess, and she has the bold personality, hunts and fights better than any of her brothers, doesn’t mean she is Artemis. All of her life people have treated her differently, and she’s tired of it. She wants a normal life. She wants to find love. But just as Artemis, she’s going to die without ever knowing a man. There’s only once choice to make…she must leave Turkey and pretend she’s someone else. Now all she has to do is find a way out.

Captain Barry Winston just received word that his father is dying—which means Barry will become Duke of Lockhart. His trip to Turkey will be his last and he will give up the trading business for good. Sailing back to England, he realizes he has a stowaway. Her beauty is breathtaking, and she makes him laugh more than anyone has ever done before. Yet she is just a servant, so he cannot possibly fall in love with her and take her as his wife to become a duchess. His heart has different plans because forgetting about her would be impossible.

 

When her identity is revealed, will Barry be able to keep her from being taken away? Is their love worth fighting for?