Ann Lethbridge

Get lost in the world of Regency England

Today I'm happy to be interviewing one of my long-time critique partners, Ann Lethbridge, whose most recent novel, The Gamekeeper's Lady, was just released. She also has a fabulous novella, Princess Charlotte's Choice, available in the "Royal Weddings" anthology released in celebration of Will and Kate's upcoming nuptials.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Lethbridge grew up in England and although she lives in Canada now, she never forgot her roots. She writes sexy regency romances, because that’s what she really really likes to read. She is also a research geek, which helps, and having minored in history, fell naturally into writing historical novels. As of now, she has eight regencies in print, five of them with Harlequin Historicals, including a book due out this week, The Gamekeeper’s Lady. You can also find short stories on line from Harlequin Undone which tie into her novels. Recently Ann was asked to contribute a story to the Royal Weddings e-book series put out by Harlequin to celebrate the upcoming Nuptuals of William and Kate. She chose to write about Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, the only Royal wedding during the Regency period, and you can find this and the rest of the series wherever digital books are sold in whatever format you prefer.

ABOUT THE GAMEKEEPER’S LADY

The Gamekeeper’s Lady, is set in the English countryside and is the first story about twin brothers. The second book, More than a Mistress will be out at the end of May:

Frederica Bracewell grew up under a cloud of shame. As an illegitimate child, she was treated by her uncle like a servant. It wasn't until she encountered the new gamekeeper that shy, innocent Frederica started to feel like a true lady….

Lord Robert Mountford had been banished by his family. After a debauched existence, he revelled in the simplicity of a gamekeeper's lifestyle. Until temptation struck! Frederica's plain appearance and stuttering speech were a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she might just be his undoing…and unmasking!

Romantic Times chose Robert as a K.I.S.S (Knight in Shining Silver) hero for May.

A lovely twist on the Cinderella theme. Her likeable characters entertain..... Romantic Times

GET TO KNOW ANN LETHBRIDGE

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite holiday?
ANN: Christmas. I just love all the bling. Wearing it, hanging it up, the lights, the shopping. And the food. Especially the food.

MAUREEN: Where do you most like to read and how often?
ANN: I read every day, usually at lunch and after dinner, (cough) wherever I happen to be. I really love reading in the bath, though there is seldom that much time available these days.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
ANN: I read anything and everything (including cereal boxes), though I find I am pickier than I used to be. I like many different genres, mystery, thriller, fantasy, but I always go back to historical novels and historical romances as all time favourites.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite hobby?
ANN: When I have the time, I like needlework. My preference is embroidery, something really impractical and difficult and of no use but to be decorative, though I do smock the odd baby dress when the mood takes me. In the summer I like to puddle around in the garden and watch things grow. I am watching the eagles raise the young on the eaglecam, and take a peek whenever I go on the computer. Really sweet. Did I mention I read?

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
ANN: Cinderella. I was always sure my fairy godmother had got lost but was about to show up at any moment and whisk me away from “all this”. In a way she did, because I get to do what I really love doing, every day: making up stories in my head. Only she didn’t have a magic wand or glittery stuff floating around her, she’s this odd person I’ve never seen who keeps whispering about people I’ve never met.

MAUREEN: Hiking boots or high heels?
ANN: Don’t hiking boots come with high heels? No? Then definitely high heels. Perhaps because I’m not very tall.

MAUREEN: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?
ANN: Official fly on the wall at all the great events of history. Nah. If I can’t be a writer I don’t want to be anything. I’d just lay on the sofa and sulk and watch movies. But that’s cheating a bit, because I know I will always be a writer.

MAUREEN: Is Elvis really dead?
ANN: No. I even watched one of his movies the other night. Did you see Scotty on American Idle sing That’s All Right? Gotta be Elvis reincarnated. I just hope he holds it together better this time around.

MAUREEN: If you could interview one person (and it doesn’t have to be a writer) who would it be?
ANN: Geeky research person question here. Right up my street. It would be to sit down with the Prince of Wales, the Prince Regent 1811-1820 and get to the bottom of all the scandal about him. And find out how his dreadful childhood impacted on what he did in later life. And why he was just as bad to his own daughter. And which woman he really fell in love with. And… well Piers Morgan look out.

MAUREEN: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
ANN: I do read the review if I come across them. I am always pleasantly surprised if they say something nice. I try not to take the less friendly ones to heart, but sometimes it’s hard. Still, I have good friends who will let me cry on their shoulders, should I need it. If a reviewer has something to say about the craft of the book, I always give consideration to it. If it makes sense then I certainly keep it in mind when I am writing. After all reviewers are readers and that is who I am writing for. At the end of the day, though, I have to go with what my muse is telling me is right.

GOTTA ASK -- GOTTA ANSWER ☺

MAUREEN: What’s your idea of a perfect historical romance hero?
ANN: I like my heroes to have something bad happen earlier in their lives that makes them suffer regret or even a fear they would never admit. Something that makes life difficult when they meet the woman destined to be their mate. I like them to be smart, good at what they do, and to have a sense of humour, when not being angsty. Quite often my heroes have served their country as soldiers, because I grew up as an army brat and have some insights into the mindset. I also find that often soldiers have been forced into a position of leadership, which makes them interesting.

ANN ASKS:

What kind of hero, historical or otherwise, do you like to read about?

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Ann will draw randomly from those commenting for one copy of The Gamekeeper’s Lady.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANN LETHBRIDGE:

http://www.annlethbridge.com/
http://www.facebook.com/AnnLethbridgeAuthor
http://www.annlethberidge.blogspot.com/
Follow on Twitter @AnnLethbridge