THE EARL'S MISTAKEN BRIDE

THE EARL’S MISTAKEN BRIDE

Harlequin Love Inspired Historicals

ISBN: 0373828977 

As soon as Marcus Brookstone lifts his bride's veil, he sees he's been tricked. He made a bargain with God—to marry a good, Christian girl if his mother recovered from illness. But Marcus intended to marry pretty Amanda, not stubborn Constance. His next plan, to ignore his new wife, fails as well when Constance makes it clear that she wants a true union.  

Constance Somerton doesn't dare reveal that she's been enamored of Marcus for years. The man believes love is for weaklings. Someone needs to teach him about marriage's blessings. Someone who sees beyond his arrogance to the tender heart beneath. Someone exactly like Constance….  

READ MORE ABOUT THE MISTAKE

NO MISTAKE WITH ABBY

Abby Gaines writes funny, tender romances for Love Inspired Historical and Harlequin Superromance -- she's currently at work on her 19th novel for Harlequin. She's also experimenting with a young adult novel and a women's fiction novel.  Abby loves reading, skiing, traveling and cooking for friends, as well as spending time with her husband and children.

DON’T MISS Abby’s take on herself…it’s a lot of fun: http://abbygaines.com/about/

NO MISTAKES WITH THESE ANSWERS

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?

ABBY: Way too often for a writer who’s supposed to be working. Sometimes I pick up a book and think “I’ll just read a few pages to see how this talented author does it.” Next thing, three hours have gone by. I sometimes daydream about the books I haven’t read yet but hope to soon, which is probably quite sad! 

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading? 
ABBY: One of the first, that really has stayed in my mind, was Gordon the Goat,  by Munro Leaf. I looked it up on some used book sites recently – there it was, the cover I remember so well! – and discovered it’s become a collector’s item. Sadly I never owned it, I just borrowed it repeatedly from the library.

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
ABBY:That’s a toughie, because I love fairy tales! Especially some of the slightly rarer ones, like The Six Swans, where the beautiful princess (of course!) must stay mute for six years (I think), while she weaves shirts out of thorns for her six brothers who’ve been turned into swans by a witch. Naturally, it comes down to a last second thing, where the princess is about to be killed if she won’t speak, and she finishes the last shirt just in time... I love that will-she-make-it tension.

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?

ABBY: Erm, I have quite a long list, I’m afraid. Red traffic lights, soggy fries, hair in a drain, custard, the smell of oranges, a slice of bread that’s had water poured over it...to name a few of my foibles!

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?

ABBY: I snatch reading time wherever and whenever I can. In bed, obviously. But also sometimes while I walk the dog (which looks a bit weird, I suspect), while I wait in the car to pick up the kids. Sometimes waiting at traffic lights (I hate red lights – see above!).

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?

ABBY: Can I do smells instead? I’m not really an aural (audio?) person. The smell of wood (I’m an embarrassment to walk around a furniture store with, as I sniff the stock!), freesias, strawberries, clean sheets.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

ABBY: Fairy tale. I know they both have happy endings, but I like the more chivalrous, flirtatious route to my HEA.

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

ABBY: The Sound of Music. And the cool thing is, the second book in my Parson’s Daughters series, The Governess and Mr. Granville, is what I call a “Regency meets Sound of Music” story. I’m very excited about this!

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

ABBY: Thanks for reading! And if you ever feel guilty about taking time out to read, just tell yourself you’re being a wonderful role model to your kids. 

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: Abby, you visit the states every year for the RWA national conference. Outside of writing and writers, what’s your favorite thing? Do you get to stay over and visit much?

ABBY’S GOTTA ANSWER: I always stay over and spend some time just soaking up the feel of wherever I am. This year I had some extra time in New York, and on another trip, a few days in Breckenridge, CO. I love spending time in the USA, and it’s hard for me to pick just one thing...but today, I’ll go with the breakfasts! I love to eat a cooked breakfast, and to have a generous breakfast in a busy diner starts my day just right.

ABBY WILL DRAW from those leaving comments for a copy of her book The Earl’s Mistaken Bride. Open anywhere in the world.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address. 

FOLLOW, TWEET, CONTACT ABBY

Email   Website    Facebook     Twitter

UP NEXT: The Governess and Mr. Granville, Love Inspired Historical

PREVIOUS RELEASES: Her Surprise Hero, Harlequin Superromance, June 2011

ABBY would like to know what's your favorite fairy tale. Don't forget to let us know why.

AND READERS DON’T FORGET to follow us on Facebook & Twitter (#GetLostStories) for a daily update on who’s visiting GLIAS and what they might be giving away! Join us Friday for our very first guest on GLIAS, Tawny Weber, but especially on Thursday for the GET LOST 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.  ~Angi

IN HER SIGHTS--SHE CAN RUN

IN HER SIGHTS

Montlake Publishing

ISBN: 161218152X 

Jasmine “Jazz” Parker, Jefferson County SWAT's only female sniper, can thread the eye of a needle with a bullet. But she carries a secret from her past that she thought she buried for good at the age of fifteen. Two years ago she even drove away the one man she believed she could love—ex-Army Ranger turned reporter Luke Montgomery—to keep her past hidden. Now, in a fleeting second, the time it takes for one clean shot, one perfect hit, to save the life of the governor's daughter, Jazz's world begins to crumble around her.

Luke splashes her face and name across the front page of the newspaper, reawakening her past with a vengeance. A vicious enemy is now bent on destroying her life, forcing Jazz to turn to the one man she can never have in order to stop a killer before she and everyone she cares about pays the ultimate price.

Full of explosive action and almost unbearable suspense, In Her Sights is a relentless, steamy thriller surprisingly infused with soul and poignancy.

READ an EXCERPT

SHE CAN RUN

Montlake Publishing

ISBN: 1612181511 

Elizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last… 

Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.  

She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing! 

READ an EXCERPT

MEET MELINDA

More than a decade ago, Melinda Leigh left a career in banking to raise her children and never looked back. She started writing when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity. Her paranormal romance and romantic suspense fiction has won writing awards across the country.

Melinda is also an avid martial artist. She holds a 2nd degree belt in Kenpo Karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women's self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs and one neurotic cat with an inexplicable fear of ceiling fans. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination. 

MEET ROBIN

Award-winning author Robin Perini’s love of heart-stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission's motto: "When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe."  

Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts, Robin’s strong characters and tightly woven plots have garnered her the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award. By day, she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time, you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can catch her on her website and several major social networking sites. 

DOUBLE THE Q&A

ANGI: How often do you get lost in a story?

ROBIN: Before I started writing, I almost always got lost in the story. A few paragraphs and I was swept away. I miss that feeling, because since I started writing I'm more aware of the craft. When I do get lost in the story, I feel like it's a true gift from a master storyteller. 

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?

MELINDA: The first books that made an impact in my childhood memories were The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. As a horse-crazy young girl I read and reread every story. I wanted a horse just like The Black!

ROBIN: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. I loved Dr. Seuss books. My parents told me that I memorized the stories and used to lay my head on my dog, Topper, and 'read' to him. Of course, the books were upside down *grin*. 

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?

ROBIN: My niece's and nephew's laughter…because the joy of a child makes the world right, no matter what's going on. 

ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

MELINDA: The old school me is torn between Scooby Doo and The Road Runner, both childhood favorites. Showing my age, I know. But I also enjoy Phineas and Ferb with my kids. It’s hilarious and includes plenty of jokes for parents.

ROBIN: Snoopy. Loyal to Charlie Brown, no matter what the poor guy did. 

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

ROBIN: Even before Disney's timeless animated classic, I loved the story of Beauty and the Beast, because I truly believe a person's inner beauty trumps outer beauty every time. If only one reflected the other, the world would be a much simpler place. 

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?

ROBIN: I wish I could read more often, but when I do read it's usually in the tub with bubbles up to my chin. A bath can push the rest of the world away so that I have that much more of a chance to lose myself in the story.

MELINDA: When I’m not “lost” in my own story, which happens when I hit the halfway mark of a new manuscript, I read several books every week. Television doesn’t hold my interest very well. I often sit with the family in the evening and read while they watch their favorite shows.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

MELINDA: Action Adventure every time. The real fairy tales are too creepy even for me. Putting children in ovens and yanking whole people out of a wolf’s stomach? Disturbing stuff.

ROBIN: Why not both? The Princess Bride comes to mind. So does Star Wars. I believe that most stories have their roots in these classic myths. Fairy tales speak to the core human condition and teach us what we could be, if we let our inner hero and heroine just come out. 

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?

MELINDA: SHE CAN RUN is actually the first book I ever wrote. Before I began it, I hadn’t written anything fictional since high school, though I’ve always been an avid reader. That said, the first draft(s) were awful. The story was in my head, but I had no idea how to structure a novel. The manuscript was completely rewritten five times as I learned the technical aspects of writing. With six years of effort and a huge learning curve behind it, SHE CAN RUN has special meaning for me.  

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?

ROBIN: I wish I could read more often, but when I do read it's usually in the tub with bubbles up to my chin. A bath can push the rest of the world away so that I have that much more of a chance to lose myself in the story. 

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

MELINDA: The Uninvited (1944), a black and white film starring Ray Milland and Gail Russell. It’s a classically scary and very romantic ghost story set in a haunted seaside mansion on the English coast.  

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?

ROBIN: Those who make assumptions about people and situations without all the facts. They show their ignorance, but can be more destructive than they realize. 

ANGI: Be honest, when reading...do you put yourself in the heroine’s role?

MELINDA: Not always. I’m an ex-banker and a stay-at-home mom. It’s hard to put myself into the position of an FBI agent or a cop. I prefer stories about regular people facing dilemmas. That doesn’t mean I don’t read stories about special agents, but if I can’t see myself specifically in the heroine’s shoes, there has to be a universal element in the book that allows me to connect emotionally with her. 

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

MELINDA: Please connect with me! I’ve spent a lot of time telling readers about me lately. Now I want to hear about you. What do you like in romantic suspense? What do you read outside of romance?

ROBIN: Thank you for taking a chance on a new writer, for taking a chance each time you open a book in the hopes that the story will mean something to you. If I could give any advice, it would be to keep reading and share your love of reading with others so that the world of stories and books expands and grows and remains strong. By the way, I love to hear from readers. Please connect with me. You can get in touch via my website, www.robinperini.com where you can view the In Her Sights book trailer, read excerpts, read reviews, sign up for my mailing list and even request trading cards or a Kindlegraph. I'm also on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. I'd love to hear from you.

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK ROBIN: Where did your love of weapons come from?

AND SHE’S GOTTA ANSWER: I live in the west, so weapons are a part of life here. My father is a competitive small-bore Silhouette shooter and he attends shoots all across the country. He studies the mental aspects of the sport as well as the physics of ballistics and bullets. I've loved math and science all my life—a techno-geek through and through, so the technology fascinates me. My dad also informed me that women were some of the best shooters in the country and that women can compete equally with men in this sport. How could I resist?

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK MELINDA: Romantic Suspense & Paranormal Romance, two of my favorite genres. What’s your favorite thing to read? And can you give us a hint about the next book?

AND SHE’S GOTTA ANSWER: I read everything! Romantic suspense, paranormal romance, thriller, mystery, sci-fi, and horror. Occasionally I even experiment with literary fiction. I like variety, and I appreciate the nuances of all the different genres. Some of my favorite books, though, don’t fit nicely into any of the genre boxes. For example, I’m currently hooked on Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, which is a unique blend of sci-fi and mystery. I’ll try anything different and love to see authors mix and mingle genres in fresh ways. I have a paranormal romance releasing from Carina Press in January 2012. AMAZON HEAT is doubly fun because it was co-written with my friend, Rayna Vause. The novella is the story of an archeologist who is kidnapped by a secret tribe of Amazon warriors while searching for his missing lover. I’m also currently working on a romantic suspense loosely connected to SHE CAN RUN. Police Chief Mike O’Connell blindsided by a feisty horse trainer and her relentless stalker. His current case is complicated by the discovery of a decades old murder that appears to be connected.

HEARD YOU TWO HAD A SPECIAL PROMOTION GOING...

** Win a Kindle! **

November 27 - Romance Bandits; November 28 - Attacking the Page; November 29 - Get Lost in a Story; December 8 - Caridad.com

Join Robin Perini & Melinda Leigh on a Grand Slam Joint Blog Tour Giveaway! To celebrate the release of our debut books from Montlake Romance, IN HER SIGHTS and SHE CAN RUN, we're are blogging together and giving away a Kindle to a lucky commenter on one of these four blogs. Comment as many times as you like, but only one entry per blog is permitted. Comment on all four blogs to be entered four times. There will be free books, too!

Contest ends midnight (EST), December 9th. The Kindle winner will be announced here and on the four blogs on or around December 10th. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Contest open to US residents only. Entrants using multiple accounts will be ineligible.

NOTE: GLIAS will post the winner of Robin & Melinda’s giveaway after the drawing on December 9th. But the contest lasts and is open on their blog tour.

FIND MORE MELINDA & ROBIN

Melinda's Website                     Robin's Website

Melinda on Facebook                Robin on Facebook

Melinda on Twitter                    Robin on Twitter

Blogging with Robin                 Contact Robin                   Robin on Goodreads

UP NEXT from MELINDA !! AMAZON HEAT, Carina Press

ROBIN !! will be returning in March to celebrate her Harlequin Intrigue debut with her 2011 Golden Heart winning manuscript, FINDING HER SON.  

TELL ROBIN & MELINDA what your pet peeves are about novels you read. What would you like to see more or less of? REMEMBER, commenters will be entered in their drawing for free books & a KINDLE. 

READERS DON’T FORGET to follow us on Facebook & Twitter (#GetLostStories) for a daily update on who’s visiting GLIAS and what they might be giving away! Join us this week for Abby Gaines & Tawny Weber, but especially on Thursday for the GET LOST 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.  ~Angi

Get Lost in These Regency Christmas Tales...

Today, on the blog, we’re joined by four fabulous authors (and their characters!) who are here to tell us about their Regency Christmas anthology.  So I’m just going to hand the blog right over to them and enjoy the fun…

****

Earlier this year, 12 of us embarked on an adventure of sorts – an anthology collection that revolves around 12 different cousins during the same Christmas holiday. You see, the powerful Duke of Danby has summoned all of his wayward grandchildren home for the Holidays.  Some are more eager to come than others.

Today, four of us – Ava Stone, Jerrica Knight-Catania, Lilia Birney and Julie Johnstone – are happy to introduce you to the characters we wrote for the collection. (It was an adventure being responsible for a character who shares a history with other authors’ characters. But we had a wonderful time collaborating.)

Often times, siblings are very similar to each other. They are raised by the same people in the same house and have the same experiences in their formative years. But other times, siblings are as different as night and day, despite the sameness of the blood that flows through them.

The Whitton siblings, from the Regency Christmas Summons Collection, fall into the latter category. First there is the eventual heir to the dukedom – Andrew, Earl of Hardwicke. His younger brother, Lord Philip. And their twin sisters Lady Emma and Lady Isabel. Oh, I know what you’re thinking… The twins will be the same, right? Nope – still different as night and day. But don’t take our word for it – they’ll tell you that themselves. (All four Whitton siblings will be around today to answer any follow up questions.)

What is something readers might not know about you, if all they had to look at was the blurb from your book?

Andrew: I’m a closet romantic and adore Sense and Sensibility, a charming novel I read this last year.

Isabel: (can’t comment because she’s laughing too hard at Andrew’s comment)

Philip (glances around and spies a pianoforte in the corner): Do you mind if I play a little whilst we converse? I find it damned hard to talk to anyone unless I am able to play a bit. (Walks over to the pianoforte and sits; begins playing Lully. He relaxes and faces the interviewer squarely.) My brother is such a romantic that he reads novels. Whereas I am such a romantic, I tried to off myself over a lady. 'Course, that's all water under the bridge, and all that. And my family kept the matter very quiet.

Emma: My dear brother Philip, so misunderstood. (She sighs as she looks away from him and back to her other siblings. Then she locks eyes with Isabel and the two of them double over laughing.) Sense and Sensibility?  I cannot wait to tell Heath!

 And now, tell me a little something about each of your siblings. 

Andrew: I tortured Philip from the moment he was born because I was sure he was trying to ‘do me in’ to take my place as the next duke. Emma reminds me of myself - my better, more capable, straightforward self.  On second thought, what it is about Emma that reminds me of myself is her ability at subterfuge.  Must be why I adore her.  As for Izzy, her knowledge of books far outweighs mine, which is why I run scared every time she tries to pull me into an intellectual debate.  Now if she wants to converse about the finer points of whiskey or the hundred ways to please the woman you love, she need only look as far as my doorstep or Char's ear.  Char would be more than happy to explain all the excellent ways I please her.

Isabel: Well, clearly, Andrew has a healthy respect for me. Philip, well, he’s just troubled, so I try not to make waves there. And Emma, she is and always will be my better half – the half that knows how to dance and needlepoint and do all those other feminine things that I seem to always fail miserably at.

Philip: Did Andrew really torture me? Can't remember, really. (Shifts on the bench and begins playing Chopin). It was of no consequence to me, for I couldn't care less about being a lord. In fact, it kept me from marrying the one I loved many years ago. As for Em and Izzy, they needed to learn how to give a fellow more privacy. Many's the time they walked in on me just as I was being, ahem, affectionate with my beloved Emily.

Emma: Andrew is our troublemaker. If there is a rule, he will find a way to break it. Philip spends more time in his own mind than he does out of it. But he plays so beautifully, doesn’t he? And, of course, there’s Isabel. She’s so sweet, though she denies it. She thinks of herself as very analytical; and though she is that – there is so much more to her. She is the most brilliant person I know.  

Your father, the Marquess of Norland, has the reputation of being a very difficult man to read. What is he like as a father? 

Andrew: Norland was an overbearing father who made my life hell, though mother has tried to tell me he was once a very kind man.

Isabel: Thankfully, I wasn’t the heir – or the spare -- so he wasn’t quite as overbearing with me as he was with Andrew and Philip. Though he is a force to be reckoned with, I know he’s got a rather soft heart beneath it all. It’s Mother who’s always given me the hardest time.

Philip (shrugs and continues with a different Chopin selection): Father's not difficult. In fact, I must say my family acted remarkably well when I tried to kill myself. Can't say a word against any of them, and I dare any man to try it.

Emma: I have never had a problem with either of my parents. I do wish Papa hadn’t discovered me with… (A blush stains her cheeks) Just forget I said that last part, Heath would die of embarrassment if he knew what I almost revealed.

Which sibling are you the closest to? 

Andrew: I’m a consummate diplomat, if nothing else.  I adore all my siblings equally.  I would have to say my closest relative is Edgy.  He’s gotten me out of more trouble than I care to admit, and he dragged my arse across the channel to reunite me with Char.

Isabel: Well, that’s easy, since Emma and I shared a womb. You can’t get much closer than that.

Philip: I love all my family, but Emily—my wife—is the only person in the world who really understands me.

Emma: My heart has always hurt a little for Philip. I never could understand him, no matter how badly I tried. (A beleaguered sigh escapes her.) And Drew – despite the fact that he ALWAYS cheated in hide-and-seek – without him I would have never met my Heath, and so I’ll owe him all of my days. BUT, Izzy is right – we shared a womb and no matter what madcap schemes I’ve come up with over the years, and despite her warnings about each and every scheme – she is my closest and dearest friend and sister. I love her with all my heart.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Andrew: In bed in Char’s arms.  Is that too much information?  Fine, fine.  I see myself surrounded by my five children, one for every year.  We will, of course, be at the theatre watching my astonishingly beautiful wife perfume in the latest and greatest production.

Isabel: Well, I’m making desperate pleas for Damien to take me on safari in the Serengeti. Perhaps spend some time abroad in a remote part of India or China and study the ancient civilizations of the Shang Dynasty…

Philip: Emily and I have discussed opening a music school in London, so I suppose we will settle there. And though she has one child already—Rose, my sweet little darling—I cannot wait to have more children. I shan't return to Italy for some time. Too many memories there.

Emma: (smiles brightly) In five years, in ten, in twenty – I’m sure I’ll be doing the same things. Loving my dear Heath, raising our children, entertaining as often as possible, and living my life to the absolute fullest.

And if Norland is difficult to read, your grandfather the Duke of Danby is reputed to be downright terrifying. Do you have anything to say about him? Of course, we won’t divulge a word of what you say to His Grace, so feel free to be as honest as possible. 

Andrew: The thing you have to understand about Grandfather is he only wants what is best for his family.  He can be your greatest ally or your greatest enemy, if he thinks you are making a mistake.  Grandfather is a romantic at heart.  He kidnapped Grandmother and forced her to the altar. She detested him, until he got her in the bedchamber.  Shh…no one knows that!

Isabel: Grandpapa has always been my champion, and for that I will be eternally grateful. He never rolled his eyes at me for devouring books or shouted that I needed to be more ladylike. He simply accepted me as I was, which is a rare thing for me.

Philip: I suppose Grandfather is rather baffled by us all—none of us really turned out the way we were supposed to. I married a commoner after becoming a wastrel abroad, for example. But then, the old fellow still wants to be surrounded by us all, despite our flaws. (Stops playing abruptly, stands up, sending the bench scraping backwards.) I'm off. Ready to see my Emily—it's been too long without her. Drew, Izzy, Em—see you at dinner.

Emma: (stares at Philip’s retreating back. Once he’s gone, she turns back to the interviewer.) I don’t know what he’s talking about. I think I turned out exactly as I was supposed to.  (She shakes her head as though to refocus on the question at hand.) You asked about Grandpapa? Well, he can be more than intimidating. He can stop one’s heart with just a glare or the clearing of his throat. I love Grandpapa. I love all my family, and though he can terrify me on occasion, I think I have finally learned how to manage him. Or as close as anyone can possibly claim to do so.  A word of warning, however, should you visit Danby Castle – DO NOT run in the corridors. Doing so makes him extremely cranky.

We hope you have enjoyed this glimpse of the Whitton siblings. Andrew and Emma can be found in A Summons From Yorkshire; Philip and Isabel can be found in A Summons From The Duke. If you have any questions for these siblings, please post it below. Be sure to add your email address so you can be entered into the Regency Christmas Summons Prize Extravaganza. Winners will be drawn during a live chat Thursday December 15^th from 8p-10p Eastern time at LadyScribes.blogspot.com (You do not need to be present to win, but it will be fun if you’re there!)

Today we are also giving away an ebook copy of both A Summons From Yorkshire and A Summons From The Duke. Do you have siblings? If so, are you similar or as different as the Whittons? And if not, do you miss the camaraderie of brothers and/or sisters – or are you glad for your solitude?

THANKSGIVING THANKS

ANGI

I am grateful for more things than I can name in a post. Family, friends, health...those are the obvious ones. Writing...yes, it keeps me sane (and I get to announce another sale, woo hoo!). A lot of things have happened this year and I'm very thankful it's ending on a great note. I wish everyone can find their center, what they really want, and then just do it. Make up your mind ... and race after it as fast as the law allows! Happy Thanksgiving!

CAT

This has been a great year.  I saw my first book hit the shelves in June and my second in October.  To celebrate, I bought a convertible Mini Cooper and my daughter and I had a blast cruising all over town.  She is an amazing kid.  Smart, funny, a talented artist.  Most days I don't know what I did to deserve her.  My family and friends continue to be happy and healthy for which I am so grateful.  I feel very blessed by all the support I have in my life.  Without it I couldn't balance a day job, single motherhood and a writing career.  Thanks to everyone who visits Get Lost In A Story.  Happy Thanksgiving!


DONNELL
This was the first year my kids couldn't make it home for Thanksgiving. It was hard and emotional, but they are both happy, healthy and successful, and what more could a mom hope for?  I have a good marriage, and I'm grateful for my second sale to Bell Bridge Books with a contract for a third suspense. I am blessed. Wishing you and yours gratitude, peace and love, and of course the ability to get lost in a story.

HEATHER

This year, I am thankful for my family. I know we say every year that we are, and we are. But this year, for me, especially. Not only did we add a new baby to our family (doesn't he have the cutest little toes in the world?) to join big brother, who is three, but so many other exciting things in our lives have happened that I've had to rely on my family more than I ever have. I am so grateful that they have been beside me every step of the way. I have the greatest husband, boys and family in the world and I wish your family the same kind of love as I am blessed with. Happy Thanksgiving!

JILLIAN

At the top of my list is my family's health and happiness, and they are (thank you, thank you!) all of that. And I am grateful for the many amazing and talented friends and mentors I have leaned on and learned from this year. I have been blessed with wonderful, supportive, kick-ass editors and an agent who is both patient, supportive and he makes me laugh!

Lastly, I'd like to thank my muse for musing! Writing two to three books a year requires time management skills (ha!) long hours and loads of imagination. Hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe and save room for pie!

AND FROM OUR CANADIAN CREW who celebrated Thanksgiving last month:

SIMONE


This has been the best year I've ever had, creatively. I've had a lot of really, really good writing days this year - and you quickly learn to be thankful for those :) Aside from appreciating my family and our health, I've also truly appreciated my writing friends this year, all of whom are truly inspiring in different ways, as well as the opportunity to meet both my amazing agent and my amazing editor at my first RWA National convention. Yep, it's been a great year indeed.

(And yes, Heather's baby has the cutest toes in the world!)



WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
Leave a comment and you'll be placed in a drawing for a free book (various authors to choose from).

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

READERS DON’T FORGET to follow us on Facebook & Twitter (#GetLostStories) for a daily update on who’s visiting GLIAS and what they might be giving away! Join us in December as we celebrate our one year anniversary with lots of prizes and books to give-away.

To find out more about each of The Crew, just click on our individual pages. You'll find a complete listing of our books, our websites, and contact information.

Welcome Susan Edwards

Native American/Western romance writer Susan Edwards is the author of the popular  “White” Series.  She was nomination for Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Western Historical and Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award.   She is very pleased to be able to offer to her readers her series in Digital Format.  Susan is working on an idea for a new White book, a reunion of characters.  She is also working on developing a new series, one that she is very excited about.  Check her website for current news.

 



Susan lives in Central California with her husband and a houseful of cats, including two rescue kittens who stole her heart.  Recently, her Aussie/Border collie dog died of cancer.  She now has two adorable Chiweenie pups.  The 4 youngsters in the pet department make her smile, laugh and sometimes groan each and every day. 



Her other passions include gardening.  Through her love of all things Native American, she has designed a 26 foot Medicine Wheel Garden.  It is a big project but one that she loves.  You can follow her progress on her website (coming soon).  Susan also loves to join her husband for hikes in the hills when it isn’t too hot outside and also biking.

Find Susan at:

http://susanedwards.com
http://susanedwardsauthor.blogspot.com/ 
http://twitter.com/susan_edwards
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Edwards/40226247104

  

Book Trailer

CAT:  How often to you get lost in a story?

SUSAN:  Not as often as before I became a writer.  Once in a while it happens.  Mostly I read in short bits of time with no time to just sit and devour a book.

CAT:  What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

SUSAN:  I love magical and paranormal stories.  I want to get lost in a world different than my own but the story has to have characters that draw me in and make me feel welcome.

CAT:  What’s the first book you remember reading?

SUSAN:  Heidi, Boxcar children, Nancy Drew if we go back though I remember earlier books as well.  For romances, the sweet Harlequins.  By the bagful!

CAT:  What’s your favorite fairy tale?

SUSAN:  Cinderella of course. 

CAT:  Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?

SUSAN:  Native American Music (but not just flutes).  Need the voices and other instruments and of course, drums.  Some of the New Age stuff works too.

CAT:  Is writing or story-telling easier for you?

SUSAN:  Definitely the story-telling!  Writing is darn, hard work!

CAT:  Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

SUSAN:  Both.  Tea—2 spenda’s.  Love it with milk English style as well when the occasion calls for it.  Coffee—cream & spelenda.  Starbucks style even better.

CAT:  What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

SUSAN:  Never give up with your dreams.  Be stubborn, determined and when needed, be the “squeaky wheel” but in a nice way of course.

CAT’S GOTTA ASK

If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be and why?

SUSAN’S GOTTA ANSWER

If I was a t-shirt, I’d be a light but not pale blue.  A warm blue that would make people feel calm and relaxed.

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

I’m considering the idea of doing a reunion book.  Who would you like to see there and why?  What past characters would you like to see more of?

Susan is offering a copy of White Dawn to one commenter.