Get Lost in This Story…
Miss Eva Black spent her life concealing her mother's past as a courtesan. Now a spinster, her beauty hidden under a dour disguise, Eva spends her days schooling courtesans to be suitable wives. But one vengeful duke does not appreciate Eva's stealing his mistress and transforming her into a lady. His vengeance won't be satisfied until he seduces Eva into becoming what she detests most: a courtesan.
Nicolas, the Duke of Stanfield, is furious with this woman who frees courtesans from bondage. His revenge? Upend Eva's world by buying her debts and striking a scandalous bargain: She must serve as his mistress's replacement. But he doesn't expect her to be a woman of such beauty and secrets-or to have a past that not only endangers Eva herself, but everyone whose life she has so intimately touched.
Today, I am thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow historical romance author, Cheryl Ann Smith, to the blog! We met in D.C. the summer of 2009, just days before she sold her first book to Berkley, and I knew instantly that we would be friends. Now that I’ve interviewed her and discovered her love for Gerard Butler and Gene Kelley, I understand why! J Seriously, though, Cheryl Ann is one of the loveliest people I know—kind, funny, gracious…and talented! I am so very excited that I finally get to hold “The School For Brides” in my hot little hands!
Cheryl Ann has been a fan of historical romance since she was a teen. When she decided to write her own novel, she didn’t realize that it would take five years to complete that first manuscript. But she was hooked, and has cut her writing time considerably! Cheryl lives in Southeast Michigan with her family. When she isn’t writing, she likes outdoor adventures, travel, and hanging out with family and friends. For more information about Cheryl and her books you can visit her at: www.cherylannsmith.com
So, let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!!!
Heather: How often do you get lost in a story?
Cheryl Ann: I’m always lost! Whether I’m following my characters around in my own books, or reading a fabulous novel by someone else, I always have a book nearby.
Heather: What’s your favorite type of book to get lost in?
Cheryl Ann: I love thrillers, romantic comedies, and of course, historical romance!
Heather: What turns you off like nothing else?
Cheryl Ann: Rude people.
Heather: Where do you read and how often?
Cheryl Ann: In bed and as often as I can!
Heather: What sound or noise do you love?
Cheryl Ann: My kids laughing together over some kid joke.
Heather: Who’s your favorite villain?
Cheryl Ann: Gerard Butler as the Phantom. I didn’t know who he was before Phantom of the Opera, but was hooked at first sight. He’s a babe!
Heather: Be honest, when reading first person…do you miss the hero’s POV?
Cheryl Ann: It depends on the writer. Take Janet Evanovich for example. You just know what Morelli and Ranger are thinking about Stephanie by the way she writes them.
Heather: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?
Cheryl Ann: Heave a huge sigh of relief!
Heather: If you could interview one person, who would it be?
Cheryl Ann: Gene Kelly. I loved watching Gene Kelly movies. I’d ask him if I could dance with him and hopefully he’d say yes. Of course, I’d step on his toes, but who cares! Too bad I never got the chance!
Heather: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?
Cheryl Ann: I really would like to travel to Regency England with pen and paper in hand. I’d take notes about everything and get awesome insider info for my books.
Heather: What question are you never asked in interviews, but wish you were?
Cheryl Ann: What’s your sign?
Heather: Well, we certain don't want the Get Lost Crew to let you down, so…what’s your sign?
Cheryl Ann: Libra!
Heather: What do you do to relax and unwind?
Cheryl Ann: Yell at my kids. Kidding! I like to read or stare at mindless TV. And of course, vacations. Gotta love vacations!
Heather: What is something not a lot of people know about you but you wish more people COULD know?
Cheryl Ann: That I’m a softy. I cry like a baby over sad movies. And don’t get me started on the wonderful cards my kids write for me at Mother’s Day!
Heather: Do you read the reviews of your books? If so, do you pay attention to them or let them influence your writing?
Cheryl Ann: So far the reviews have been great! But I’m sure that won’t always be the case. All I can do is write the best book I can and let the readers decide if I’m doing well. It’s all about them.
Heather: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?
Cheryl Ann: Wow, where to start? Experiencing “the call”, seeing my name on a cover, getting interviewed for my local paper, revisions, galleys, setting up a book signing; there are so many things. And knowing that I’ll actually have a book in bookstores that people can read is best of all!
Heather: What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Cheryl Ann: Milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, expired yogurt, lunch meat, condiments, crescent rolls, juice. Lots of stuff.
Heather: Is Elvis really dead?
Cheryl Ann: I’d have to say yes. Otherwise zealous Elvis fans would have flushed him out by now.
Heather: What is your favorite thing about you?
Cheryl Ann: My sense of humor. I love to laugh and can find humor in almost anything, including myself. I tell my kids that they don’t have to find me funny, I find myself funny and that’s all that matters!
Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Cheryl Ann’s GOTTA ANSWER J
Heather: So, I noticed on your website that you are hoping to make your first visit to England in the near future. Tell us about your dream trip! What is it you want to see most?
Cheryl Ann: My dream trip (where money is no object!) would be to spend a month there, staying in castles, visiting historical sites, museums, wandering the countryside, and maybe hopping over the border to get in a bit of Scotland in too. Then I’d swing by Australia and Tahiti on the way back, just for fun! I guess I’d better buy some lottery tickets!
GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?
Cheryl Ann: What setting and time period do you think is under represented in historical romance fiction and why?
WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**
Cheryl Ann: Yes, I will be giving away two copies of “The School for Brides” to random commenters.
Thanks so much for being with us today, Cheryl Ann! Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?
Twitter-CherylAnnAuthor
Facebook-Cheryl Ann Smith
**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.
Join us next Monday when Maureen hosts Megan Crewe!
