Maggi Andersen's Blog, page 72
April 20, 2012
April 14, 2012
FEMINIST WRITERS DURING THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
As I’m writing in the Georgian era at present, I’m learning more about this fascinating era and the complex and world-changing French Revolution.
[image error]
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT 1759-1797
Mary Wollstonecraft was the granddaughter of a respectable manufacturer in the Spitalfields weaving trade. Her father, she labeled a domestic tyrant. When he lost his inheritance through a series of unwise investments Mary sought to make her way in the world. She attempted unsuccessfully to run a school and work as a governess.
After publisher Joseph Johnson paid her 10 guineas for her first manuscript, Thoughts on the Education of Daughters, she became a respected member of London’s rationalist intelligentsia.
The Great National Debate on the French Revolution was opened by Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France. Mary Wollstonecraft replied to this attack on the French National Assembly and on the English radicals for rejoicing at the events across the Channel by writing A Vindication of the Rights of Men (1790) expressing the passionate conviction that the power of reason is the common possession of men and women. Mind, she argued has no gender, but women’s reason had been stolen from them. Her contemporaries regarded her defense as one of the most forceful and persuasive contributions to this famous public argument. She later wrote History and Moral View of the Origins and Progress of the French Revolution (1793).
Upon her return to England, Mary joined a radical group whose membership included Blake, Paine, Fuseli, and Wordsworth. Her first child, Fanny, was born in 1795, the daughter of American Gilbert Imlay. After his desertion, she married the radical activist William Godwin, a long-time friend in 1797. Wollstonecraft died a few days after the birth of their daughter, Mary (who later married Percy Bysshe Shelley and wrote Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus and other novels).
[image error]
Olympe de Gouges 1748-93 was an early feminist who demanded that French women be given the same rights as French men. In her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (1791), she challenged the practice of male authority and the notion of male-female inequality. She was executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror for attacking the regime of Maximilien Robespierre and for her close relation with the Girondists. In addition to these provocative writings, her defense of the king was one of the factors leading to her execution. Early in the Revolution she suggested a voluntary, patriotic tax, which was adopted by the National Convention in 1789.
[image error]
Madame Roland (aka Manon or Marie Roland) 1754-93 was another important female activist. Although she did not specifically focus on women or their liberation, she was a feminist by virtue of the fact that she was a woman working to influence the world. Her personal letters to leaders of the Revolution influenced policy; in addition, she often hosted political gatherings of the Brissotins, a political group which allowed women to join.
Madame Roland took it upon herself to spread Revolutionary ideology. Roland attributed women’s lack of education to the public view that women were too weak or vain to be involved in the serious business of politics. She believed that it was this inferior education that turned them into foolish people, but women ‘could easily be concentrated and solidified upon objects of great significance’ if given the chance. As she was led to the scaffold, Madame Roland shouted "O liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!" Her writings were finished by others and published posthumously.
Although women did not gain the right to vote as a result of the Revolution, they still greatly expanded their political participation and involvement in governing. They set precedents for generations of feminists to come.
Women and European Politics: Contemporary Feminism and Public Policy by Joni Lovenduski
Mary Wollstonecraft, Political Writings: A Vindication of the Rights of Men; A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; and An Historical and Moral View of the Origin and Progress of the French Revolution, ed. by Janet Todd (Toronto, 1993
Images from Wikipedia
HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE my historical romance set during the French Revolution is now in print!
AMAZON in Print & Kindle
Viscount Beaumont has buried himself in the country since his wife died. As the French Revolution rages, French actress Verity Garnier is ordered to England to seduce him back to France. She despises men, but she must not fail.
Excerpt:
Dancers gathered for the Roger de Coverley, and Henrietta had time to study Mr. Hartley at closer quarters as they advanced and retreated, performing the intricate steps. When they held hands for a brief moment, his gaze found hers. “Why, your eyes are green, Miss Buckleigh.”
Henrietta flushed, forgetting she’d been covertly noting the blue-grey color of his. “As you see, Mr. Hartley.”
“I am delighted,” he continued, when they next came together, “for I thought them blue.”
Henrietta twirled away.
When they met again, he said, “And blue is a most common found in England, don’t you think?”
“Yours are blue, Mr. Hartley.” Henrietta didn’t feel inclined to admit they were more grey than blue, not like the sky, but shadows over a deep lake.
For some reason, she wanted to get the upper hand with this man.
He grinned. “So you noticed.”
“One could hardly fail to. This dance is so long-winded.” Unable to sustain a fiery gaze when his was so pleasantly warm, she fixed on his satin waistcoat, admiring the silver buttons.
“Your hair is as fair as a Greek goddess,” he said when the next opportunity arose. “I like the way you wear it, with the ribbon.”
“Yours is as black as a devil’s,” she responded.
A man dancing next to them coughed.
Mr. Hartley chuckled. “I prefer yours flowing free. As you wore it when I first spied you on your balcony. Like Juliet in Shakespeare’s play, I felt tempted to play Romeo and climb up to you.”
“A good thing you didn’t, Mr. Hartley, for I would have thrown a pitcher of water over you.”
The neighboring man’s cough turned into a guffaw which made his partner frown and inquire what ailed him.
The dance ended, and they left the floor. “Why someone has trod on your shoe, Miss Buckleigh. I do hope it wasn’t I.” He bent at her feet to dust her shoe with his handkerchief. Her cheeks grew hot as she stared down at his dark head. Her fingers itched to touch his unpowdered black locks, and she
hurriedly looked away.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that it was you, Mr. Hartley,” she said to control her disturbing urges. “But please don’t concern yourself.”
“Then I apologize profusely.” Mr. Hartley returned his handkerchief to his pocket, his eyes brimming with laughter. “It’s been a pleasure, Miss Buckleigh.”
Henrietta swept him a deep curtsy. “And mine, Mr. Hartley.”
“I trust we will meet again.” He offered her his arm and escorted her back to where her aunt sat among the dowagers.
“London is a big town. I doubt that’s likely.” Henrietta’s heart fluttered with the hope of meeting him again, but she dismissed the thought as quickly as it arose.
“Oh, we will, for the ton tends to flock together, in ballrooms or on horseback.”
Henrietta watched him walk away. She didn’t know his first name. What would it be? His handkerchief bore the monogram ‘C. H.’. Cornelius?
Christopher? Charles? Cuthbert?She giggled. She dared not ask her aunt, for that lady was far too observant.
[image error]
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT 1759-1797
Mary Wollstonecraft was the granddaughter of a respectable manufacturer in the Spitalfields weaving trade. Her father, she labeled a domestic tyrant. When he lost his inheritance through a series of unwise investments Mary sought to make her way in the world. She attempted unsuccessfully to run a school and work as a governess.
After publisher Joseph Johnson paid her 10 guineas for her first manuscript, Thoughts on the Education of Daughters, she became a respected member of London’s rationalist intelligentsia.
The Great National Debate on the French Revolution was opened by Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France. Mary Wollstonecraft replied to this attack on the French National Assembly and on the English radicals for rejoicing at the events across the Channel by writing A Vindication of the Rights of Men (1790) expressing the passionate conviction that the power of reason is the common possession of men and women. Mind, she argued has no gender, but women’s reason had been stolen from them. Her contemporaries regarded her defense as one of the most forceful and persuasive contributions to this famous public argument. She later wrote History and Moral View of the Origins and Progress of the French Revolution (1793).
Upon her return to England, Mary joined a radical group whose membership included Blake, Paine, Fuseli, and Wordsworth. Her first child, Fanny, was born in 1795, the daughter of American Gilbert Imlay. After his desertion, she married the radical activist William Godwin, a long-time friend in 1797. Wollstonecraft died a few days after the birth of their daughter, Mary (who later married Percy Bysshe Shelley and wrote Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus and other novels).
[image error]
Olympe de Gouges 1748-93 was an early feminist who demanded that French women be given the same rights as French men. In her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (1791), she challenged the practice of male authority and the notion of male-female inequality. She was executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror for attacking the regime of Maximilien Robespierre and for her close relation with the Girondists. In addition to these provocative writings, her defense of the king was one of the factors leading to her execution. Early in the Revolution she suggested a voluntary, patriotic tax, which was adopted by the National Convention in 1789.
[image error]
Madame Roland (aka Manon or Marie Roland) 1754-93 was another important female activist. Although she did not specifically focus on women or their liberation, she was a feminist by virtue of the fact that she was a woman working to influence the world. Her personal letters to leaders of the Revolution influenced policy; in addition, she often hosted political gatherings of the Brissotins, a political group which allowed women to join.
Madame Roland took it upon herself to spread Revolutionary ideology. Roland attributed women’s lack of education to the public view that women were too weak or vain to be involved in the serious business of politics. She believed that it was this inferior education that turned them into foolish people, but women ‘could easily be concentrated and solidified upon objects of great significance’ if given the chance. As she was led to the scaffold, Madame Roland shouted "O liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!" Her writings were finished by others and published posthumously.
Although women did not gain the right to vote as a result of the Revolution, they still greatly expanded their political participation and involvement in governing. They set precedents for generations of feminists to come.
Women and European Politics: Contemporary Feminism and Public Policy by Joni Lovenduski
Mary Wollstonecraft, Political Writings: A Vindication of the Rights of Men; A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; and An Historical and Moral View of the Origin and Progress of the French Revolution, ed. by Janet Todd (Toronto, 1993
Images from Wikipedia
HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE my historical romance set during the French Revolution is now in print!
AMAZON in Print & Kindle
Viscount Beaumont has buried himself in the country since his wife died. As the French Revolution rages, French actress Verity Garnier is ordered to England to seduce him back to France. She despises men, but she must not fail. Excerpt:
Dancers gathered for the Roger de Coverley, and Henrietta had time to study Mr. Hartley at closer quarters as they advanced and retreated, performing the intricate steps. When they held hands for a brief moment, his gaze found hers. “Why, your eyes are green, Miss Buckleigh.”
Henrietta flushed, forgetting she’d been covertly noting the blue-grey color of his. “As you see, Mr. Hartley.”
“I am delighted,” he continued, when they next came together, “for I thought them blue.”
Henrietta twirled away.
When they met again, he said, “And blue is a most common found in England, don’t you think?”
“Yours are blue, Mr. Hartley.” Henrietta didn’t feel inclined to admit they were more grey than blue, not like the sky, but shadows over a deep lake.
For some reason, she wanted to get the upper hand with this man.
He grinned. “So you noticed.”
“One could hardly fail to. This dance is so long-winded.” Unable to sustain a fiery gaze when his was so pleasantly warm, she fixed on his satin waistcoat, admiring the silver buttons.
“Your hair is as fair as a Greek goddess,” he said when the next opportunity arose. “I like the way you wear it, with the ribbon.”
“Yours is as black as a devil’s,” she responded.
A man dancing next to them coughed.
Mr. Hartley chuckled. “I prefer yours flowing free. As you wore it when I first spied you on your balcony. Like Juliet in Shakespeare’s play, I felt tempted to play Romeo and climb up to you.”
“A good thing you didn’t, Mr. Hartley, for I would have thrown a pitcher of water over you.”
The neighboring man’s cough turned into a guffaw which made his partner frown and inquire what ailed him.
The dance ended, and they left the floor. “Why someone has trod on your shoe, Miss Buckleigh. I do hope it wasn’t I.” He bent at her feet to dust her shoe with his handkerchief. Her cheeks grew hot as she stared down at his dark head. Her fingers itched to touch his unpowdered black locks, and she
hurriedly looked away.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that it was you, Mr. Hartley,” she said to control her disturbing urges. “But please don’t concern yourself.”
“Then I apologize profusely.” Mr. Hartley returned his handkerchief to his pocket, his eyes brimming with laughter. “It’s been a pleasure, Miss Buckleigh.”
Henrietta swept him a deep curtsy. “And mine, Mr. Hartley.”
“I trust we will meet again.” He offered her his arm and escorted her back to where her aunt sat among the dowagers.
“London is a big town. I doubt that’s likely.” Henrietta’s heart fluttered with the hope of meeting him again, but she dismissed the thought as quickly as it arose.
“Oh, we will, for the ton tends to flock together, in ballrooms or on horseback.”
Henrietta watched him walk away. She didn’t know his first name. What would it be? His handkerchief bore the monogram ‘C. H.’. Cornelius?
Christopher? Charles? Cuthbert?She giggled. She dared not ask her aunt, for that lady was far too observant.
April 9, 2012
Author of sweet, African and interracial romance, Empi Baryeh visits us today on Author Spotlight.
Welcome Empi,
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to write.
I'm an author of sweet and sensual African and interracial romance, which happens to be my favourite genre of romance to read. I have two novels out: Most Eligible Bachelor, from Evernight Publishing, and my latest release, Chancing Faith, an interracial romance from Black Opal Books. I live in Accra, Ghana, where both stories are set.
My interest in writing started around the age of thirteen after I stumbled upon a YA story my sister had started. The story fascinated me so much that, when I found out it was unfinished, I knew I had to complete it. Somehow the rest of the story began to take shape in my mind and I've been writing ever since.
Maggi: Sounds like there's talent in the family!
2. How long did you write before you got published?
A long time! Well, to be fair I only started pursuing publication in 2007/2008 although I'd been writing on and off for over 16 years. It took about another four years to sign a contract. This business is definitely not for the impatient.
3. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a pantser! My attempts at serious plotting have left me feeling stressed and uncreative. I do think a bit of plotting is required for any author, though, and it is my current objective to sneak a little bit more plotting into my writing process.
4. How do you come up with your characters?
There's always one toughie…I usually start with an idea or a 'what if' or an "I'd like to write a story about…", and if it's a story that must be written by me, it develops from there. The characters kind of present themselves, and then they propel the story. (Does that make sense?)
5. What is your favorite scene from you latest book?
To be honest, I love so many scenes in Chancing Faith, but I suppose my favourite would have to be the scene leading up to and right after the first kiss, because it shows just how not-in-control my hero, Thane, is as he tries to tell himself that Naaki (my heroine) is off limits. I also love the scene because Thane says the most unexpected thing after the kiss, which I found funny. People seem to find a lot of humour in my stories, but this is the first time I wrote something and thought it was funny.
6. What advice would you give to new authors?
Don't give up no matter how many Rs you get. Even if you're not aiming for publication, every writer has an audience – for those people, if not for yourself, never stop writing.
7. Would you dare to share 5 things that nobody knows about you?
Well… I guess I should, since you've been so kind to let me take over your blog for today. Okay, let's see…
a. Tea vs. coffee: Tea (but…)
b. Favourite ice-cream flavour: Coffee
c. Ice-cream is all about the cone
d. I'm not a great fan of chocolate,
e. Team Jacob, babe!
8. Would you share your links with us?
Absolutely. I love to hear from readers, fans and other writers. Here's where to find me online:
My Blog
My Website
Facebook:
Goodreads
@empibaryeh
9. We'd love to read an excerpt. Be sure to give us a buy link.
Avec Plaisir! I'd love to share a blurb and excerpt from Chancing Faith.
Blurb
HE DIDN'T DO SHORT-TERM RELATIONSHIPS…
American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn't date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he's at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it's too late?
UNTIL HE MET HER!
Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and others, that she's more than wife and mother material. To do so, she's prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?
Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?
Excerpt
He pulled his car key out of his pocket. It slipped through his fingers and he swore. As he bent over to pick them up, the banana peel fell beside the keys. Muttering another curse, he impatiently tossed it aside, aiming for a large garbage can.
Then he noticed her...suit. A business suit for all intents and purposes except it was very colorful—made out of some tie-dyed-looking fabric. Against her dark skin, the effect was arresting. He stared.
In corporate America her clothes would probably not go down too well. Even students in business school were specifically advised to keep their attire to the traditional black or navy-blue suit. But somehow in Ghana, everything seemed more...vibrant and alive.
She wore her hair pulled back and walked with precise steps, clutching a manila folder. The combination of the woman, her suit, and her composure were...perfect.
Fashionable shades concealed her eyes but accentuated the soft curves of her cheekbones and her button nose. For a moment, he envisioned her black hair cascading down her shoulders, bouncing around her oval face as she made her way toward him. In fact, he wouldn't have minded helping her undo the bun.
He shook off the image. This was, he assumed, one of his co-workers. Even if he didn't have a "no dating" policy, he certainly didn't get frisky with co-workers. Arlene had taught him that. Thane stood up. Wait a minute, had he just described the woman approaching as perfect? As he walked toward her, he wondered if she'd noticed him at all, but when she passed without even an acknowledging nod, he assumed not.
Then he heard her voice.
"Excuse me, sir."
His heart did what felt suspiciously like a flip. What the—
She'd spoken in the most musical voice he'd ever heard. He turned to face her.
"I don't know where you come from, but I would think throwing a banana peel at someone without apologizing would be considered rude, especially when that person is your elder."
"What—" Thane glanced over at where the banana peel had fallen and noticed, only then, there was a man sitting a few feet from the trash can. Who the hell was he and why was he sitting there?
"A man is a whole lot more than a business suit," the mystery woman said, disapproval lacing her words, although what struck him more was the charming accent. There was something proper about the way she spoke, not prissy like the British. More...exotic. "And swearing like that...how would it look to a client?"
She left him standing there, staring after her. Had she just called him rude?
***
I hope you enjoyed the excerpt and will consider buying yourself a copy. If so, here are the buy links:
Black Opal Books
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance e-Books
Smashwords
Buy Links for Most Eligible Bachelor:
Amazon
Evernight Publishing
All Romance e-Books
Bookstrand
Thanks again for hosting me, Maggi. I'm looking forward to your visit to my blog on Thursday. And for you guys out there, thanks so much for stopping by and reading my post. I hope you enjoyed the interview. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of and e-copy of either of my books. Have a wonderful week.
Empi
Maggi: Thanks for visiting. Chancing Faith sounds wonderful, Empi. Can't wait to read it!
April 5, 2012
New video for A Baron In Her Bed Coming September!
A BARON IN HER BED
April 3, 2012
Another great review! *****
The Reluctant Marquess Written by Maggi Andersen
Please click on the book cover to purchase the book.
Ahhhhhh....Cornwall, England in the 1700's....castles, servants, butlers, sumptuous meals, lords, and ladies. This book had all of my favorite things when it comes to books set in this time period. The story begins when Charity is summoned to the castle thinking she is to meet with her Godfather, but finds out he has passed away and that she is to marry the Marquess whom she never met. Charity is a sweet young lady, but one with a mind of her own much to the dismay of Robert, the Marquess. Robert is a dashing man with marriage as not part of his plans and one who most likely would not be faithful.
The reader will follow Robert and Charity through the sweet times and also the tense times, but you will love it either way. Charity is trying to change Robert into a loving, faithful husband......will she succeed or is she too stubborn to try to make her marriage happy? Read this quick, entertaining read to find out.
The author does an excellent job of bringing details to life whether it is in describing a scene or a character. The description of the rooms in the castle was wonderful...I could just envision it all and could imagine what fun it would be to live there even though I know all the rooms had to be quite cold. I loved the chivalry and the concern with proper etiquette at formal and informal events and how the ladies had to be accompanied when they went out. This book caught my attention from the first page. If you enjoy this time period, appealing characters, and some romance, you will definitely like THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS.
Please click on the book cover to purchase the book.
Ahhhhhh....Cornwall, England in the 1700's....castles, servants, butlers, sumptuous meals, lords, and ladies. This book had all of my favorite things when it comes to books set in this time period. The story begins when Charity is summoned to the castle thinking she is to meet with her Godfather, but finds out he has passed away and that she is to marry the Marquess whom she never met. Charity is a sweet young lady, but one with a mind of her own much to the dismay of Robert, the Marquess. Robert is a dashing man with marriage as not part of his plans and one who most likely would not be faithful.
The reader will follow Robert and Charity through the sweet times and also the tense times, but you will love it either way. Charity is trying to change Robert into a loving, faithful husband......will she succeed or is she too stubborn to try to make her marriage happy? Read this quick, entertaining read to find out.
The author does an excellent job of bringing details to life whether it is in describing a scene or a character. The description of the rooms in the castle was wonderful...I could just envision it all and could imagine what fun it would be to live there even though I know all the rooms had to be quite cold. I loved the chivalry and the concern with proper etiquette at formal and informal events and how the ladies had to be accompanied when they went out. This book caught my attention from the first page. If you enjoy this time period, appealing characters, and some romance, you will definitely like THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS.
March 31, 2012
I'm making a new trailer for A Baron in Her Bed coming in September
Here's a few of my images. Horatia riding her father's horse, The General. I'm searching for appropriate music.Here's the blurb:
A Baron In Her Bed, (The Spies of Mayfair Series)
a Regency romance
from Knox Robinson Publishing
Coming September 6thLondon, 1816. A handsome baron. A faux betrothal. And Horatia's plan to join the London literary set takes a dangerous turn. Now that the war with France has ended, Baron Guy Fortescue arrives in England to claim his inheritance, abandoned over thirty years ago when his father fled to France after killing a man in a duel. When Guy is set upon by footpads in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while travelling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. He escapes only to knock himself out on a tree branch. Aspiring poet Horatia Cavendish has taken to riding her father's stallion, "The General", around the countryside of Digswell dressed as a groom. She has become bored of her country life and longs to escape to London to pursue her desire to become part of the London literary set. When she discovers Guy lying unconscious on the road, the two are forced to take shelter for the night in a hunting lodge. After Guy discovers her ruse, a friendship develops between them. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore is behind the attacks on his life. He has been ensconced in Rosecroft Hall during the family's exile and will become the heir should Guy die. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. But when Guy proposes a faux betrothal to give him more time to discover the truth, she agrees. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter will finally wed, Horatia's father allows her to visit her blue-stocking aunt in London. But Horatia's time spent in London proves to be anything but a literary feast, for a dangerous foe plots Guy's demise. She is determined to keep alive her handsome fiance, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
March 30, 2012
March 28, 2012
I'm interviewed at Liv Rancourt's blog!
Liv asks some great questions about writing and my romantic suspense novel, Murder in Devon.
http://liv-rancourt.blogspot.com.au/
Love you to stop by and leave a comment!
http://liv-rancourt.blogspot.com.au/
Love you to stop by and leave a comment!
March 24, 2012
Reviews by Molly 4 stars for The Reluctant Marquess!
Book Reviews 03/12/2012 by Molly 
The Reluctant Marquess
Maggi Andersen
Knox Robinson Publishing
March 6,2012
250 pages/eBook
Amazon|B&N
provided by author
RBM's Disclaimer
4/5 Books
Author Maggi AndersenAbout The Author:
Maggi Andersen is an Australian author with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives in the countryside with her lawyer husband and their cat, and the assorted wildlife she feeds: chickens, ducks, parrots and possums to name but a few. She writes historical romance, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.Connect With The Author:
Website | Twitter
My Review:
Maggi Andersen's work is highly enjoyable! She captured my instantly with Charity and Robert's characters and their story. I was swept off my feet and taken to 1700′s England, amid a time of Lords, Ladies, and Marquesses. Ms. Andersen incorporates fun loving characters with a complex, captivating plot, and never bores the reader!
Charity is orphaned when her parents pass away. So, she's left with having to live with her Godfather, the Marquess. But, there's a problem when she arrives. It seems she's left once again, with another death of someone she knows. She also learns that the only way that the Marquess' estate will be given to his son, Lord Robert, will be if she's married to him.
The Lord Robert is quite pleased with his life without the added complication of a wife. However, he's determined to have his estate, so he agrees to marry Charity on the condition she'll produce him an heir. But, Charity has other ideas, for she will settle for nothing less than love from her marriage.
I definitely recommend this 4 Book worthy story! It's a fun adventure of romance, arranged marriages, and learning to love. With a few twists thrown in to keep the reader gripped, Ms. Andersen throws her reader a charming novel of historical goodness! I'm a new fan of this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her past works, as well as, any future releases she has! Fabulous job, Ms. Andersen!
The Reluctant MarquessMaggi Andersen
Knox Robinson Publishing
March 6,2012
250 pages/eBook
Amazon|B&N
provided by author
RBM's Disclaimer
4/5 Books
Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.
A country-bred girl, Charity Barlow suddenly finds herself married to a marquess, an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice.
The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her.
While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn't thrown into the midst of the mocking Haute Ton.
Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She's not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance and the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at her, which sends her pulses racing.
Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone.
Might he be suffering from a sad past? Seeking to uncover it, Charity attempts to heal the wound to his heart, only to make things worse between them.
Will he ever love her?
Author Maggi AndersenAbout The Author:Maggi Andersen is an Australian author with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives in the countryside with her lawyer husband and their cat, and the assorted wildlife she feeds: chickens, ducks, parrots and possums to name but a few. She writes historical romance, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.Connect With The Author:
Website | Twitter
My Review:Maggi Andersen's work is highly enjoyable! She captured my instantly with Charity and Robert's characters and their story. I was swept off my feet and taken to 1700′s England, amid a time of Lords, Ladies, and Marquesses. Ms. Andersen incorporates fun loving characters with a complex, captivating plot, and never bores the reader!
Charity is orphaned when her parents pass away. So, she's left with having to live with her Godfather, the Marquess. But, there's a problem when she arrives. It seems she's left once again, with another death of someone she knows. She also learns that the only way that the Marquess' estate will be given to his son, Lord Robert, will be if she's married to him.
The Lord Robert is quite pleased with his life without the added complication of a wife. However, he's determined to have his estate, so he agrees to marry Charity on the condition she'll produce him an heir. But, Charity has other ideas, for she will settle for nothing less than love from her marriage.
I definitely recommend this 4 Book worthy story! It's a fun adventure of romance, arranged marriages, and learning to love. With a few twists thrown in to keep the reader gripped, Ms. Andersen throws her reader a charming novel of historical goodness! I'm a new fan of this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her past works, as well as, any future releases she has! Fabulous job, Ms. Andersen!
