K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 55

Register to win Diana Buckley's "Betsey Anne"

We're happy to have Diane Buckley with us today talking about her book, "Betsey Anne." To register to win a copy, leave Diana a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Diana and her book, read on!


Title: Betsey Anne
Cover blurb: Drawn by a charm that Jefferson seemed able to turn on and off at will, and longing for a home and children of her own, Betsey Anne plunged into marriage with a man she hardly knew. But life on the Michigan homestead was far from idyllic in a rough, two-room cabin with a dirt floor. Though neighbors cleared their land and developed successful farms, Jefferson was unable to make a living on his place, leaving Betsey, a skilled seamstress, no choice but to take in sewing as she struggled to care for her growing family. Jefferson's charm was more consistently "off" than "on," and frequently, he would be absent from home for days at a time with no explanation. Duty became Betsey Anne's constant companion, though sometimes she viewed it as a penance to be borne and other times she virtually wrapped it around her shoulders like a warm blanket. Always, she longed for the peace, contentment and fulfillment that others seemed to find so easily. Would it elude her forever? Or would she finally see that it had been within her grasp all along? Set in rural Michigan during the Civil War, Betsey Anne is a story of love and loss, hardship and joy, and a young woman's journey to lasting inner peace.

1) How did this story come to you?
Betsey Anne is based loosely (very loosely) on the story I read in letters that my grandmother's grandmother had saved over a period of many years. My grandmother gave me the letters when I was 16 years old, and as soon as I read the first one, I knew it was a story I had to tell.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I like to put it this way: I spent several years researching, about a year writing the book, about a year and a half editing, and editing, and rewriting and editing. I spent about 18 years saying to myself, "What if I can't really do it?" I've learned that the 18-year part was really of no actual value! Also of no value were the 12 years I spent waiting for a publisher to knock on my door and say, "Hey, have you got the next great American novel stashed in the bottom of your closet?"

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1 – most of my professional writing experience is in the political arena; ads, letters to the editor, fundraising letters, brochures, website content.
2 – I grew up on the Navajo reservation in northern Arizona.
3 – I am an avid hobbyist; I sew, quilt, gild (who even knows what that is?), make cards, turn pens on a lathe, and play the piano (very badly!). Plus I'll probably pick up at least two new hobbies within the next year!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished an authorized biography, on contract, for a Texas politician with a fascinating life he wanted to preserve for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have begun writing a novel titled "Flight of the Suburban Housewife" and I am researching a sequel to Betsey Anne. Because I am a stickler for accurate historical detail, the research will take at least as long as the writing, but it is also just as much fun.

5) Parting comments?
Please read Betsey Anne! And if you have a dream you've been putting off for fear you can't really do it – get over that and get on with it! You won't be sorry! Also, if your book club is interested in reading Betsey Anne, a friend of mine has prepared some lovely book-club-style questions and answers to go along with it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I'm on Facebook under Betsey Anne and under Diana Buckley; if you'll "like" Betsey Anne, you'll be among the first to know when Flight of the Suburban Housewife hits print. If you would like, you can e-mail me at diana1985@sbcglobal.net; or find Betsey Anne on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Jamie Carie's "Pirate of my Heart"

 Title: Pirate of my Heart
Publisher: B&H Publishing

Cover blurb:She gave up everything for a chance at true love . . .

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives.

Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and soon finds herself swept away by the rugged American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But this adventurous man has been wounded by love before and now guards his independent life.

He wasn't prepared to give up anything for anyone…

No swashbuckling man needs an English heiress with violet-hued eyes to make him feel again or challenge his faith with probing questions—or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

1) How did this story come to you?
I just had so much fun with these characters! Lady Kendra Townsend is so sweet and loving to everyone around her. But when she meets Dorian, he really rocks her world and tests her "goodness." Dorian fights his feelings for her for a long time. He doesn't want to need her or love her, but he can't help it. There are sparks flying between these two which makes for a great story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, this is book six in my second three-book contract with B&H Publishing. Fortunately, I get to write just about anything I want (I would discuss it with them if it strayed away from historical romance though). It took me eight years to break into publishing with my first book, Snow Angel, now I'm blessed to have continuing contracts offered to me.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) My parents were deeply involved in the Charismatic movement when I was growing up and I have lots of wild stories about that. I'm thinking to write a memoir type book soon.
2) My favorite card game is a mid-west classic - Euchre. I love playing it with neighbors and my boys.
3) I twirl my hair…constantly. I think I might have a bald spot on my right side and have got to quit this habit!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on a Regency era, three-book continuous series called The Forgotten Castles series. The first book, The Guardian Duke (February 2012) is set in England and Ireland. The second book, The Forgiven Duke (July 2012) is set in Iceland and the third book, A Duke's Promise (Fall 2012) which I am writing now, is set in Italy. Here's the back cover blurb for book one - The Guardian Duke:

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King's ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

5) Parting comments?
A big thank you to book lovers and bloggers! Getting the word out about a new book is almost as important as writing it and I appreciate opportunities like this more than you know!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.jamiecarie.com/
Blog: http://jamiecarie.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie
Google "Jamie Carie" for lots of reviews!

Register to win Jamie Carie's "Pirate of my Heart"

We're happy to have Jamie Carie with us today talking about her book, "Pirate of my Heart." To register to win a copy, leave Jamie a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Jamie and her book, read on!

 Title: Pirate of my Heart
Publisher: B&H Publishing

Cover blurb:She gave up everything for a chance at true love . . .

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives.

Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and soon finds herself swept away by the rugged American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But this adventurous man has been wounded by love before and now guards his independent life.

He wasn't prepared to give up anything for anyone…

No swashbuckling man needs an English heiress with violet-hued eyes to make him feel again or challenge his faith with probing questions—or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

1) How did this story come to you?
I just had so much fun with these characters! Lady Kendra Townsend is so sweet and loving to everyone around her. But when she meets Dorian, he really rocks her world and tests her "goodness." Dorian fights his feelings for her for a long time. He doesn't want to need her or love her, but he can't help it. There are sparks flying between these two which makes for a great story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, this is book six in my second three-book contract with B&H Publishing. Fortunately, I get to write just about anything I want (I would discuss it with them if it strayed away from historical romance though). It took me eight years to break into publishing with my first book, Snow Angel, now I'm blessed to have continuing contracts offered to me.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) My parents were deeply involved in the Charismatic movement when I was growing up and I have lots of wild stories about that. I'm thinking to write a memoir type book soon.
2) My favorite card game is a mid-west classic - Euchre. I love playing it with neighbors and my boys.
3) I twirl my hair…constantly. I think I might have a bald spot on my right side and have got to quit this habit!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on a Regency era, three-book continuous series called The Forgotten Castles series. The first book, The Guardian Duke (February 2012) is set in England and Ireland. The second book, The Forgiven Duke (July 2012) is set in Iceland and the third book, A Duke's Promise (Fall 2012) which I am writing now, is set in Italy. Here's the back cover blurb for book one - The Guardian Duke:

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King's ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

5) Parting comments?
A big thank you to book lovers and bloggers! Getting the word out about a new book is almost as important as writing it and I appreciate opportunities like this more than you know!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.jamiecarie.com/
Blog: http://jamiecarie.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie
Google "Jamie Carie" for lots of reviews!

Brandon Barr & Mike Lynch's "After the Cross"

Title: After the Cross
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing

Cover blurb: Colton Foster, once hailed as a renowned expert in Latin, Hebrew and Greek, had his reputation destroyed when a shadowy antiquities dealer outwitted him with master forgeries from Solomon s Temple. Years later, his career and self-respect still in pieces, a team discovers an 800-year old letter in Istanbul and his life takes a pivotal turn. The job of translating the letter, purportedly revealing the hidden cross of Jesus, is his for the taking, and with it a chance to redeem himself.

Mallory Windom is smart, beautiful, and skilled at getting what she wants. A linguistic prodigy with a dark history, she trusts no one, an important skill in the black market antiquities trade where she regularly sells her expert talents to the highest bidder.

As Colton and Mallory hunt for Christianity s most prized relic, mysterious forces seem bent on stopping them at every turn. They soon discover that the most important struggle of their lives is not around them, but from within, testing their beliefs, their ethics, and their growing love for one another.

1) How did this story come to you?
ML: A few years back I watched a documentary on TV about Helena, the mother of Constantine. He's considered the Roman Empire's first Christian emperor. She converted from paganism to Christianity in her 70's, and went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem a few years after that. Inspired by the stories she had read about Jesus in the Gospels, she wanted to see the places where Jesus lived and performed His miracles, the most important being the place where He was crucified. After arriving in Jerusalem in 327 A.D., she was horrified to see that a Roman temple had been built on Golgotha, and ordered it be torn down immediately. As the soldiers set about breaking down the temple, they discovered what she believed to be the actual cross of Jesus buried nearby. It became a holy relic of Catholic Church for many years, until it disappeared from history eight centuries later. As I was watching this documentary I wondered what it would be like if Jesus' cross in our time, and the impact it would have on the world. And thus our story was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
ML: It took Brandon and me about a year to write the book, and get into publishable shape. Then it was a matter of sending it out to different publishers, until we received an e-mail from Ellechor Publishing, saying they were very interested in the story. After our agent negotiated a publishing contract with them, we had a signed deal. The book came out 11 months after that.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
BB: I've had three pet rats, each named Mr. Rathead. I love studying theology and apologetics. One of my favorite genres to read is science fiction and fantasy.
ML: I pride myself for never having owned a cell phone, I taught myself how to juggle and ride a unicycle, and I was an extra in a movie once.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
BB: Currently Mike and I are working on a science fiction novel, and in the future, we have a historical novel in mind.

5) Parting comments?
ML: Brandon and I appreciate your interest in After the Cross, and letting people know about the book. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
BB: http://www.brandonbarr.com/
ML: http://www.mikelynchbooks.com/

Register to win a copy of Brandon Barr & Mike Lynch's "After the Cross"

We have a total of four book giveaways this week. Leave a comment with your email address at the end of each one for your chance to win. In addition, check out my good news on the sister blog at www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com and register to win a download of my latest release, Mistaken Identity!

We're happy to have Brandon Barr (pictured at left) & Mike Lynch (pictured below left) with us today talking about their book, "After the Cross." They were kind enough to offer to giveaway a copy to one lucky reader! To register leave them a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box on the right to receive updates. To learn more about Brandon and Mike and their book, read on!
Title: After the Cross
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing

Cover blurb: Colton Foster, once hailed as a renowned expert in Latin, Hebrew and Greek, had his reputation destroyed when a shadowy antiquities dealer outwitted him with master forgeries from Solomon s Temple. Years later, his career and self-respect still in pieces, a team discovers an 800-year old letter in Istanbul and his life takes a pivotal turn. The job of translating the letter, purportedly revealing the hidden cross of Jesus, is his for the taking, and with it a chance to redeem himself.

Mallory Windom is smart, beautiful, and skilled at getting what she wants. A linguistic prodigy with a dark history, she trusts no one, an important skill in the black market antiquities trade where she regularly sells her expert talents to the highest bidder.

As Colton and Mallory hunt for Christianity s most prized relic, mysterious forces seem bent on stopping them at every turn. They soon discover that the most important struggle of their lives is not around them, but from within, testing their beliefs, their ethics, and their growing love for one another.

1) How did this story come to you?
ML: A few years back I watched a documentary on TV about Helena, the mother of Constantine. He's considered the Roman Empire's first Christian emperor. She converted from paganism to Christianity in her 70's, and went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem a few years after that. Inspired by the stories she had read about Jesus in the Gospels, she wanted to see the places where Jesus lived and performed His miracles, the most important being the place where He was crucified. After arriving in Jerusalem in 327 A.D., she was horrified to see that a Roman temple had been built on Golgotha, and ordered it be torn down immediately. As the soldiers set about breaking down the temple, they discovered what she believed to be the actual cross of Jesus buried nearby. It became a holy relic of Catholic Church for many years, until it disappeared from history eight centuries later. As I was watching this documentary I wondered what it would be like if Jesus' cross in our time, and the impact it would have on the world. And thus our story was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
ML: It took Brandon and me about a year to write the book, and get into publishable shape. Then it was a matter of sending it out to different publishers, until we received an e-mail from Ellechor Publishing, saying they were very interested in the story. After our agent negotiated a publishing contract with them, we had a signed deal. The book came out 11 months after that.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
BB: I've had three pet rats, each named Mr. Rathead. I love studying theology and apologetics. One of my favorite genres to read is science fiction and fantasy.
ML: I pride myself for never having owned a cell phone, I taught myself how to juggle and ride a unicycle, and I was an extra in a movie once.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
BB: Currently Mike and I are working on a science fiction novel, and in the future, we have a historical novel in mind.

5) Parting comments?
ML: Brandon and I appreciate your interest in After the Cross, and letting people know about the book. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
BB: http://www.brandonbarr.com/
ML: http://www.mikelynchbooks.com/

Laura Hilton's "A Harvest of Hearts"

Title: A HARVEST OF HEARTS
Publisher: Whitaker House

Cover blurb: A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri. There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn't wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there's something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

1) How did this story come to you?
I was praying about an idea for a second book in the series and God answered

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I wrote a proposal for book one (three books and a synopsis) and blurbs for this book and one other, and it sold.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I met two of the stars of Hee Haw when I was a waitress (work/study program) at the College of the Ozarks
2. I am a breast cancer survivor.
3. I love lighthouses – and have visited most of the ones in Michigan

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on book one of another series that hopefully someone will want.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://laurav.hilton.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?ref=ts

Register to win Laura Hilton's "A Harvest of Hearts"

We're happy to have Laura Hilton with us today talking about her book, "A Harvest of Hearts." To register to win a copy, leave Laura a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Laura and her book, read on!


Title: A HARVEST OF HEARTS
Publisher: Whitaker House

Cover blurb: A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri. There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn't wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there's something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

1) How did this story come to you?
I was praying about an idea for a second book in the series and God answered

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I wrote a proposal for book one (three books and a synopsis) and blurbs for this book and one other, and it sold.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I met two of the stars of Hee Haw when I was a waitress (work/study program) at the College of the Ozarks
2. I am a breast cancer survivor.
3. I love lighthouses – and have visited most of the ones in Michigan

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on book one of another series that hopefully someone will want.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://laurav.hilton.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?ref=ts

Anne Mateer's "Wings of a Dream"

Title: Wings of a Dream
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Cover blurb: Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.

But the Spanish flu epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.

1) How did this story come to you?
The first kernel of this story came in the form of family history--my great-grandparents' history to be exact. But I couldn't just tell their story. Several years after the initial idea, I learned some local historical facts that gave the story a more sturdy framework.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I'd been writing seriously for 9 years and completed 4 novels, 3 of which were contemporary, before the Lord made it very clear that it was time to again tackle my true love--historical fiction. I began the book in January of 2009 and entered it in ACFW's Genesis contest. It finaled and I received a request for my full manuscript. Eleven months and two revisions later, I received a two book contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) I am fiercely competitive in our family's fantasy football league.
2) I hate mornings.
3) I absolutely despise cooking.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have another book (as yet untitled) releasing in September of 2012 that involves missionaries and auto racing in 1916. How's that for a hook? That book is completely done, so now I'm fleshing out new story ideas. We'll see what God has in store!

5) Parting comments?
I am honored that you took the time to read a little more about my book and about me. I very much enjoy connecting with people who read.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I can be found at www.annemateer.com, www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneMateer and www.twitter.com/AnneMateer.

Mary Moore's "The Aristocrat's Lady"

Title: The Aristocrat's Lady
Publisher: Love Inspired

Cover blurb: For a few moments on a moonlit balcony, Nicole Beaumont was just a beautiful woman catching the eye of the handsome Lord Devlin-but she knew the illusion couldn't last. If the enigmatic aristocrat knew her secret, he'd realize that her disability left her unfit for love. So who could blame her for hiding the truth a little longer?

Devlin had never met a woman like Nicole. Her unique combination of innocence and wisdom left him utterly intrigued. Yet what was she hiding? For a man who did not trust easily, discovering her secret was devastating. Overcoming their pasts and forging a future would take faith, forgiveness and trust. And second chances could lead to new beginnings….

1) How did this story come to you?
As we've all discussed, Regencies are usually about the very rich and elite of Georgian England. I knew that was needed in any Regency I wanted to write, I just thought it would be different if the heroine wasn't perfect. I just wanted to write a story unlike one I had ever read before.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It's been a long time coming. I wrote the story 15 years ago. I knew nothing, literally nothing about getting a book published, so when I made a half-hearted attempt and nothing happened, I put the manuscript in a box and packed it away. During a year of surgery and chemo treatment for breast cancer, I pulled it out and began to re- write it with actual knowledge of what real trials were about. God led me to Jenni Burke, my agent, and He's been at the helm through the whole process. We (Jenni and my editor, Rachel Burkot) put a lot of hard work into it and God brought it to where it is today!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a) I still write with a pad and pen. I cannot for the life of me use the computer when I'm creating my stories.
b) I'm not a huge fan of reading westerns, but I'm a John Wayne fanatic!
c) I have a black lab Darcy; named after Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
For the rest of this month, I am doing all of the work that is associated with the release of the book. I have a few more blog interviews and two book signings. After that I have a little breathing room to get my second Regency ready for submission. I'm really excited about delving back into that story.

5) Parting comments?
I'm just really thankful to God for this whole experience. Almost every single author I've come into contact with has been nothing short of wonderful. They've helped me through this process time and time again when I didn't know what to do. Like you, many have offered me the opportunity to talk about the book and get it out in front of the public. Jenni and Rachel took my story and made it the very best it could be, with guidance and forbearance the entire way. And I just pray that the readers that might need the message in this book are the ones it finds its way to. Thank you again for this forum and the service you provide. I truly appreciate it!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
a) My website it www.marymooreauthor.com
b) My facebook page is facebook.com/mmooreauthor
c) My Twitter name is sugarbean1020
d) My email is mmooreauthor@swva.net

Register to win Mary Moore's "The Aristocrat's Lady"

We're happy to have Mary Moore with us today talking about her book, "The Aristocrat's Lady." To register to win a copy, leave Mary a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Mary and her book, read on!


Title: The Aristocrat's Lady
Publisher: Love Inspired

Cover blurb: For a few moments on a moonlit balcony, Nicole Beaumont was just a beautiful woman catching the eye of the handsome Lord Devlin-but she knew the illusion couldn't last. If the enigmatic aristocrat knew her secret, he'd realize that her disability left her unfit for love. So who could blame her for hiding the truth a little longer?

Devlin had never met a woman like Nicole. Her unique combination of innocence and wisdom left him utterly intrigued. Yet what was she hiding? For a man who did not trust easily, discovering her secret was devastating. Overcoming their pasts and forging a future would take faith, forgiveness and trust. And second chances could lead to new beginnings….

1) How did this story come to you?
As we've all discussed, Regencies are usually about the very rich and elite of Georgian England. I knew that was needed in any Regency I wanted to write, I just thought it would be different if the heroine wasn't perfect. I just wanted to write a story unlike one I had ever read before.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It's been a long time coming. I wrote the story 15 years ago. I knew nothing, literally nothing about getting a book published, so when I made a half-hearted attempt and nothing happened, I put the manuscript in a box and packed it away. During a year of surgery and chemo treatment for breast cancer, I pulled it out and began to re- write it with actual knowledge of what real trials were about. God led me to Jenni Burke, my agent, and He's been at the helm through the whole process. We (Jenni and my editor, Rachel Burkot) put a lot of hard work into it and God brought it to where it is today!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a) I still write with a pad and pen. I cannot for the life of me use the computer when I'm creating my stories.
b) I'm not a huge fan of reading westerns, but I'm a John Wayne fanatic!
c) I have a black lab Darcy; named after Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
For the rest of this month, I am doing all of the work that is associated with the release of the book. I have a few more blog interviews and two book signings. After that I have a little breathing room to get my second Regency ready for submission. I'm really excited about delving back into that story.

5) Parting comments?
I'm just really thankful to God for this whole experience. Almost every single author I've come into contact with has been nothing short of wonderful. They've helped me through this process time and time again when I didn't know what to do. Like you, many have offered me the opportunity to talk about the book and get it out in front of the public. Jenni and Rachel took my story and made it the very best it could be, with guidance and forbearance the entire way. And I just pray that the readers that might need the message in this book are the ones it finds its way to. Thank you again for this forum and the service you provide. I truly appreciate it!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
a) My website it www.marymooreauthor.com
b) My facebook page is facebook.com/mmooreauthor
c) My Twitter name is sugarbean1020
d) My email is mmooreauthor@swva.net