Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 61
February 1, 2014
An Affair To Remember Blog Hop and Giveaway
There are so many great books out there that love that struggled to be. Remember the old movie, An Affair to Remember? Romance was calling their name but an accident and pride kept it from being fulfilled. Do you know of a book like that? Share that book with us and join us in a blog hop to help feature and promote books that determined love.
Click any of the pictures of Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr below to view the trailer from An Affair To Remember.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I am giving away two Valentine’s Day prizes. Winners will pick one of the two books below:
My short ebook romance Merry Christmas, Henry plus a $5 Amazon gift card:
Winner of the P&E Reader’s Poll:
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
OR
Silvana The Greening by Belinda Mellor
Once heard, the song of a Silvana can never be forgotten.
Yet for every man who wins such a wife there are three destroyed in the attempt.
Sixteen-year-old Fabiom dreams of winning the love of a Silvana, one of the mysterious and powerful tree spirits who haunt the deepest groves of the wildwood. But when he is suddenly thrown into the political arena and expected to keep the family silk business running, everything changes. Fabiom fears he will have to put aside his dream, for such a quest is perilous and Deepvale cannot afford to lose its young lord.
However, the piece of amber he finds beneath the huge ash tree could change his mind. If one of the Silvanii is upset enough to weep golden tears at the thought of losing him, then presenting himself on the eve of his seventeenth birth-anniversary might not be so dangerous after all.
What Fabiom does not know, is that the fiercely guarded secrets of silk-making have been sold abroad, putting more than the economic stability of his holding at risk; it was the Silvanii who first gifted Morene’s people with those secrets, and they do not take kindly to betrayal.
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January 31, 2014
February Kindle Fire Giveaway
Sponsored by I Am A Reader Not A Writer
February Kindle Fire Giveaway
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Click below and enter to win one of the above prizes:
Be sure to visit our host:
In addition to the Kindle Giveaway, I will be giving away 3 novelette ebooks. Winners may choose one from the following:
Winner of the P&E Reader’s Poll:
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
Or choose one of Susan Stuckey’s Kalieri Tales:
Kaserie, a slave girl possessing potential magical powers, is held by the ruthless and brutal Halurdow, who intend to corrupt her talent for their own use. She escapes and flees to the Temple of the Twin Gods where she must not only confront her formidable enemies, but also her own father. A Kalieri Tales Novelette
Ranger Thaenad, aided by a group of Black Wolves, rescues a group of women and children from certain death at the hands of the butchering worshippers of the Dark God. As he guides them toward safety, a traitor within their group exposes his every move to pursuing enemy forces. Are Thaenad’s skills and magic capable of neutralizing the traitor and overcoming the enemy?
Elderly and frail, Jezrei is tasked with the safety of more than twenty children when the City of Azraelis is attacked by an enemy bent on slaughter and subjugation. How can one old man hope to stand against an entire army?
The Halurdow conquer everything in their path, destroying and crushing the Kalieri wherever they find them. After conquering the Isle of Ipsen Watch, they are stopped by a magic shield protecting the Ipsen mainland. The key to this shield is the only survivor of the Halurdow attack on Island of Ipsen Watch: an old woman. A young shaman sits with the woman night and day, working to get the secret of the magic shield from her. Today, she will succeed.
Click below for to enter the book giveaway:
Rafflecopter:
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Ends 2/28/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
January 28, 2014
Kc Sprayberry: Pony Dreams
Title: Pony Dreams Author: Kc Sprayberry
Publisher: Fire and Ice, an imprint of Mélange – http://www.fireandiceya.com/
Cover Artist: Stephanie Flint https://www.facebook.com/sbibbphoto
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abigail Weston’s starry-eyed dream is to become the first female Pony Express rider. Ma, Pa, and six overprotective brothers won’t even let her near the corral to train mustangs for the mail venture, so she gives up her dream to sneak out and talk to the ponies, teaching them to accept her weight on their backs.
Then her life changes and all her dreams are dust. Or are they?
Buy Links:
Geotargeted Amazon Link: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00HTQNE7Y
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20457013-pony-dreams?ac=1
Trailer: http://youtu.be/-euw91_O4kc
Excerpt:
Late May, 1860 near Carson City, Nevada
If anyone had asked me to describe fifteen, I’d tell them it was near an impossible age. Everyone expected me to act like a lady and wear dresses all the time. I had to pin up my hair instead of letting it swing in the breeze in two long braids. Ladies didn’t run around without a care in the world, nor could they allow the sun to tan their skin.
Being a lady stinks.
What I wanted deep in my heart was to wear pants and train horses from sunup to sunset. No one in my family listened whenever I begged them to let me help with training the horses, so a lady I was. They told me to get about my chores. To stay out of trouble, I did those awful, everyday, jobs but with hate in my heart. That was all I, Abigail Grace Weston, faced—never-ending, boring housework day in and day out.
I would never get a break from this boredom, as a lady in the nineteenth century never had a chance to think for herself, nor did she really run her home. A man always took care of a lady. This was one of the strictest rules I learned at an early age. No one ever let me forget it, no matter what dreams I had, like the forbidden desire to one day becoming a Pony Express rider.
Kc Sprayberry
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KC Sprayberry started writing young, first as a diarist, and later through an interest in English and creative writing. Her first experience with publication came when she placed third in The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge contest while in the Air Force, but her dedication to writing came after she had her youngest child, now in his senior year of high school.
Her family lives in Northwest Georgia where she spends her days creating stories about life in the south, and far beyond. More than a dozen of her short stories have appeared in several magazines. Five anthologies feature other short stories. She has four books that are Amazon best sellers: Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama’s Advice. Her other novels available are: Take Chances, The Ghost Catcher, Family Curse … Times Two, Secret From The Flames, Where U @, The Wrong One, and Grace.
AUTHOR Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KC-Sprayberry/331150236901202
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcsowriter
Blog: http://outofcontrolcharacters.blogspot.com/
Website: www.kcsprayberry.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5011219.K_C_Sprayberry
JacketFlap: http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=kathispray
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005DI1YOU
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KcSprayberry/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kcsprayberry/boards/
Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/kcsowriter
AUTHORSdB: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/5230-k-c-sprayberry
Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/KCSprayberry/
January 25, 2014
Julia Quinn fans: The Sum Of All Kisses by Ki Pha
Review: The Sum Of All Kisses
by Ki Pha
Note: Ki Pha is a guest reviewer for Coffee Talk Writers. This review was originally posted on doingsomereading.wordpress.com
The Sum Of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith #3) by Julia Quinn
Published: 2013 Publisher: Avon POV: Third Person
Setting: Cambridgeshire and London, England; 1824
Julia Quinn fans: I’ve been waiting for this story for so long and super happy it’s finally here! I got to revisit some past characters from other books! (Well, kind of.) We got a visit from Ms. Eloisa James’ Hero and Lady from her latest Once Upon a Tower in a very funny short scene in the book. Plus, one of the unmarried Bridgerton boys made an appearance from Julia’s infamous Bridgerton series!!!
But okay, back to business…
Hugh, the second son of the Marquess of Ramsgate, a one secondary character I’ve been waiting for since we first meet him in Book Two A Night Like This and referred to in Book One, Just Like Heaven. We also first met Sarah in Book One and Two.
But man, Hugh. He gave me a great first impression in ANLT even if we only got to know his character for a mere second throughout the chapters and towards the end of that book. I was hooked! Julia didn’t disappoint me in his story and gosh, he had so much going for him that I had to do an all-nighter just to finish this book! Hugh had so much depth and character, I didn’t even know if it was the same man I met in Book Two. I’m not sure if I was disappointed in this but I loved him either way. Especially, how he thinks and come up with retorts and sorts!
His family background me. Love for his elder brother Freddie and the memory of his mother was so endearing, I couldn’t help but want more. Then to find out more about his brother and hope for many things to bring light to his problems. I am super glad that this subplot developed throughout the book. It helped solve the mystery behind the way he is but I really did want more. I also want a story for his brother, Freddie. That was one of the very first things that grabbed me as I opened up this book.
Sarah. I really liked her humor and spunk in the two previous books. But here, she wasn’t quite what I thought her to be. Not that I didn’t like her, I absolutely did. I saw myself in her as she bantered with Hugh and her sisters. Though her actions were questionable, every tactic thrown her way, every query Hugh threw at her, I saw myself countering it and smiling at the answer she gave back. Sarah was so much fun during those moments. But she did get on my nerves at times.
I absolutely adored her sisters! They were so much fun to read and drove the story forward for me. All the funny little tactics and banters, the cute childish complaints and how Francis and Huge are just so adorable together~ Oh I love her the most!
But, there’s always a but.
Cons: The ending, especially their romance, seemed rushed. They were too quick to discover their love for one another. It was just…. disappointing and not what I wanted. I needed more, more of everything, from their romance to them examining their feelings. It was just too quick.
I also didn’t enjoy how much Hugh’s leg created a problem for him. Everything always came down to his injured leg. It’s understandable but just too much repetition for me. And then there was Sarah’s change of character towards the end of the book. I found this annoying and I’m pretty sure I didn’t find her to my liking by then. Sure she was dramatic at the beginning and I was fine with that. But towards the end, she was too dramatic, selfish and irrational. SPOILER: I was devastated and mad at her for not understanding Hugh’s reason in saving her cousin’s life. Furious! Did she not have brains? I thought: She hated him but fell in love. Then she expected him to throw his first cousin to the dogs for saving him in such a way. Unimaginable! Ugh~ My devastation in her.
I was also sad we only got to see little bits of Freddie. Maybe even disappointed towards the end? I wanted to see how Hugh and Freddie’s relationship was away from their father but that didn’t happen. (And as I said before, I really do want him to have his own story told.) The ending was nice but super rushed. And though I hoped for their relationship to have developed more, it didn’t happen.
Over all, I enjoyed this story very much. It was fun, hilarious, touching, angrily mad, and just sweet. Julia Quinn lovers will love it no matter what but I did want more. We know Iris is next in line for her story, most likely, with a new hero introduced. Did I say I really want to see Freddie have his story told too? Hopefully her many readers will write it to her. *wink wink*
This ARC was provided by Avon through Edelweiss
3 MUGS: 
Julia Quinn
Picture and author bio taken from Julia Quinn’s Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Quinn/e/B000AQ50N6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and several years back she did so in grand style, competing on the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.
Keep in touch with Julia:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliaQuinn
If you liked this review, visit Ki Pha at doingsomereading.wordpress.com
January 24, 2014
Premier Fantasy author Belinda Mellor
I’d like to welcome world traveler and fellow author Belinda Mellor. Her debut novel, Silvana The Greening was released in December of 2013.
Aubrey: Tell us something about yourself and your travels, Belinda.
Belinda: I was born in England, lived for many years in Ireland and now live with my family on a lifestyle block near Nelson in New Zealand; a place we came to on holiday some years back and forgot to leave. I studied theology at uni and applied spirituality a few years later, and have been known to teach from time to time. These days I do a fair bit of freelance editing, when I’m not goat milking or egg collecting.
Aubrey: Sounds like you keep pretty busy at home. How did you get interested in writing? Or have you always considered yourself an author?
Belinda: At the age of five I won a school award for ‘free expression’ and have not stopped writing since. In 1998, I was a winner of an inaugural Ian St. James Literary award, 3rd overall, and one of the twelve finalists whose short stories were published in an anthology ‘At the Stroke of Twelve’ by Collins (as they then were). It was quite a big deal, with celebrity judges and presenters and fairly substantial prizes.
Since then I have had numerous pieces published in magazines and newspapers and a play for children performed by a theatre-in-education company.
Aubrey: Silvana-The Greening is your first published novel. Before you go, tell us a little about your story.
Belinda: It is a gentle fantasy spanning 30 years. It tells the story of Fabiom, a young nobleman, and Casandrina, a tree spirit – a Silvana.
Since the four-year-old boy had hidden, terrified, beneath her tree, Casandrina hoped Fabiom would dare to love her when he came of age. But risking his life, or his sanity, to win a Silvana’s hand is only the start of Fabiom’s problems. A bitter mother, economic espionage, feuds with other holders, and the unwanted attention of a powerful woman will test their relationship.
Besides true love, Silvana is a story of growth, silk-making, archery, poetry, and the beauty of nature.
Aubrey: Is your novel part of a series? Can you tell me a little about the world you’ve created?
Belinda: Silvana started life as a single novel – spanning fifty-odd years – a fantasy biography of Fabiom, the Lord Holder of Deepvale in the land of Morene who risks everything for the love of a Tree Lady, Casandrina, the Silvana of the title. But, over time, the story grew and grew so that, in the end, it became two novels and Fabiom and Casandrina’s son, Lesandor, became the main character in the second. I called the two parts The Greening and The Turning after the two main festivals of Morene’s year, marking the start of spring and autumn. I am currently editing the second book and – all being well – it will be out by the end of this year. That was supposed to be it, until a couple of months ago when I suddenly knew what happened next! So now I am writing Book 3, tentatively called Restoration, which will be another generation on.
Aubrey: What inspired you to write your current novel?
Belinda: As for inspiration, I’d have to say a mixture of love of nature – especially trees, romanticism, and a fondness for classical history and mythology. The society Silvana is based on borrows heavily from Ancient Greece, which I think complements the dryad-like nature of the non-human characters.
Aubrey: What do you think readers will enjoy most about your novel?
Belinda: The feedback I’ve had since The Greening was released has been interesting, to say the least. A number of people have told me that they don’t normally read fantasy but really enjoyed reading the book and want to know when part 2 will be out. So that’s great! As for what I’d like them to get – well, Fabiom falls in love with the wildwood and is happy to be lost there, and that’s what I want readers to feel: in love with the story and the characters, and happy to be lost in their world.
Once heard, the song of a Silvana can never be forgotten.
Buy Links:
Print copies: http://shop.copypress.co.nz/shopn/spi/copyp_12214
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Silvana-The-Greening-Belinda-Mellor-ebook/dp/B00HE5J4Z6
Excerpt:
“I have made a decision,” Fabiom said, half reluctant to reveal his intention yet wanting, needing, to share his thoughts with someone. He was well aware that if he did not take this opportunity there might never be another.
Nalio stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
“It’s fifteen days to my seventeenth birth anniversary.” He looked at Nalio meaningfully and indeed there was little need for him to say more.
Nalio almost laughed. “Sleep in the woods? You are joking? You’re not joking, are you? Fabiom – you can’t. How can you even think of trying to win a Silvana now?”
“Now? It’s not as if there’s any other chance. It’s fifteen days from today or not at all.”
“My advice? Choose not at all.”
“I can’t. Truly, Nalio, I can’t. I tried –”
“What do you mean, you tried?”
“I came here to the woods to say farewell, to accept I had to live in the world of men and take up the responsibilities my father left me. Instead I found another piece of amber, and the words would not come.
“That night, I tried to imagine my life if I didn’t at least make the attempt, and I couldn’t – I couldn’t imagine anything.”
“You risk much. Only son of a high house. Heir to a grand holding and a deal of responsibility.”
“I know all that,” Fabiom replied rather shortly, challenging Nalio to tell him something he did not already know.
Nalio did not oblige. “May I ask why? I mean, I know we all daydream about doing such a thing; I certainly did, even after I met Eifa. I doubt there’s a boy who hasn’t. But fantasising about wedding a Silvana and actually presenting yourself in the woods on your seventeenth birth eve are two very different things. And that difference is what makes most of us forego the imagined delights of being in the arms of a Tree Lady – for the sake of our continued sanity, or our life, for that matter.
Keep in touch with Belinda Mellor:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BelindaAnnMellor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/belindamellor9/silvana/
Website/Blog: http://silvanathegreening.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmellor1
January 18, 2014
Aubrey’s Ageless Romance Café: The Other Boleyn Girl
Aubrey’s Ageless Romance Café
In this literary world, a handful of stories will stand the test of time. A modern classic novel holds the attention of every generation with a thoughtful plot, complex characters and a scene or two that lingers long after the final page.
These books will never be traded in at the paperback store or sold for a quarter at a garage sale. An ageless romance is passed on to your sister, then to her daughter who loans it to a friend. By the time it makes it back to your shelf, the pages are yellowed, earmarked and appreciated. And every so often, when you need to be reminded of the remarkable power of love, you dust off that old friend and peruse its pages again. These are the stories I want to share with you in Aubrey’s cafe.
The Other Boleyn Girl
By Philppa Gregory
Published: Publisher: Touchstone POV: First person
Setting: England: Tudor Court 1521-1536
Are there any Tudor fans out there? Prepare for a heavenly read of historical fiction. The Other Boleyn Girl, the first book I read by Philippa Gregory, consumed my time and thoughts until the last page. It revolves around the older sister of Anne Boleyn. The twist in perspective grabs the reader immediately. The little known life of Mary Boleyn brings a unique and fascinating picture of the Tudor Court and Henry VIII.
Mary catches Henry’s eye at the tender age of fourteen. Henry Tudor was not always the fat, unpleasant king presented in the numerous portraits of dusty history files. Once a handsome king, he caused flutters in the hearts of women young and old. The athletic monarch played tennis, hunted and jousted. He was competitive, fit and loved women and adventure. In today’s world, I would compare him to Prince Harry.
So the dazzled Boleyn falls in love with the ruler of England. Yes, she has a slight moral qualm over betraying her Queen. But Katherine of Aragon does not see Mary as a threat. She accepts her husband’s weaknesses and looks the other way. Mary’s husband, William Carey, is not so forgiving. But what can he do? He accepts the bribe offered, and for the most part, keeps his mouth shut. Even when Mary becomes pregnant with a child that is most likely not his.
Enter: little sister Anne just returned from her stay at the French court. The younger Boleyn is sophisticated, witty and flirtatious. An immediate enmity grows between the sisters. In the back of Mary’s mind echoes the warning Anne gave as she left for France. “Anyone can attract a man. The trick is to keep him.”
I do not need to list the details. Readers who enjoy this genre already know the basic facts and timelines. What I found fascinating was the attitudes and inner thoughts spun by Gregory. The research is flawless; her interpretation captivated me. She did not choose one of the many opinions explored throughout the centuries. Instead, she combined several. And in my creative mind, it made perfect sense.
The rivalry between the sisters rang true: they fought, even hated each other at times then worked through their problems as families often do. Mary’s affection and loyalty for her sister falters but never dies. Anne is relentless in her quest to win the king’s heart. She plays the game well and wins for seven long years. Mary tries to move on and even leaves court. Yet each time, Anne relentlessly pulls her back into the plotting and intrigue. Mary even throws herself on the King’s mercy at one point to save her sister’s life. Yet in the end, nothing can save Queen Anne. She burns too many bridges, refuses to hold her tongue and allows paranoia to take control of her life.
I am a history geek like most historical romance writers. The stories created in my head to fill in the gaps in history provide countless hours of diversion during long trips or boring conferences. Yet nothing prepared me for this novel. Philippa brought the Tudor court to life in a way I had never before experienced.
The conversations rang in my head after I closed the cover. Images popped into my mind’s eye throughout the day and I could not wait to get home and read more. When the movie came out, I jumped for joy. Sadly, it did not do justice to the book.
This is the first novel I have given five mugs. I am not a harsh reviewer but to give a work a perfect score means there was no piece of it I would change. The complex characters, excellent pacing and riveting plot mesmerizes the reader. I did not skim a paragraph of this novel. I did not edit in my head while I read it. I just sat back in the glow of Gregory’s words and enjoyed darn good story.
About The Author
Born in Kenya in 1954, Philippa Gregory moved to England with her family and was educated in Bristol and at the National Council for the Training of Journalists course in Cardiff. She worked as a senior reporter on the Portsmouth News, and as a journalist and producer for BBC radio.
Philippa obtained a BA degree in history at the University of Sussex in Brighton and a PhD at Edinburgh University in 18th-century literature. Her first novel, Wideacre, was written as she completed her PhD and became an instant world wide bestseller. On its publication, she became a full-time writer, and now lives with her family on a small farm in the North of England.
Her knowledge of gothic 18th century novels led to Philippa writing Wideacre, which was followed by a haunting sequel, The Favoured Child, and the delightful happy ending of the trilogy: Meridon. This novel was listed in Feminist Book Fortnight and for the Romantic Novel of the Year at the same time – one of the many instances of Philippa’s work appealing to very different readers.
The trilogy was followed by The Wise Woman, a dazzling, disturbing novel of dark powers and desires set against the rich tapestry of the Reformation, and by Fallen Skies, an evocative realistic story set after the First World War. Her novel A Respectable Trade took her back to the 18th century where her knowledge of the slave trade and her home town of Bristol produced a haunting novel of slave trading and its terrible human cost. This is the only modern novel to explore the tragedies of slavery in England itself, and features a group of kidnapped African people trying to find their freedom in the elegant houses of 18th century Clifton. Gregory adapted her book for a highly acclaimed BBC television production which won the prize for drama from the Commission for Racial Equality and was shortlisted for a BAFTA for the screenplay.
Next came two of Gregory’s best-loved novels, Earthly Joys and Virgin Earth, based on the true-life story of father and son John Tradescant working in the upheaval of the English Civil War. In these works Gregory pioneered the genre which has become her own: fictional biography, the true story of a real person brought to life with painstaking research and passionate verve.
The flowering of this new style was undoubtedly The Other Boleyn Girl, a runaway best-seller which stormed the US market and then went worldwide telling the story of the little-known sister to Anne Boleyn. Now published in 26 countries with more than a million copies in print in the US alone, this is becoming a classic historical novel, winning the Parker Pen Novel of the Year award 2002, and the Romantic Times fictional biography award. The Other Boleyn Girl was adapted for the BBC as a single television drama and a film is now in production starring Scarlett Johansson as Mary Boleyn, Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn and Eric Bana as Henry VIII.
A regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, with short stories, features and reviews, Philippa is also a frequent broadcaster and a regular contestant on Round Britain Quiz for BBC Radio 4 and the Tudor expert for Channel 4′s Time Team.
She lives in the North of England with her husband and two children and in addition to interests that include riding, walking, skiing and gardening (an interest born from research into the Tradescant family for her novel, Virgin Earth), she also runs a small charity building wells in school gardens in The Gambia. Fifty-six wells have been built by UK donors to date.
Connect with Philppa Gregory at www.philippagregory.com
Note: Book cover, author photo and bio were taken from Amazon.com. Both cover and photo are linked to the original source. Click and enjoy.
January 14, 2014
Meet historical fiction author Carmen Stevens
Interview with historical fiction author Carmen Stevens, debut novel Anne.
By Aubrey Wynne
Carmen Gross, pen name Carmen Stevens, was born in Fargo, ND, March 1992. She currently resides in Detroit Lakes, MN, where she works and attends college full time. Carmen published her novel “Anne” in July 2013-an exciting, richly written historical work about a young English girl who makes many bad choices throughout her life and then struggles to find redemption.
Aubrey: I am pleased to introduce Carmen Stevens. As a history buff, I am always intrigued by a captivating story with historic base. I love being able to fall back into the heroin’s time period and feel as if I’m there. As an author, the research can be as exciting as the actual story. What do you think readers will enjoy most about your novel, Anne?
Carmen: I think that a reader who likes historical fiction will be delighted further when they find out that my book contains English history, mystery, tragedy, and suspense. The title character is very complex and I think it would be difficult for the reader to ascertain what move she will make next.
Aubrey: Anne sounds like a compelling story. What was the hardest part about writing this novel?
Carmen: For this novel, I had to really perform a lot of research on British history, since the entire novel takes place in England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. I also wanted the story to be as perfect as it could be, so I took many plot and character notes and paged through the notes enough so that today this book of notes isn’t in very good shape.
Aubrey: What piece of advice would you give a new author?
Carmen: I would tell them to work hard, be patient, and don’t give up. You will reap what you sow, eventually.
Aubrey: Good advice for all of us. Is being an author your primary career?
Carmen: No, it’s not. I’m currently attending college studying law; I’d like to be a paralegal.
Aubrey: What is the one thing about a book that will make you close the cover and not finish it?
Carmen: I won’t finish a book if it’s badly written or just doesn’t interest me anymore.
Aubrey: I agree. There are too many good books on my TBR list. If you could have a super power, which one would you want?
Carmen: I’d want to see into the future, I think. I wonder a lot about what the future holds for me and the rest of the world.
Aubrey: Describe yourself in three words.
Carmen: Shy, bubbly, and hard-working.
Aubrey: Thank you so much for joining us today on Coffee Talk. I wish you the best of luck with your debut novel.
Connect with Carmen:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hisfic?ref=hl
Blog: http://bubblymissy16.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/obloomluvr
Tumblr: http://animer20.tumblr.com/
Email: bubblymissy_16@hotmail.com
Excerpt:
Prologue
She had not been there at the time. She had not the courage to go back. She knew how she could not, anyway. Why would she want to? Her father was nothing but a selfish, sadistic drunkard, always abusing her, always devouring that whiskey. Yet she knew the impulse to rush back and the sudden desire to do so.
Why did Anne suddenly feel like her life was changed?
Her young nose sniffed the thick air cautiously. Was that the stink of old London bathing itself in one of its filthy baths of smoke and fog, or the defective redolence of brick being eaten by a fast fire? Whichever it was, she had to turn back. If her learned instincts whispered to her truly and that comfortless beast of a house was crumbling down onto its firm foundation, perhaps her paltry father had crumbled down on his shaking foundation as well, within it. The horrible building had always been, after all, a rather disconsolate, unwieldy object for Anne in her rather unreliable life. Her father had been no different, yet she had still learned to live fluently and somewhat successfully in the fearful world of London. She knew strongly in her heart, thus, that she could continue to faithfully persevere, no matter what event fate would next throw her way.
Buy Links:
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Carmen-Stevens-ebook/dp/B00E4D3HY0
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anne-carmen-stevens/1117474326
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/372253
January 7, 2014
Cast Your Vote For Coffee Talk Writers Aubrey Wynne and Renea Mason
Best Books of 2013:
Editors and Predators Readers Poll
Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice
Many of us are looking back on the Best of 2013. Bloggers, book sites and publishers are running contests to support the authors whose work stood out from the crowd. Two of our Coffee Talk Writers, Aubrey Wynne (Merry Christmas, Henry) and Renea Mason (Symphony of Light and Winter) have been added to these lists. Aubrey has been nominated in the Predators and Editors Reader’s Poll for Best Romance Short Story. Renea has been nominated for by The Paranormal Reveiwer’s Choice Awards for Best Paranormal Romance. Please show them some love and support by clicking the links below.
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
Click below to vote for Aubrey Wynne
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Symphony of Light Book One
One woman. Seven men. All bound by one man’s undying devotion.
Fundraiser Linden Hill has a knack for reading people. She always knows which conversations will put a prospect at ease, which drink will loosen a patron’s lips—or his wallet, and how cleavage will make a donor sweeten the deal. She’s even foreseen her dateless weekends four hundred and sixty-four times in a row.
But ten years after watching life drain from her former mentor’s and first love’s eyes, her skills for divining the predictable are lost. When Cyril returns, he’s still gorgeous, but this time he’s beyond human, far less dead, and pissed. His lack of memory drives him to desperate acts, and his turbulent re-acquaintance with Linden pulls her into his war with a creature hell-bent on his destruction. His group of six supernatural men share a tantalizing secret, but despite the hunger, it’s love that leads her to sacrifice everything to save him…
Click on the box below to vote for Renea Mason.
December 31, 2013
The Goals and Successes of the Ladies of Coffee Talk By Kishan Paul
Reblogged from www.coffeetalkwriters.com
With just another day left in 2013, many are looking ahead with hopes and goals for the new year. The ladies of Coffee Talk are no different. I managed to drag these amazing women away from their busy lives and holiday festivities to find out what each were looking forward to in the upcoming year and to see what they felt they did well in the one they are about to leave behind.
This is what Aubrey Wynne (author of Merry Christmas, Henry) had to say about her accomplishments of 2013.
I published my first novel. Joined the CT group. Took my hubby on a long trip out east and taught him how to relax. For 2014, I want to: (1) Lose weight and be regular at the gym. (2) Get my next book published (3) Write something every day and at least 3000 words a week regardless of how busy I am. (4) Have more patience with my parents. (5) Stop saying, “I’ll do it if you can’t find anyone else.”
Isabella Harper, our youngest member in CT, had some major life changes in 2013.
I’m excited about completing April NanoWriMo, buying a house, and having our daughter. As far as 2014, I don’t really do “resolutions” because I feel like they kinda fall by the wayside as the year progresses. I like to call them goals. In no particular order: finish my MS and possibly publish, finish renovating our house, enjoy every second with my family, continue to eat healthy, expand my cooking/baking horizons, blog more often. Exercise is huge on my goal list this year, and I’m toying with becoming a “coach” of some sort… I haven’t figured that goal out exactly yet. I’d like to bring in some money of my own… maybe even open an Etsy shop. We will see…
Marianne Willis (author of Killer Temptations) chimed in from Australia.
I’m proud of the continual support from loved ones and new fans. My goal for 2014 is to write the next book in the bonded series as well as start a new book trilogy. I also hope to finish a YA paranormal.
Nessie Stranger (author of Living Dead Girl) what are you most proud of?
2013 brought lots of changes, like moving and getting my first publishing contract. As far as 2014, like Bella, I don’t necessarily do resolutions. In 2014, I hope to complete the sequel to Living Dead Girl and hopefully get that one published as well. I hope to become more financially stable, and better provide for my family. Maybe get better organized, too
Renea Mason (author of Symphony of Light and Winter) how about you?
In 2013, I became a published author and I’m excited that my book is successful. My family didn’t disown me. I met a lot of wonderful people. I recently took a new position in my company that will allow me to continue to grow and learn and I am most thankful for that opportunity.
For 2014, I have two young sons and the other day I looked at the price of college. WOAH. So my resolution is to save more money for my boys. I already made a commitment that all of my book earnings will go to them so when they grow up and realize that Mommy writes smut, I can fall back on, “Hey, it paid for your college.” My second personal goal is to lose weight and stay healthy. Damn pumpkin roll. From a writing perspective, I’m looking to complete the second book in the Symphony of Light Series currently entitled, Between the Waters.
Valerie A Twombly (author of Eternal Flame) what are yours?
I’m proud of signing with a publisher and releasing 2 books. My goals for 2014 are: (1) lose weight and work out more.(2) Publish book 2 of the Guardians series. (3) Work on a new series. (4) If time permits, work on Brock’s story for book 2 of Demon Heat.
For me, Kishan Paul, I have a lot I’m proud of as far as 2013. I completed my first novel, The Second Wife, and started querying. In the process, I discovered new friends, like my ladies at CT, and realized just what an amazing and supportive family I have. My goals for 2014 are to publish and finish my next book. I plan to keep learning about the art of writing and to keep learning about social media. I hope to express more gratitude and love to the people in my life. And my hardest goal of all: to bite my tongue and walk away.
I decided to end this post with CT’s other Aussie member and technology whiz. Michaela Miles, please share your accomplishments and goals for the new year:
My main New Year’s Resolutions are to keep in touch with family more often and take some more “me” time. After that, I have a few other things I’d like to achieve: I’d love to publish a few books, finish renovating our house, hire a manager for my businesses so I can write more, get out and exercise more, knock another year off my Uni degree, read more books, travel… just a small wish list
For 2013, I am proud of joining the Coffee Talk ladies and really becoming interested and involved with their writing, publishing, and marketing processes. It’s made me become more involved with my own and given me much more advice and confidence than I’ve found anywhere else. I have also completed a novel and a short story, and plotted out a series of books in genres I’ve never considered before, and again that’s all down to the Coffee Talk ladies. Such amazing ladies – I raise my glass to each of you.
Well said Michaela.
To all our followers out there: We are humbled and grateful for all of your support and look forward to spending another great year together.
Happy New Year from the ladies of CT.
