A Book I Highly Recommend

Laurie Alice Eakes is a brilliant writer. Her stories carry the reader away into a different reality, an experience that is very like watching an excellent movie. You can smell the air, whether pleasant or rank. You can feel the texture, whether smooth or rough. You can hear the sounds, whether soothing or shrill. You can see…everything in all its beauty or ugliness, and all that lies in between. Without effort, you learn about some wonderful slice of history you never knew before. Best of all, you meet characters who are real and warm and so very humanly flawed that you cannot help but love them. And so it is with Heart’s Safe Passage. Take an unlikely heroine, a wealthy midwife widow, and pair her with a roguish privateer captain, have him kidnap her (for a good cause, of course), and you have just been launched on an exciting tale of love, hate, revenge, and forgiveness that you won’t soon forget. Although I raced to finish the book, I was sad when it ended. For the first time in ages, I wept happy tears for a tale well told and a more than satisfying happily ever after.

Don't Miss Highland Crossings!

Good grief, it's been a long time since I wrote anything for this blog. I guess I just needed a strong enough reason to stop working on my current novel, which is due very soon, to devote my writing time to something else. And now I have that reason. The subject is novellas, and I have a particular one to recommend.

I've written one novella, The Gentleman Takes a Bride, so I know how difficult it is to fit an entire story into roughly a third of my usual word count. It's a challenge that many authors take on with great success, as in the case of four talented ladies: Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Gina Wellborn. Add to that my love for all things Scottish, and I've found a book I'm proud to promote: Highland Crossings. Here are four stories that reached out and grabbed me because some of my own ancestors were from Scotland, and I can imagine their struggles, trials, and adventures as they came to this wild land called America to make new lives for themselves.

As you can see from my previous post last September, Laurie Alice Eakes is one of my favorite authors, and her stories always take me on a grand adventure. Her novella is the second one in the book, following a delightful setup story by Pamela Griffin. The other two authors are also skilled at making the romance reader's heart beat faster. Be sure to look for Highland Crossings, newly released from Barbour. You'll be glad you did.

I had the pleasure of reading A Necessary Deception for endorsement. What a privilege! Here's what I said: Laurie Alice Eakes weaves the fine silk threads of historical richness, dangerous intrigue, and forbidden romance into a flawless literary tapestry. This is Georgette Heyer meets Terri Blackstock in 1812 Regency London, an adventure that will leave readers breathless.

In addition to my endorsement, I feel compelled to write a review of this exciting book. Laurie Alice Eakes seamlessly weaves historical details into the fabric of the story, carrying readers away to 1812 Regency London with romance, intrigue, and spiritual truths. This author never fails to tell an enthralling story with characters you believe in and exciting adventures that always satisfy.

The romance between Lydia and Christien is fresh and endearing. Lydia is a charming heroine who thinks her time for romance has long departed. Christien is a hero everyone can believe it. We know they will get together in the end, but how on earth? The secondary characters also add to the story and pave the way for the coming sequels.

However, it is the suspense takes this story deeper than a typical romance. With her scholarly knowledge of the Regency period, Eakes creates a spine tingling adventure that keeps the reader guessing at the outcome.

A Necessary Deception is available in the format of your choice: bound book or e-book. So what are you waiting for? Get your copy now and get lost in 1812 London, where the suspense is as thick as the fog and you can never be sure who your friends are. And that’s half of the fun.

A BRILLLIANT DEBUT NOVEL!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO CARLA FOR WINNING A COPY OF THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL!!!!
I'm so pleased to have Elizabeth Camden on my blog this week. I just finished reading this excellent novel about the era of robber barons, a time period we don't hear much about. You won't want to miss this debut book from an exceptionally talented author, published by Bethany House.

Thanks for hosting me on your blog, Louise! As a brand new writer on the scene, it is terrific to have folks like you help me get the word out that I exist.

I work as a librarian at a small college in Florida, which is a fabulous day job for a writer. Not only is the work a joy, but it provides me with the fuel I need to be creative. Some days I help students research the arcane details of a 19th century court case or the symbolism in a Botticelli painting. Other days I am dissecting the migration patterns of sea birds or how cheese is made. All of this helps trigger ideas that I can pump into my writing.

My first book, The Lady of Bolton Hill, just hit the shelves. It is set during the Gilded Age and features one of my favorite themes, lovers who are reunited after several years apart. In The Lady of Bolton Hill, Daniel and Clara were quite young when they met and shared one of those intense, immediate bonds that can sometimes flare up between teenagers. They are separated by Clara’s disapproving father. The book begins when Clara returns to the United States after more than a decade abroad, and the chemistry between Clara and Daniel immediately blazes back to life. The problem is they have followed such wildly divergent paths that they don’t know if they can find a way back to each other, even though they both crave it.

Something that was very important for me is that both my characters be very passionate people, but who are still fiercely intelligent and sensible. Have you ever read a book where the conflict between the hero and heroine could be solved by a simple honest conversation? There was no way I was going to let Daniel and Clara off the hook so easily! Although it is clear they are madly in love, they will be put through the wringer before they can get to a happy ending. I love a good turbulent story with love, betrayal, heartbreak, all punctuated with periods of soaring joy and utter delight. That is what I aimed for with The Lady of Bolton Hill. I’ll be curious to hear from folks if they think I got it in the ballpark.

I think it is a particularly exciting time to be writing in the inspirational genre. I love mainstream romance, but sometimes I feel that the new stuff is getting hijacked by a bunch of vampires, serial killers, or leather-clad, kick-butt heroines. I’ve read great novels featuring all of the aforementioned characters, but so often these novels sacrifice great character development and chemistry in order to cram in a few more werewolves or warlocks. Since these plots are mostly off-limits in the inspy world, we are forced to work pretty hard at developing a great, heart-pounding romance with characters who feel like they are about to leap off the page. That is why I think the inspirational genre has a lot to offer.

I blog at http://elizabethcamden.com/blog. Three times a week I write about my thoughts on the romance genre (in novels, movies, real life, etc.) Since I am a librarian, I also post lots of pictures of mouth-watering libraries. I hope you’ll swing by for a peek!

The Lady of Bolton Hill is available at amazon.com, cbd.com, and fine bookstores everywhere.

If you would like to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of The Lady of Bolton Hill, leave a comment below. (Click on "comments.") This drawing is limited to residents of the United States and Canada and is void where such drawings are prohibited. It is the responsibility of entrants to know the laws of their own state or province. The drawing will be held on July 15, 2011. We must have ten entries, or this drawing will not take place. So tell your friends! AND BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN!!!

The Gentleman Takes a Bride

My latest book is doing well and reached #8 on amazon.com's Kindle romance anthologies. If you would like to read the first chapter, scroll down and see what readers are enjoying. The book is a June release from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historicals! That's two books this year, not my usual schedule. But a year ago, when my editor asked me to write a Regency novella, I jumped at the chance.

Regency books are great fun to research and write. I enjoyed going back in time to Jane Austen's day and learning about the customs and laws of the time. In fact, I'm continuing in this era with an upcoming three-book series. More about that later.

In the meantime, please take a look at The Wedding Season. I have the honor of sharing this anthology with bestselling author Deborah Hale. Her novella is Much Ado about Nuptials, and mine is The Gentleman Takes a Bride. Here's a little more about our stories:

Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale
Plagued with a jaded heart, Sebastian Stanhope, Viscount Benedict, won't let his half-brother rush into marriage. He must convince the bride's stubborn if charming companion, Rebecca Beaton, to help sever the engagement. Only, Rebecca is determined to encourage the engaged pair . . . and show Sebastian the blessing of true love.

The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge
Surely Elizabeth Moberly was born to be a nobleman's bride. She can't possibly be attracted to the untitled stranger who interrupts her cousin's wedding. Yet Elizabeth finds herself drawn to Philip Lindsey's tender heart and strong faith. And if Philip has his way, he'll convince Elizabeth the only title she needs is Mrs. Lindsey, beloved wife.

Here's Chapter One:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV

Hampshire, England
June 1810

“I will not settle for an untitled husband.” Lady Diana Moberly lifted her pretty little nose and sniffed. “I shall find a peer to marry, or I’ll not marry at all.”

Seated beside her cousin in St. Andrew’s Church, Miss Elizabeth Moberly listened with rapt attention. After all, Di had just returned from her first London Season and knew everything about courtship and marriage. And in a few minutes, the wedding ceremony would begin, and Di’s older sister would marry a handsome gentleman she met at Almack’s only two months ago. An untitled gentleman. Di insisted she would do better.

Before Elizabeth could voice agreement, her other cousin, Miss Prudence Moberly, squeezed Elizabeth’s hand and leaned around her to address Di.

“But what if the Lord wills for you to marry a good Christian gentleman without a title?”

Elizabeth swung her attention from Pru back to Di.

Di sniffed again. “La, such a question, Pru, but just what I would expect from you. Haven’t I told you? The Almighty and I have an understanding about such things.” She gazed down her nose at Pru.

Elizabeth released a quiet sigh. She and her two cousins had been born within months of each other eighteen years ago. The youngest daughters of three brothers, they looked almost like triplets, with blond hair, blue eyes, and ivory complexions. They had enjoyed a merry childhood together, yet these days their views on most everything were different. Di was always ready with an opinion on any topic and brooked no contradiction. Pru was the sweetest soul, but she never backed down from differences with their more influential cousin, especially on spiritual matters. Elizabeth vacillated between the two, but these days she tended to follow Di, who always seemed to have more fun.

Still, Elizabeth could not deny the peace she felt in this small stone church, which her family had attended for over two centuries. Nor could she guess how many relatives had been baptized here or how many lay buried in the ancient graveyard outside. This building was a place of beginnings and endings and all good things in between. Whenever she came here, it seemed to enfold her in sheltering arms, encouraging her always to seek God’s will, whatever she might undertake in life.

Perhaps she could take the advice of both cousins. She would ask the Lord to send her a titled Christian husband.

But this was Sophia’s day, and Elizabeth wished her great happiness with Mr. Whitson. Today, all things seemed to smile upon the bride. The sun shone brightly, and no one in their vast family had succumbed to illness to spoil the celebration. Flowers from Aunt Bennington’s garden and bright green and white ribbons bedecked the altar and the pew ends, filling the air with the heady fragrance of roses.

The rustling of ladies’ gowns and the shuffling of leather shoes on the wooden floor caught Elizabeth’s attention, and she glanced over her shoulder. Across the aisle, several people had moved down so a tall young man of perhaps three and twenty years could slide into the pew.

Goodness, he was handsome, if a bit untidy. His wavy black hair appeared to have been arranged by the wind, and his black coat, while quite the mode, had a leaf caught under one lapel and perhaps a stray burr or two clinging to the sleeves. His lean, strong jaw was clenched, and his blue eyes gleamed with the look of a man set on accomplishing an important task. The gentleman must have ridden posthaste to arrive in such a condition. At the sight of him, Elizabeth’s heart seemed to hiccough.

Or perhaps it was Pru’s elbow in her ribs. “Tst,” her proper cousin admonished.

“Humph.” Di’s ever-uplifted nose punctuated her disapproval of the latecomer.

Wishing to please her cousins, Elizabeth stared ahead. Her aunt, Lady Bennington, sat on the front row with her eldest son, the viscount and his viscountess, and her two eldest daughters and their husbands. In the second row, Elizabeth’s parents, Captain and Mrs. Moberly, sat with one of her brothers.

Soon the door beside the altar opened, and the vicar, Mr. Smythe-Wyndham entered, followed by Uncle Bennington, the bride Lady Sophia, and Mr. Whitson.

Elizabeth’s resolve about titles wavered when she saw the groom. Tall, with broad shoulders and blond hair that curled around his well-shaped face, Mr. Whitson more than made up in form what he lacked in rank. Elizabeth could not deny cousin Lady Sophia had found a handsome man, even though Elizabeth preferred darker features.

As if summoned by her own thoughts, she turned toward the dark-featured stranger across the aisle. Seeing the stormy expression on his face, she drew in a quiet gasp. His strong, high cheeks were pinched with. . .anger? Dark stubble shaded his clenched, sun-bronzed jaw. His black eyebrows met in a frown over his straight nose, which pointed like an arrow toward the wedding couple, while his blue eyes shot flashing daggers.

Alarm spread through Elizabeth, but she had no time to think or act.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

Mr. Smythe-Wyndham intoned the opening words of the solemn rite in his rich baritone. He read of God’s purpose for marriage, then moved on to charge the couple to confess it now if there existed any impediment to their union.

Suspicion shot through Elizabeth, and her gaze again slid across the aisle to the dark-browed stranger. His face exhibited a controlled rage much like her father’s when indignation filled him over some serious matter. The man edged toward the front of his seat, like a lion about to spring upon its prey.

“If any man do allege and declare any impediment,” the minister read, “why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God’s Law, or the Laws of this Realm—”

The stranger shot to his feet, holding high a folded sheet of vellum. “Indeed, sir, I do declare an impediment.”

Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Ent. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

The Wedding Season is available at amazon.com, cbd.com, Walmart, and your local bookstores.

If you would like to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of The Wedding Season, leave a comment below. (Click on "comments.") This drawing is limited to residents of the United States and Canada and is void where such drawings are prohibited. It is the responsibility of entrants to know the laws of their own state or province. The drawing will be held on July 2, 2011. We must have ten entries, or this drawing will not take place. So tell your friends! AND BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN!!!

MY NEWEST RELEASE!

CONGRATULATONS TO PATSY FROM HOUSTON. SHE WON OUR DRAWING!
My April release is now available. Isn't this a great cover? This is the third book in my Revolutionary War series, which follows the Moberly siblings, two English brothers and their sister who find themselves inconveniently falling in love with Americans during a time when their two countries are at war. Check my Books page for information about the first two stories: Love Thine Enemy and The Captain's Lady. This new book, At the Captain's Command, takes readers on an exciting adventure on land and sea.


Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Ent. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

At the Captain's Command (Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical) was awarded a 4-star RT rating. In this story, a heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family's devastating secret.

Duty and career—Captain Thomas Moberly of His Majesty's Navy prizes them above all. So why is he tempted to relinquish both for Dinah Templeton? Though Dinah seems sweet and charming, the difference in station between an East Florida belle and the son of an earl is too marked to ignore. And all other obstacles pale with the discovery that Dinah's brother James is not what he seems….A war is brewing on the colonies' horizon, and James has chosen his side—in opposition to the country Thomas has sworn to defend. But what of Dinah? Where does her heart truly lie—with her family, or with the man she claims to love?

If you would like to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of At the Captain's Command, leave a comment below. (Click on "comments.") This drawing is limited to residents of the United States and Canada and is void where such drawings are prohibited. It is the responsibility of entrants to know the laws of their own state or province. The drawing will be held on April 23, 2011. We must have ten entries, or this drawing will not take place. So tell your friends! AND BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN!!!

Surrender to High Adventure

CONGRATULATIONS TO PEGG FOR WINNING OUR DRAWING!
Surrender the Night is another wonderful story by MaryLu Tyndall!

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . .A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . .Both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack, she’s saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this enemy soldier?

Alex hadn’t meant to kill his superior, nor get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he’s at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex’s presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the move again. This time, their target is Washington DC. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

I have long been a fan of MaryLu Tyndall. This author writes exciting adventures that keep you on the edge of your seat. In her novels, she draws you into danger and intrigue, making you feel as if you are in the midst of it all. Surrender the Night is no exception.

Enter into this exciting story set in a little known war that some call the second American Revolution. If the fledgling country called the United States had not driven back the British, subsequent history would have been far different. As the two-hundredth anniversary of the War of 1812 draws closer, take this chance to learn more about the lives of ordinary Americans. . .and Englishmen. . .and what they stood to lose if we had lost this war.

If you would like to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Surrender the Night, leave a comment below. (Click on "comments.") This drawing is limited to residents of the United States and Canada and is void where such drawings are prohibited. It is the responsibility of entrants to know the laws of their own state or province. The drawing will be held on April 2, 2011. We must have ten entries, or this drawing will not take place. So tell your friends! AND BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN!!!