The village of Frog End may be peaceful, but that doesn’t mean that the Colonel’s life there is quiet not with his friendly but nosy neighbour Naomi, desperate to know what he is keeping in his new shed; the curious Miss Butler, who tracks his every move with her German U-boat captain s binoculars; and the attentions of the local vicar, who’s keen to involve him in church affairs. That is not forgetting the demands of the aloof, imperious cat Thursday, who seems to have adopted the Colonel. So the Colonel is pleased when his old friend Geoffrey Cheetham invites him up to the village of Buckby for the weekend, to coincide with a RAF reunion event. After depositing an outraged Thursday at the Cat Heaven cattery, he drives up, and meets his fellow guests at the Cheethams B&B: including a Lancaster bomber crew, reunited for the first time. But everything is not as it seems, and the Colonel finds himself taking on the reluctant role of sleuth once more when tragedy strikes . . .”

I was so delighted to pick this up. I do love a good mystery and I enjoyed this one. This story is more of a mystery at a slower pace but not in any way does the book lose your attention. I was thoroughly engrossed and had many thoughts on the story-line and was into each character and their situation. Although there was a couple of things I would have liked to seen a bit tighter and expanded on. First, half way through the story you learn something about the Colonel. A situation that he tends to get himself in to-quite often it seems- that Naomi-a nosy yet caring lady- points out. I feel that should have been introduced closer to the beginning to the story to give it more depth. Secondly, the ending did not end as I would expect it to and I’m still undecided if it worked for me. I have to say it ends differently than how most mysteries end.

I really did enjoy the overall story and found the plot to be brilliant and how the title fitted in with the story was well executed. And I enjoyed the history of the Bomber Command that the author included in the story. That was a wonderful addition to the plot. The author’s rendition and attention to that particular detail was well written and intriguing. World War II enthusiasts would be interested in this aspect of the story. A good read.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

Anne Perry’s new Christmas novel is an irresistible tale of love, betrayal, greed, murder, and selfless devotion. For the first time, Perry’s annual yuletide offering is set in New York City—a sparkling young metropolis bursting with life, promise, and subtle menace. The year is 1904. Twenty-three-year-old Jemima Pitt, the daughter of Thomas Pitt, head of the Special Branch of the Metropolitan Police, is crossing the Atlantic as companion to Delphinia Cardew, who is to marry the aristocratic Brent Albright in a high-society New York wedding—a grand affair that will join together two fabulously wealthy families, titans of the international financial world. But Jemima senses a mysterious shadow darkening the occasion. Missing from the festivities is Delphinia’s mother, Maria, who is marked by disgrace. Nearly sixteen years ago, Maria abandoned young Delphinia and disappeared—and now the Albrights refuse to mention her name. But when Harley, the groom’s charismatic brother, asks Jemima to help him search for Maria and forestall the scandal that would surely follow if the prodigal parent turned up at the wedding, she agrees to assist him. From Hell’s Kitchen to Fifth Avenue, the Lower East Side to Central Park, Jemima trudges through strange, snowy streets, asking questions but getting few answers—and never suspecting that she is walking into mortal danger, from which not even a handsome young police officer named Patrick Flannery may be able to protect her. Once more, Anne Perry delivers a suspenseful, deeply moving novel that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.

********

A New York Christmas is the first book I’ve read of Anne Perry and I’m am so thrilled with this story. I have several other of her books on my shelf that I have yet to get to but now I’m more than eager to do so having read this story! Perry is a very talented writer and tells a marvelous story.

First I’d like to say that I really admire Perry’s style of writing and found it refreshing for the period her story takes place in. I’ve read a few books that was set in the early 1900’s and found the writing awkward and not well plotted. The story line flows beautifully and I enjoyed reading the mystery aspects to it. Not only that I enjoyed the character development and their interaction with each other was entertaining. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and when I was finished. I wanted more.

This is the perfect book to read for the season and I highly recommend you do! When you sit down to read, wrap yourself up in a warm blanket, have a nice fire perhaps and a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Be prepared to not want to get up from your rest until you are done reading this exciting story.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

My guest, Marcia Coffey Turnquist is visiting with me today to talk about her writing. She is an author and journalist, is currently writing her second novel, Skipping the Light. Before venturing into the world of fiction, she spent 12 years as a news broadcaster, working her way back to her hometown of Portland, Oregon and KOIN-TV. Marcia decided to retire from broadcasting to raise the son and daughter who ultimately inspired The God of Sno Cone Blue. Her two children are all but grown now, the youngest just off to college and the other currently studying abroad. Marcia lives with her husband Ed in the soggy-but-green suburbs of Portland.

Marcia, why do you write?

Why do I write… why do I write… such a deceptively simple, but important question. First and foremost, because I love to write. I love the freedom and creativity, the chance to say what I want to say, and the inherent gift of an empty page. I love weaving words together, the rhythm of language, the way it pulls your mind forward, and the order of thought. And I especially love when magic happens, when you’re writing along, you know, just minding your own business and—whoosh!—something incredible happens, something wonderful and perfect and even divine comes into your head and you know it was meant to be. You just know it.

On the other hand, there are horrible-terrible, aggravating aspects to writing too: like the first draft you thought was beautiful until you realize it’s crap; like the hours spent outlining when you pulled out more hair than words; like the days when you try so hard to string thoughts together and barely make it to a full paragraph.

Still, there’s so much to love. Writing gives you a voice and the chance at a few ions of immortality. It leaves a history of your musings and mind travels. It means an opportunity to influence thought or stir emotion, spur people to action or to new understandings. Writers offer their readers escape, entertainment or just plain fun.

How has writing impacted your life?

My hope is by launching a second career! While I’m still working on that (with novel two underway) I can point to other ways writing has changed me. I’m probably smarter because of writing—I’m definitely smarter-mouthed! But seriously, the amount I’ve learned on several fronts in the past few years has been incredible: from self-publishing to marketing, from brainstorming to researching, from first draft to editing to absorbing feedback from my writers’ group. In spite of getting older—I’m now 54—my memory is better. I feel sharper than I did, say, a decade ago.

What advice would you give to beginner writers?

First, don’t give up. If you really desire to write, if you really love it and want to make something of it, be persistent, no matter how many rejections and disappointments, no matter how many hoops and obstacles, because it’s not easy, not in the least. Now, the biggest obstacle to writing may be income (or lack thereof), so that has to be a consideration. You may not earn money writing, especially at first. But if you can live with that (both literally and figuratively), then don’t let the other obstacles get in the way; don’t ever give up.

Second, be a wise listener. When you read, listen to the voice of the writer, and listen to your critics, whether they’re friends or professional editors. You’re bound to learn something. In other words, don’t be defensive, because we all have room for improvement. Hard as it is sometimes to take constructive criticism (I’m sometimes crushed for days) consider it a gift, not an insult. You’re not a hermit on an island—yay! You have friends (and professionals) willing to tell you what they think—yay! This doesn’t mean you have to agree with all of it, but give it thoughtful consideration. Chances are, you’ll find nuggets of truth that will do wonders for your work.

Third, write! And when you write, when you actually sit down and let your fingers fly, forget the editor in your head (or those pesky writer friends) and just write. Writing is like any skill: the more you do it, the better you get.

There’s an old story I like to tell that illustrates this point perfectly. I’ve known it so long I don’t remember where I first heard it, but here it goes: There was a research project involving a group of people and a bunch of clay. The researchers put half the people in one set and the other half in another.

To the first set of people they said: Each of you take some clay and a wheel and spin the best, most perfect clay pot you can spin. You have one month to reach your goal. At the end of that time, bring us your best, most perfect pot.

To the second group, they said: Here is a bunch of clay, each of you take a wheel and don’t worry about quality. Make as many pots as you can in one month. When the month is up, bring us your pots.

After one month, which group do you think made the best pots? Yes—the one that was told to make the most! There was no anxiety about making it their best, no sweating over perfection, only a chance to learn the skill.

So, the next time you’re writing, shaping those sentences like clay, and that pesky editor enters your head, throw the bum out! There’ll be time later on for your writer friends to crush you.

Marica’s Website

“Whaur’s that blimming cat got tae noo?” Jinty sighed as she stared around the edge of her door, peering out into the darkness of Fishmarket Close. “If yer no’ hame in ten minutes, ye kin hae a night on the tiles!” she warned the moonless night and absent feline before closing the door over and slowly shuffled on tired legs back across the tiny space which constituted her home. With a weary sigh at the dull pain in her chest and legs, reminders of every one of her eighty-three years, she gently lowered herself into an armchair almost as old as herself.

Nestling back into the mass of cushions which bolstered her thin, bone weary body, she gazed into the low burning flames of a handful of coals in the fireplace which provided the sole illumination in the room.

The warmth they provided was welcome, as was the scant light they gave out. The dancing shadows hid the dust and dirt which gathered on every surface no matter how often she cleaned, not that she did as often as she had in the past. That was back in the days when her husband Josiah had still lived. He had been gone for almost twenty years now leaving her heart-broken. The fruits of their union, two fine, strapping sons had attempted to help her around the house once. Their wives had tried to ease her burden but as time rolled on their visits became fewer and fewer and the gaps between them grew longer and longer. Now she would struggle to recall exactly when she had last seen hide or hair of them. Her sole company these days was a feline philanderer she named, with no real thought, simply Cat. Like most males, she had discovered, he could not be relied upon to be dependable. She had sat long into the night more times than she cared to count, sitting here in front of a dying fire, waiting for the scratching at the door or his impatient yowl which signified his return…..read more of this story here

A Few of my thoughts:

Stuart is a talented story teller. He is so descriptive with words and really captures the period and setting of his stories. And his characters are lively and have a lot of spunk! Jinty’s Lament is a prime example of that talent! I’m wondering if he will expand on this story. Hmm…..either way it’s fabulous! Three cheers to Stuart S. Laing and hoping he will write more about these fascinating characters!

Stuart S. Laing is also the author of A Robert Young of Newbiggin Mystery Books! You can find them on Amazon! Highly recommend!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

About Author:

Stuart S. Laing was born and raised on the east coast of Scotland in the ancient Pictish Kingdom of Fife Stuart grew up looking across the Firth of Forth towards the spires and turrets of the city of Edinburgh and its castle atop its volcanic eyrie.

He has always been fascinated by the history of Auld Reekie and has spent most of his life studying Scottish history in all its aspects whenever he finds the time between family, work and the thousand and one other things that seek to distract him.

Despite the vast panorama of Scotland’s history he always find himself being drawn back to the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Those streets have provided the inspiration for his stories and characters.

He would urge all visitors to Scotland’s ancient capital to (briefly) venture into one of the narrow closes running down from the Royal Mile to get a flavour of how alive with mischief, mayhem, love and laughter these streets once were.

B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

‘It is dangerous to be right in matters where the established authorities are wrong,” said Voltaire, aptly reflecting the theme of Sebastian’s Way, a powerful tale of two men , the High King Charlemagne, “the Thunderer,” who fights and reigns like his pagan enemies, and Sebastian, an intrepid young warrior whose vision challenges the king to forge a new path to peace. A provocative plunge into the Dark Ages, here is a saga of vicious religious wars between Christian Franks and pagan Saxons, a tale of the pain of love thwarted by the rigid mores of the times, a rich and colorful medieval stew full of pageantry and filled with the authentic stock of the times: savage warriors, groundbreaking clergy, salty peasants, and plenty of memorable maidens for those who like a good romance—a realistic yet imaginative time travel back to the reign of Europe’s greatest medieval monarch.’

After years of hard work, Matthew and Alex Graham have created a thriving home in the Colony of Maryland. About time, in Alex’s opinion, after far too many adventures she is really looking forward to some well-deserved peace and quiet.

A futile hope, as it turns out. Things start to heat up when Jacob, the third Graham son, absconds from his apprenticeship to see the world – especially as Jacob leaves behind a girl whom he has wed in a most irregular fashion.

Then there’s the infected matter of the fellow time traveller Alex feels obliged to help – no matter the risk. Worst of all, one day Philip Burley and his brothers resurface after years of absence. As determined as ever to make Matthew pay for every perceived wrong – starting with the death of their youngest brother – the Burleys play out a complicated cat and mouse game, and Alex is thrown back into an existence where her heart is constantly in her mouth, convinced as she is that one day the Burleys will achieve their purpose.

Excerpt:

It had to be said: Philip Burley had a certain flair to him, in everything from how he carried himself to how he was dressed, impeccable linen contrasting nicely with the deep blue of his dashing coat. That didn’t endear him one whit to Alex, and, in particular, not when he popped up most unexpectedly just as she was leaving the apothecary, her daughters trailing after her.

“Mrs Graham,” Philip said, bowing. Alex controlled the urge to turn on her heel and run. Never, ever show him how much he scares you, she admonished herself, just stare him in the eyes. Except that she didn’t want to, unnerved by the penetrating, assessing look in them – as if he was putting a value to her, estimating how much she might be worth should he sell her.

“Mr Burley, how unfortunate to find you still so very much alive.”

He laughed, shaking his head so his signatory lock of black hair fell over his left eye.

“Why, Mrs Graham, one could think you don’t like me much.”

“Like you? I hate your guts, Philip Burley, and to my dying day, I’ll regret not serving you toadstools the first time we met.”

His eyes lightened into impenetrable ice. “Well, you didn’t, did you? And so, here I am.” He glanced over her shoulder, studying her girls with interest. “See?” he said, directing himself to the Philip lookalike that had appeared beside him. “Quite pretty, aren’t they?”

Walter Burley grunted, his eyes stuck on Sarah.

“We’re partial to fair girls,” Philip said. “In particular to young, fair girls.”

“You …” Alex swung at him, Philip ducked, and came up grinning, eyes like flint.

“Don’t,” he warned, and, at a snap of his fingers, yet another Burley brother materialised, this one so badly scarred Alex knew he had to be Stephen. She threw a look over her shoulder, relaxing somewhat at finding the street busy. Should they try anything, she’d scream – or stab them with her new knitting needles. Still, they were far too close, with Walter more or less drooling over Sarah. When he made as if to touch her daughter, Alex flew at him, slapping him hard over his wrist.

“Don’t you lay a finger on her. Do that, and I’ll—”

“… do what, Mrs Graham?” Philip purred.

“Kill him,” she replied, staring into those eyes as firmly as she could. It only made him laugh.

 **********************************************************

Anna Belfrage combines an exciting day-job as the CEO of a multinational listed group with her equally rewarding writing endeavours. When she isn’t writing a novel, she is probably working on a post or catching up on her reading. Or standing about on a crossroads and wondering why time isn’t unravelling at her feet… Other than work and writing, Anna finds time to bake and drink copious amounts of tea, preferably with a chocolaty nibble on the side. And yes, now and then she is known to visit a gym as a consequence…

For more info about Anna, visit her website or her Amazon page. You can also find her on her blog. Serpents in the Garden is available on Amazon US  and Amazon UK.

Publication Date: August 15, 2014 Caspian Press Formats: eBook, Paperback Pages: 424

Genre: Historical Fiction

Winner of the 2014 James River Writers Indie Novel Contest.

A young woman’s gift could weave together the fabric of a nation…

1810, upstate New York. 21-year-old Ella Kenyon is happiest gliding through the thick woods around her small frontier town, knife in hand, her sharp eyes tracking game. A gift for engineering is in her blood, but she would gladly trade it for more time in the forest. If only her grandfather’s dying wish hadn’t trapped her into a fight she never wanted.

Six years ago, Ella’s grandfather made her vow to finish his life’s work: a flax-milling machine that has the potential to rescue her mother, brother, and sister from the brutality of life with her drunkard father. The copious linen it yields could save her struggling town, subjugate the growing grip of southern cotton. Or it could be Ella’s downfall. If she’s not quick enough, not clever enough to succeed, more than her own life rests in the balance…

Praise for The Clever Mill Horse

“Jodi Lew-Smith’s The Clever Mill Horse is that rarest of all contemporary novels: an authentically old-fashioned adventure story, in all the best senses. Full of drama, humor, plot surprises, and, best of all, memorable characters, The Clever Mill Horse had me hooked from page one. Best of all, there’s a sequel coming. I can’t wait.” – Howard Frank Mosher, author of Where the Rivers Flow North

“In this delightful debut novel set in the early 19th century, a young woman fights to patent her flax-milling machine. . .An assured, cleverly plotted piece of historical fiction with an irrepressible female protagonist.” – Kirkus Reviews

“. . .intricately plotted and exceedingly well paced. . . filled with danger, science, and suspense, the story rings true with historical and natural detail. . . a complete and finely polished first novel.” – Foreword Reviews

Buy the Book

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About the Author

Jodi Lew-Smith lives on a farm in northern Vermont with her patient husband, three wonderfully impatient children, a bevy of pets and farm animals, and 250 exceedingly patient apple trees which, if they could talk, would suggest that she stop writing and start pruning. Luckily they’re pretty quiet.

With a doctorate in plant genetics, she also lives a double life as a vegetable breeder at High Mowing Seeds. She is grateful for the chance to do so many things in one lifetime, and only wishes she could do them all better. Maybe in the next life she’ll be able to make up her mind.

For more about Jodi and about the lives and world of the characters in the novel, visit her website or blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

The Clever Mill Horse Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, November 12 Spotlight at Flashlight Commentary

Thursday, November 13 Guest Post & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 17 Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Tuesday, November 18 Guest Post at Just One More Chapter

Friday, November 21 Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Monday, November 24 Spotlight at Mel’s Shelves

Tuesday, November 25 Spotlight at Book Nerd Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews

Friday, November 28 Review at Readers’ Oasis Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews and More

Monday, December 1 Review at Book Babe Spotlight & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, December 3 Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book Spotlight at Layered Pages Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection

Publication Date: November 22, 2014 CreateSpace Paperback; 442p

Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction

England 1955.

The day Rhoda Middleton opens a letter from another woman, she becomes convinced her husband, Peter, is having an affair. But when Rhoda tracks the mysterious woman down, she discovers she is not Peter’s lover after all, but the wife of his best friend, Archie Foster. There is only one problem – Rhoda has never even heard of Archie Foster.

Devastated by this betrayal of trust, Rhoda tries to find out why Peter has kept this friendship a secret for so long. Her search leads her back to 1945, but as she gradually uncovers Peter’s wartime experiences she must wrestle with painful memories of her own. For Rhoda too cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

Taking us on a journey from the atmospheric filming of Brief Encounter, to the extraordinary Great March of prisoners of war through snow-bound Germany, PAST ENCOUNTERS explores themes of friendship, hope, and how in the end, it is the small things that enable love to survive.

Includes bonus material for reading groups.

************

It’s not too often I get to read books about the second world war or about people’s lives during that time period and when I do, I jump at the chance. The themes in this book contain real life experiences of prisoners of wars and the author does a great job in drawing out what the human condition must have been like at the time.

I found Peter and Rhonda to be fascinating yet complicated characters. I guess you can say their situation was a difficult one and there were secrets they were hiding from each other that made the situation even more difficult. To be honest I wasn’t sure how the author was going to reveal those secrets and how it would all tie together as a plot-if you will. Confusing I know, but that is how complex the story is. Again, the two are complicated characters.

Peter’s experiences in the POW camp were heartbreaking and so raw. One can tell that the author did her research.

I’m not sure I feel that Peter’s reasons for keeping his relationship with Archie a secret was right and even more so when his marriage with Rhonda was on uneven ground. I felt that is a betrayal even in the sense of cheating. Hard to explain really. One must read the book to understand what I mean….

Rhonda bothered me in many ways and I felt that she should have dealt with the situation head on from the very beginning…..having said that it really makes you think about the relationships you have in real life and the choices you make. This story really hit home for me and gave me a lot to think about.

I’m giving this story four stars. Highly recommend.

Praise for Past Encounters

“Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly Recommended!” – The Historical Novels Review

Praise for Deborah Swift

“stellar historical fiction” -Orange Prize Nominee Ann Weisgarber

“compelling’” -Westmorland Gazette

“The past comes alive through impeccable research…and the sheer power of descriptive prose” -Lancashire Evening Post

Buy the Book

Amazon US Amazon UK

About the Author

Davina Blake used to be a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, during which time she developed a love of research which fueled her passion for the past. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and also writes successful seventeenth century historicals under the pen name Deborah Swift. ‘Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended.’ The Historical Novels Review From Davina: ‘I was inspired to write ‘Past Encounters’ because I live close to the railway station where the iconic ‘Brief Encounter’ was filmed in 1945. I have often used the refreshment room that featured in the film when waiting for a train. I love a good cup of tea, preferably accompanied by a chocolate brownie!’

For more information visit Davina Blake’s website and blog. You can also find her on Twitter.

Past Encounters Blog Tour Schedule

Saturday, November 15 Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Sunday, November 16 Review at Library Educated

Monday, November 17 Review at Dianne Ascroft Blog Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, November 18 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!

Wednesday, November 19 Review at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, November 20 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Friday, November 21 Review & Interview at Bookish

Saturday, November 22 Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, November 24 Review at A Bookish Affair Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, November 25 Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Wednesday, November 26 Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, November 27 Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Saturday, November 29 Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Monday, December 1 Review at Layered Pages Review & Interview at Casual Readers

Tuesday, December 2 Review at My Reader’s Block Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Wednesday, December 3 Review at The Worm Hole Review at Diary of an Eccentric

Thursday, December 4 Review at Beth’s Book Reviews Guest Post at Historical Tapestry

Friday, December 5 Review at Bibliophilia, Please

Saturday, December 6 Review at Unshelfish Review at Historical Tapestry

I would like to welcome my guest today, Lindsay Downs to talk about his writing.

Why do you write?

I’ve been an avid readers ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.

So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. At first my attempts were feeble with very little plot and the dialogue was horrible. Much to my relief none of my early works still exist except for their memories.

Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers. Unfortunately, that’s when I learned if I was to succeed in school I had to write in a style which didn’t suit me. Acquiescing to their wishes I still kept thinking there had to be a better way to tell a story.

This came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.

With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.

Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love, I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.

My favorite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I would never attempt. To slake my hunger for writing I took the easy way out and developed contemporary storylines. Now that worked as I based my characters around the military while keeping them sweet. Part of this was because of the publisher who only accepted that style and partly because love scenes tended to take me out of the main storyline.

Then it happened on one fateful day in early 2012. One of my publisher asked for volunteers to write a Christmas regencies. Even though I said I’d never try this genre, I took up the challenge and wrote A Christmas Surprise. Needless to say, I was hooked. It was released on November 7, 2012

Since then seven more have been released either through a publisher or self-published with A Bluestocking’s Christmas having been released on November 11, 2014.

And today, November 28, 2014 available for preorder, a three book boxed set, To Catch a Killer, of the Markson Regency Mystery series. Two have been previously released and the third is a new book. Several reviewers have called this series cozy mysteries. The release date is December 8, 2014.

Now that you know how I got to this point in my life as an author. I do it because I love telling stories and taking my readers to a time and place they couldn’t go otherwise. Plus, my characters won’t stop talking to me.

How has writing impacted your life?

I’m an introvert. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Being an author has helped me come out of my shell to a certain extent but not completely. I don’t socialize except on a few social network sites. That’s not to say I don’t talk face-to-face with people but it’s usually on my terms, which they aren’t aware of.

For example-the baristas at my favorite Starbucks know I’m an author and sometimes, while at the drive-thru ask what I’m working on. Of course I’ll answer them then drive off.

Even at the boarding house, where I live, I can control who I interact with. If any of you are familiar with that particular type of living arrangement, I spend 90% of my time hiding away in my room. Occasionally I’ve venture out and talk with someone but always with the excuse, if I get to uncomfortable, I’ve got to get back to writing.

At least I get out to a writers conference once a year. There I will socialize with others. Of course they are all authors so I wonder if that qualifies.

In conclusion, between 10 years ago and now I have improved as far as coming out of my shell. Maybe not as far as some but I’m happy with the progress I’ve made and if it wasn’t for writing I probably never would have.

What advice would you give to beginner writers?

Never give up and treat writing as a job not a hobby. Even if you can only write for 15 minutes a day, that’s a start. Do it at the same time every day and let the family know you’re going to be busy.

If you can take workshops either online or in person to learn the craft do it. Also join a writers group. These can usually be found through your local library or by talking with other authors. Join social networks sites.

Don’t chose the genre you want to write, let it chose you. That’s how, after all these years I’ve found a home with regency mysteries and regency romantic suspense.

One thing you need to remember, not everyone will love or even like your book so develop a tough skin as criticism will be coming your way.

Finally, never give up your dream to be published.

Blurb-

Lady Brittany Sexton loves her newest book on Africa but she quickly learns keeping it in her possession is difficult. For her, the problem lies with Lord Samuel Palmer, who believes ladies should not read inappropriate tomes. Part of Lord Palmer’s fascination is the cryptic messages found in the margins. What quickly develops between Lady Brittany and Lord Palmer is even more confusing.

As Christmas draws nearer and with the book still in her possession, Lord Palmer follows her to her parents country estate. It’s there they, along with some friends, slowly make sense of the notes.

During all of this, Lady Brittany learns a fact about Lord Palmer that disturbs her greatly—why he desired the book. To clear her mind and think about her answer to Lord Palmer’s sudden proposal, she goes for a horseback ride, only for disaster to strike.

Once well, she returns home. Lady Brittany now has to make a life changing decision. Can she… will she marry Lord Palmer ?

Bio-

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Where you can find me-

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Twitter- @ldowns2966

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Lindsay Downs-Romance Author

Publication Date: November 4, 2014 Poisoned Pen Press Formats: Hardcover, Paperback

Series: John Chase Mystery Series Genre: Historical Mystery/Regency

Unhappy wife and young mother Penelope Wolfe fears scandal for her family and worse. A Tory newspaper editor has been stabbed while writing a reply to the latest round of letters penned by a firebrand calling himself Collatinus. Twenty years before, her father, the radical Eustace Sandford, wrote as Collatinus before he fled London just ahead of accusations of treason and murder. A mysterious beauty closely connected to Sandford and known only as N.D. had been brutally slain, her killer never punished. The seditious new Collatinus letters that attack the Prince Regent in the press also seek to avenge N.D.’s death and unmask her murderer. What did the journalist know that provoked his death?

Her artist husband Jeremy is no reliable ally, so Penelope turns anew to lawyer Edward Buckler and Bow Street Runner John Chase. As she battles public notoriety, Buckler and Chase put their careers at risk to stand behind her while pursuing various lines of inquiry aimed at N.D.’s murderer, a missing memoir, Royal scandal, and the dead editor’s missing wife. As they navigate the dark underbelly of Regency London among a cast driven by dirty politics and dark passions, as well as by decency and a desire for justice, past secrets and present criminals are exposed, upending Penelope’s life and the lives of others.

John Chase Mystery Series

Book One: The Rose in the Wheel Book Two: Blood for Blood Book Three: Die I Will Not

Buy the Book

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble Book Depository

About the Author

S.K. Rizzolo is a longtime Anglophile and history enthusiast. Set in Regency England, The Rose in the Wheel and Blood for Blood are the first two novels in her series about a Bow Street Runner, an unconventional lady, and a melancholic barrister. An English teacher, Rizzolo has earned an M.A. in literature and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

For more information please visit S.K. Rizzolo’s website. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads.

Die I Will Not Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 17 Review at Back Porchervations

Tuesday, November 18 Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, November 19 Interview at Back Porchervations Spotlight at Flashlight Commentary

Thursday, November 20 Interview with Curling Up With a Good Book

Friday, November 21 Review at Book Nerd

Monday, November 24 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Tuesday, November 25 Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, November 26 Review at Buried Under Books Review at Book Babe (The Rose in the Wheel) Spotlight at Layered Pages

Friday, November 28 Spotlight at Just One More Chapter

Monday, December 1 Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Tuesday, December 2 Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Wednesday, December 3 Interview at Caroline Wilson Writes

Thursday, December 4 Review at A Chick Who Reads Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Friday, December 5 Review at The True Book Addict

Monday, December 8 Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Tuesday, December 9 Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews Spotlight at Book Babe

Wednesday, December 10 Review at The Lit Bitch Review at Griperang’s Bookmarks

Thursday, December 11 Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Friday, December 12 Interview at Jorie Loves a Story