Welcome NYT & USA Today bestselling author Karen Harper!

I'm always excited to have guest authors and when someone as extraordinary as Karen Harper stops by, well, I'm beside myself.  Not only does NYTimes and USA TODAY bestselling author Karen Harper write amazing historical fiction for NAL, she also writes romantic suspense for Mira Books, most recently a trilogy set in Amish country: DARK ROAD HOME, DARK HARVEST, DARK ANGEL.  You can find more information about Karen and her books at http://karenharperauthor.com/.


Her latest novel, THE IRISH PRINCESS is a remarkable story that blends a brilliant imagination with documented fact.  In a wonderful tale that is rich with history, Karen gives us a possible version of Elizabeth  (Gera) Fitzgerald's life during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.  Publisher's weekly says of the THE IRISH PRINCESS "Tudor fans will enjoy this skillfully fleshed-out tale of an adventurous young woman coming-of-age inside a court constantly on edge."

I wholeheartedly agree!

I love to hear about the heroine of a novel, but I really love ot hear about the hero so I've asked Karen to tell us about Gera Fitzgerald's one true love.

WHY MY HEROINE (AND I!) LOVE MY HERO by Karen Harper, author of THE IRISH PRINCESS

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for dashing sea captains. There’s just something about a man in a boat or ship, especially the commander of one. So I was thrilled to discover that my real life Irish heroine Gera Fitzgerald had a forbidden romance with and later a long marriage to the Lord High Admiral of England during the Tudor era. I’m always looking for historical heroines who have a great love story, and Gera’s hero completely floated my boat.


She first meets Edward Clinton when she is quite young—and on a ship, of course. Here’s how she describes his initial impact on her: He turned and looked at me, his eyes widening in surprise. He smiled, flaunting white teeth in his sun-browned face, a handsome face with a strong nose and blue eyes like the sea and slashes of black eyebrows that seemed to work independently when he so willed it. Compared to the whey-skinned, light-haired Irish, he seemed almost devil dark.

Reputed to be Elizabeth
Fitzgerald Clinton, Countess
of Lincoln

There are two portraits each of Elizabeth (Gera) Fitzgerald and Captain Edward Clinton which remain today, and I’ve included my favorites ones here. The other, more formal one of him can be found by Googling “Edward Fiennes Clinton + portrait.” Gera’s later-in-life portrait can be Googled also, but I must admit I love the way the artist has depicted her on the cover of THE IRISH PRINCESS. (See my website for more information about her at http://www.karenharperauthor.com/)

The Earl of Lincoln
(then known as Lord Clinton)
by Hans Holbein the Younger,
c. 1534–1535.

I also love my hero for the way he did not desert Gera when she and her Irish family, “the uncrowned kings of Ireland,” were persecuted (even beheaded!) by King Henry VIII. Edward and Gera’s love was forbidden because he worked for the Tudors and her family were Irish rebels, but they definitely stayed in touch over the years despite the fact that they each had arranged marriages. Finally, they were able to wed each other and had quite an amazing, if turbulent marriage, especially when Gera kept getting in trouble with more Tudors, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth of England.

There are both tender and contentious scenes in the novel between Gera and her captain. Tender as when Edward lets Gera steer his ship, then places his hands over hers on the spokes of the wheels. My favorite clash is the scene where he abducts her to save her (she doesn’t see it that way) in the tradition of the best old Errol Flynn, Russell Crowe or Johnny Depp swashbuckling heroes:

“Gera, I pray you’ll someday forgive me for this, but you’ve going to have a little accident and go home with me.”


“What? I—“

Another portrait of

 Elizabeth Fitzgerald Clinton,

Countess of Lincoln.

It was all I got out before he swirled his cape at me, over me, then put his hand over my mouth. He hefted me into his arms, however hard I kicked and thrashed, and carried me up and over the hill…


“Stop fighting,” he said and squeezed my shoulder.


So calmly spoken. Was he helping me and himself, or the king?


I heard a horse snort. “I’ll loose you as soon as we are away,” he said. He set me across a large saddle, then mounted behind me and spurred the horse away. I was both panicked and, God forgive me, thrilled.

I must admit I was thrilled when my research turned up not only the perfect strong, dynamic heroine but a hero to match her. Along with William Stafford, the man Mary Boleyn chose to marry in my novel THE LAST BOLEYN, Edward Clinton was the easiest real man I’ve ever made into a hero. Ah, to be sailing, sailing, over the bounding main with a man like Captain Clinton!

You can order THE IRISH PRINCESS NOW!  ISBN:  978-0451232823

Order from Amazon
Order from Borders
Order from B&N
Find independent store: Indie Bound

Karen is giving away one autograhped copy of AN IRISH PRINCESS to one lucky commentor so be sure to say hi!

ARCs for HAUNTING DESIRE!!!!!

I just got my ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) in for HAUNTING DESIRE--that's right, the new one! I'm very excited and to show it, I'm giving away 2 ARCs this week. One goes to a blog poster and the other goes to a poster on my FB page. You can post in both places to double your chances. That's here, there (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Quinn/139495670625)everywhere!

And you'll get some of my cool new stuff too.  (Book marks and series postcards!)

If you entered my contest with Kris Tualla--check out the winners below!  Everybody gets a free download!

And don't be a stranger this week.  On Tuesday, I'm hosting NYT Bestselling author Karen Harper, who's latest historical THE IRISH PRINCESS just released.  It's fabulous and she'll be talking about her Irish Hero!!!  And yes...there will be a giveaway!

Chocolate Affaire!!!

Seriously, with a name like the CHOCOLATE AFFAIRE how can you expect anything less than paradise?  Picture:  You, surrounded by chocolate dipped EVERYTHING and just when you think it can't get any better, you come across the massive tent filled with all of your favorite authors signing books!  How can you even think of missing it????  Click here for more details and signing schedule. 

Erin Quinn will be there: 
Feb 5, Saturday 10-5,
Feb 6, Sunday 12-4 (free workshop at 3pm)

Want to see more?  Watch the commercial. 

Welcome author Kris Tualla!

Kris Tualla is taking the publishing world by storm.  She has another new release and I've asked her to stop by and tell us about it.  Be sure to check out all the ways to win at the end!!! 

Welcome Kris Tualla:


Why a member of Clan Bell says: "Norway is the new Scotland"!


Before you condemn this Scots/Irish lassie, here's my story:

I've been to Scotland; it's a very beautiful country. Yes, we tasted haggis. Yes, it is disgusting. Yes, it required a pint of Guinness to wash away the taste.  My most memorable Scottish moment was with a handsome, kilt-wearing Loch Ness tour guide:

Me: "I bought a kilt!"

Him: "Is it forrr yoo?"

Me: "Yes..."

Him: "Then it's no' a kilt, it's a skairrt!"

Me: "Okay. I bough' a skairrt!"

Him: "Oh! Nice accent."

Me: "Thanks."

But when I started writing novels in 2006, I wanted to go a different direction from the highly over-crowded and fanciful "kilted warrior" market. Trust me - I obviously understand the appeal of a man in a plaid. Still, I didn't think the world needed another romance about one. There simply aren't enough bookcases.

The key is the man IN the kilt. He needs to be sexy hero material.

So who else is sexy? Vikings! Big, blond, buff, and beautiful, with oceanic eyes. But the Viking era was pretty harsh. And limited. And dirty. So my Norwegian hero's story takes place in the 1800s. And it quickly grew to a trilogy, with the second book pulling my Nicolas Hansen to Norway to candidate for a reclaimed Norse throne!

But, as enamored I became of my Norse men, I wasn't willing to ignore my own heritage, so while my heroes are all members of the fictional Hansen family of Arendal, Norway - in homage to the Bell clan, I have given some of my heroines the name.

In an attempt to schmooze the Powers That Be, I did set my fourth book - a Hansen prequel - in 1354 on the northern coast of Scotland. The hero is a shipwrecked Norseman trying to get home, rescued by a spunky red-haired healer. This story tells of the re-establishment of the Hansen family following the cataclysmic Black Death.

Loving the Norseman is scheduled for a Fall 2011 release, as is the sequel, Loving the Knight. There, my heroine takes the Bell name as she steps into the role of Lady of the estate and raises the plague-orphaned Bell heir on the Scots/English border in 1355. The hero is a Scottish knight from whom she is keeping her true "English/bastard/servant" identity a secret.

Trust me - there is a Hansen in that story as well! I must remain true to my brand. Because Norway is the new Scotland!

So. Is it time you found a new sort of hero? Please allow me to help.

For every 10 people who comment here, I will give away one free e-copy of A Woman of Choice - the beginning of the trilogy. And, yes. Commenter #11 warrants 2 copies! Comment #21? I'll give away three.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

In February at the end of my blog tour, I'll give away one SIGNED PAPERBACK SET of the trilogy. Here's how you can get in on that deal:

1. Go to http://www.kristualla.com/  and find the "Secret Word" on my home page.

2. Send an email to ktualla@cox.net  with "Signed Trilogy Giveaway" in the subject line. Put the secret word in the body.

3. Comment on any blog at any time in the tour to activate your entry. Each day's blog location is listed at http://kristualla.wordpress.com/blog-tour-dates-locations/


A Woman of Choice, A Prince of Norway, and A Matter of Principle are all available at http://www.goodnightpublishing.com/



A Woman of Choice - Missouri Territory, 1819

A woman is viciously betrayed and abandoned by her unfaithful husband. She is rescued by a widower uninterested in love. In desperation, she becomes engaged to his best friend. One woman, three very different men. Life is about choices.


A Prince of Norway - Christiania, Norway, 1820

American-born Nicolas Hansen has been asked to candidate for his great-grandfather's throne. His new wife Sydney isn't about to let him go to Norway and face that possibility alone. The moment they arrive at Akershus Castle, the political intrigue and maneuvering begin. Can Sydney trust anyone? Will Nicolas resist the seduction of power? Or will he claim the throne for himself? Most importantly: will their young marriage survive the malicious mischief of the ambitious royal family?


A Matter of Principle - St. Louis, State of Missouri, 1821

Nicolas Hansen has returned from Norway determined to change the world. But when he runs for State Legislator in the brand-new state of Missouri, the enemies he made over the past two years aren't about to step quietly aside. Sydney has made enemies of her own, both by marrying Nicolas and by practicing midwifery. When a newspaper reporter makes it his goal to destroy them, Nicolas must rethink his path once again. But this time, it's a matter of principle.

Q & A on Erin's books

I've been getting notes from readers asking about my books and whether they need to be read in order.  I thought I should answer here in case others were wondering.

Q:  Is your latest series called the Haunting Series or The Mists of Ireland?
A:  The answer is both, sort of.  :)  A reviewer coined it The Haunting Series after the first book (Haunting Beauty) and the name seemed to stick.  Recently, my publisher has decided that the series is more aptly described by a different name:  THE MISTS OF IRELAND.  So, if you're ordering books online or see the books in the store and you are confused and thinking maybe it's a different series, be confused no more.  :)  Haunting Series and Mists of Ireland are one and the same series.

Q:  Should your Mists of Ireland series be read in order of publication or are the books stand alone?
A:  Both.  Ha!  Honestly, I am one of those readers that always reads books in order, but I know that not all readers come to a series that way.  I have written each book to stand alone and it is my hope that a new reader can start anywhere in the series and enjoy the story.  However, it wouldn't be a series if there wasn't an over-arching theme linking them together and the stories are connected. 

Q:  What is the order of publication of your books?
A:  My Mists of Ireland series was published in this order:

Haunting Beauty, August 2009 

Haunting Warrior, May 2010

Haunting Desire, April 2011

Haunting Embrace, October 2011

Q:  Will there be other Mists of Ireland books following Haunting Embrace?

A:  I have several stories in mind that involved characters from the Mists of Ireland series, however I have not yet worked them out and presented them to my publisher.  New stories, however, will branch away from the four Haunting books and bring in new themes and I expect to bring some closure to the ongoing theme  with Haunting Embrace.

Q:  You also have books published as Erin Grady.  Why the two names?

A:  The name change had to do with my publishers opinion that the Mists of Ireland series was different from my other books and should have a new pen name.  This is very common in publishing.  I believe that while my Erin Grady books are not part of a series, they exhibit the same story telling voice that my Erin Quinn books do.  If you've enjoyed my Quinn books, I think you'll like my Grady books.

Q:  Will your older titles be rereleased?

A:  As soon as I finish Haunting Embrace, I plan to release Echoes and Whispers as eBooks.  You will also be able to order them in print at that time.

I hope I answered all of your questions!  Let me know if you have more!

Welcome Kathryne Kennedy, author of BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS

Yes, I do have favorites.  Like every other writer, I am a reader first.  I love a good story.  I really love a great one and Kathryne Kennedy delivers that again and again.  Her fresh voice and vivid imagination always leave me in awe (and scratching my head thinking, how in the world did she think of that?????)

That said, it's no surprise that I beg Kathryne to put me on her blog tour when she has a new release and kind soul that she is, she always says yes.  So without further ado, please welcome Kathryne and read about BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS which hits bookshelves this week.  Take it from me, it's a colorful, lush romance set in a world of it's own!

Don't forget to check out the details below....there's a give away!

____________________________________

Hello to Erin, and to all her readers!

It’s great to be back here at your blog as a guest today. My publisher is giving away two copies of Beneath the Thirteen Moons (U.S. & Canada addresses only) to two lucky commenters today, so be sure to leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m here to celebrate the re-release of my very first book, Beneath the Thirteen Moons, available now in mass-market paperback. I’m often asked how I came up with the world, so I thought that I’d post the recipe for my world-building today just for fun.

Recipe for Building the World of Sea Forest

By Kathryne Kennedy

Take a dash of Tarzan, who lives within the canopy of the jungle.

Reserve the land, adding heaping amounts of water to cover the world, so that all life is forced to exist and survive within the ocean trees.

Sprinkle in a touch of Venice, with waterways instead of roads.

Cover it with thirteen moons, so that the tidal pulls cause different directional currents within the waterways of the trees.

Add a touch of magic to help the colonists survive on this hostile planet, in the form of zabbaroot, which only some humans can tolerate. But if they can, it allows them to See, Push, and Change elements at the molecular level.

Fold in a gorgeous aristocracy who are genetically inclined to tolerate the zabbaroot--and use it to maintain power in the world.

Mix in a dash of a wild genetic streak, that allows an occasional peasant or two to use zabbaroot, to an extent surpassing even the royals of the planet.

Blend in natives to the planet, with their own goals and ideals, including a little monk-fish named Jaja who is comical and yet has a deeper purpose toward mankind.

Heat it up to smoking hot when Mahri, a swamp-dweller and smuggler of the zabbaroot, kidnaps Korl, the crown prince of Sea Forest.

Serve with a drizzle of chocolate. There’s nothing better than romance and chocolate…okay, maybe a few things, but not many. ;}

BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES DECEMBER 2010


He's a ruler in a divided world...

In a magical watery world of the Sea Forest, the divide between the rulers and the people is an uncrossable chasm. Handsome, arrogant prince Korl Com'nder has lived a life of luxury that is nothing more than a fantasy to the people he rules. Until the day he is accidentally kidnapped by a beautiful outlaw smuggler and is forced to open his eyes to the world outside his palace walls.

She's an outcast, but at least she has her independence...

Mahri Zin would stop at nothing to save her village, and when they needed a healer she didn't think twice about kidnapping one. But when she realizes that the healer she so impulsively stole is none other than the crown prince of Sea Forest, Mahri knows that she has a chance to change the fate of her people...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Borders

BooksAMillion

Chapters/Indigo.ca

Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory

Are you there world? It's me, Erin

Lordy, the last few months have been insane.  I usually feel like I'm on a dead run, but lately it's been more like a flat out run-for-my-life!!!!  After a big of burn and churn, HAUNTING DESIRE is finally in the can.  The next time I see it will be for a final proofing.  I'm really excited about this one hitting the shelves on April 4, 2011, even though--or especially because--it has consumed so much of my life.

For those of you who have asked, my friend and sister author Tina Gerow is doing much better and we're all hoping for a full recovery!  It will be a long, arduous (and no doubt expensive) journey back to good health, but thanks to all who have already opened their hearts and wallets to Tina.  If you find you have an extra dollar or two, please think of giving this season.  You can find more informtion here.

And then there are the holidays!  I'm trying to keep my spirit energized for the approaching weeks.  As I look around, I can't help but see just how truly blessed I am.  I have my health, my family, and the opportunity to tell my stories.  I am so fortunate.

Hope you'll check back on Wednesday when I host the fabulous Kathryne Kennedy.  She's got a new release, BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS, which is a wonderful trip into her amazing imagination.  One of my favorite of her books.  There's a giveaway......