The giveaway for two copies of How to Win a Heart Back home recently ended. I chose the winners using random.org. All winners from today will be notified this evening.
Thanks to everyone who participated and I hope you will check out the other great giveaways that are going on.
The Winners are:
Kathy P.
&
Myra C.
The giveaway for one copy of The Postmistress has ended and I have chosen a winner using random.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, we had a lot of success with this one.
Please continue to check back for new giveaways every week.
The winner is:
Karen
The giveaway for one copy of India Black ended some time ago, but I have had some health issues and hadn't gotten to post some of the winners. Winners will be notified later this evening. Thanks to everyone for participating and there will lots more giveaways in the future.
The winner is:
MissKallie2000
Please join me in welcoming Elaine Coffman to Debbie's Book Bag, today. Elaine is here to talk about her latest release from Sourcebooks, The Return of Black Douglas. Sourcebooks has been generous enough to offer two copies of The Return of Black Douglas for giveaway, see details at the end of the post.
DEB: Elaine, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
EC: Former elementary school teacher, returned to college to work on my master’s degree in Language and Learning Disabilities, which I also taught. I quit a few years later to devote my time to raising my own three children. My first book, MY ENEMY, MY LOVE was published in 1988 and was nominated for Best Historical of the Year. I’ve been around so long, I’m starting to feel like a dinosaur, but I still believe in magic and I love what I do.
DEB: Tell us a little about your book, The Return of Black Douglas?
EC: THE RETURN OF BLACK DOUGLAS is a time travel, where the ghost of the Black Douglas takes twin sisters from the 21st century back to Scotland in 1515. They arrive in the midst of a battle and Elisabeth, a doctor, is captured by the Macleans, while the shorts-wearing archaeologist, Isobella, is rescued by Alysandir Mackinnon and taken to his castle on the Isle of Mull. Alysandir and Isobella are well matched, for both are stubborn to a fault. When they aren’t engaged in conflict, Isobella is busy doing everything Alysandir has ordered her not to do. She decides to save him from the devils of his past—when she isn’t excavating in a cave, up to her elbows in broken crockery bits, and cataloging the treasures of the Picts, for future generations to discover.
DEB: What was your inspiration for this book? Have you always been interested in Douglas or Scottish themes in general?
EC: When I finished the last of my seven book Mackinnon series in 1997, I received a huge number of letters asking me to do a series of books on the Mackinnon’s Scottish ancestors. After THE BRIDE OF BLACK DOUGLAS was published in 2000, I was asked repeatedly, to bring back the ghost of the Black Douglas. So, I can truthfully say that my readers were, without a doubt, the inspiration for this book. I have always been interested in Scotland because I have Scots ancestors and I have always been captivated by their sad and tragic past. My Mackinnon books were set in Texas, Nantucket, Scotland, California and England. But, Scotland is the setting I have returned to again and again.
DEB: What type of research did you do for your book?
EC: Oh my, I’m afraid if I told you, everyone would fall asleep. My love of research is what drove me to write Historical Romance over other genres, simply because I love history. I truly find great joy in it and take great pride in my research. I can spend hours searching for one tiny bit of information. For instance, with this book I did in-depth research into the ancient Celts and the Dal Riada tribes of Ireland that first came to Scotland, including St. Columba who started the first monastery on Iona, a small island a short distance from Mull. For my archaeologist heroine, I had to study archaeology and the kinds of findings my heroine could expect to find. And then there was her sister, the doctor, and the ancient medical practices I chased down. Fun, but a lot of work.
DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?
EC: I have my writing space with two nice, big windows, my wonderful desk (a replica of George Washington’s) and two working tables- one for my PC and big screen, with my laptop beside it, so I can have both of them on. The other table is for research materials. I keep a fairly neat office, but books do tend to pile up. In the morning, after I have my latte on my deck and read the paper, I do a few things around my house and yard, before I go to the gym. Once I’m home, I write the rest of the day, usually returning after dinner to write at some night (I live alone)- and I have been known to stay up all night, if I’m on a roll. I’m an extrovert and have a lot of wonderful friends, so I have to be careful to curtail my going so it doesn’t interfere when I’m writing. I don’t schedule a fixed amount I much I write every day… I just write until my brain shuts down and I find myself staring at the screen.
DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?
EC: Oh my gosh! I will never forget . . . I was in NYC when my agent called and said Dell wanted to buy all four of my books. One was finished, two were partially done and the fourth was only an outline. I was stunned at first, and then simply elated and finally I cried, and then I ran up a HUGE telephone bill. But it was worth it.
DEB: Do have any advice for new writers?
EC: Believe in yourself and don’t stop trying. If you don’t sell your first book, don’t give up. I was rejected by EVERY major publisher in New York and was in the process of revising my first book, when Dell Delacorte was merged with Bantam Doubleday, which became Bantam, Doubleday, Dell. A woman from Philadelphia, who read manuscripts for Dell, mentioned to the new editor that she read a book by a lady from Texas several months before, and she couldn’t stop thinking about it. They went through the files and found my agent’s letter, then called and asked to have the first three chapters of my finished book. Two days later, the editor called back that she wanted the rest of the book. A few days later, they bought everything. I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn’t kept telling myself that I knew I was a good writer and I was going to prove it someday.
DEB: When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?
EC: I was always a voracious reader, and one of the things I don’t like about writing is that I don’t have much time to read for pleasure. I try to squeeze one in whenever I can. I don’t read romances because I don’t want to be influenced by what others are writing, or their style. I have so many interests that cover many genres- mostly books on interesting subjects, countries I like to visit or write about, travel, geography, history, ancient medicine and civilizations, clothing- I have LOTS of books on Scotland and even ordered a copy of “The Bruce" by John Barbour, written in the 14th century, from England. After having Ken Follett’s book, Pillars of the Earth, for ages, I finally got around to reading it this fall. I’ve never been a big reader of biographies, but I do remember reading Clara Barton in elementary school and my first book report was THE YEARLING, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Oh, how I cried!
DEB: What are you working on right now?
EC: I am busy writing a sequel to my two Douglas books. LORD OF THE BLACK ISLE is the story of Isobella’s twin, Elisabeth, who is the doctor.
DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?
EC: The brother of one of my many times great grandmothers, a man named Samuel Argyll, who was also Governor of Colonial Virginia, captured Pocahontas.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Sourcebooks has been kind enough to offer two copies of The Return of Black Douglas for giveaway.
~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian addresses only (Publisher's Request)
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight, EST April 20th.
1. Please leave a comment on THIS post in appreciation of the author.
2. Please fill out the FORM.
The Confession of Katherine Howard by Suzannah Dunn
Publication Date: April 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Paperback, 320pp
ISBN-13: 9780062011473
ISBN: 0062011472
(Received for review from TLC Tours)
Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound
Suzannah Dunn on the WEB: Website, Facebook
Synopsis (Book Blurb):
The tragic, moving, and gripping story of Katherine Howard. Henry VIII's fifth wife, and the best friend she nearly took down with her.
When twelve-year-old Katherine Howard comes to live in the Duchess of Norfolk's household, poor relation Cat Tilney is deeply suspicious of her. The two girls couldn't be more different: Cat, watchful and abitious; Katherine, interested only in clothes and boys. Their companions are in thrall to Katherine, but it's Cat in whom Katherine confides. Summoned to court at seventeen, Katherine leaves Cat in the company of her ex-lover, Francis, with whom Cat begins a serious love affair.
Within months, the king has set aside his latest wife for Katherine. The future seems assured for the new queen and her maid-in-waiting, although Cat would feel more confident if Katherine hadn't embarked on an affair with one of the king's favored attendants, Thomas Culpepper.
For a blissful year and a half, it seems that Katherine can have everything she wants. But then allegations are made about her girlhood love affairs. Desperately frightened, Katherine recounts a version of events which implicates Francis but which Cat knows to be a lie. With Francis imprisoned in the Tower, Cat alone knows the whole truth of Katherine Howard's past.
Thoughts:
Suzannah Dunn once again thrills fans with her latest historical fiction novel. The Confession of Katherine Howard, takes a well known historical character and brings her story to life. Though little is known about the real Katherine Howard, Dunn brings poignancy and clarity to her character. Readers will find themselves taken back in time to Henry VIII's England where accusations and betrayal were very day occurrences and where loyalty alone did not always ensure your life.
At age twelve Katherine Howard goes to live with the Duchess of Norfolk where she meets Cat Tilney. Katherine and Cat were not fast friends, as Cat was suspicious of this new girl, who was always the center of attention. As a young girl Katherine was a flirt and loved the boys, but when she met Francis Dereham everything changed. She loved him but their relationship was never to be as Katherine was summoned to King Henry's court when she was seventeen. Cat is left behind and she and Francis take comfort with each other. But, when Henry makes Katherine his fifth wife and queen, she and Cat are reunited. Accusations, however threaten to put them on different sides. Katherine is forced to implicate Francis and he is thrown in Tower awaiting execution. Cat knows that Katherine is lying but will she choose to tell the truth or protect her friend?
Dunn's research for her historical novels is always wonderful. It gives her books a feeling of authenticity. Her story and her characters are believable and readers are easily drawn into her novels. Katherine Howard is a very famous character as Henry VIII's fifth wife, but so little is actually known about her, even the year she was born is somewhat shrouded in mystery. One of the great feats of historical fiction is taking a character that is virtually a mystery and giving that character a life, a back story, a purpose. Dunn pulls that off in The Confession of Katherine Howard flawlessly.
Katherine becomes a real person for readers. At she is young orphaned girl who meets someone who becomes her best friend. Later she finds love but is forced to leave it. Then we see her a confident queen, until rumors that she had an understanding with Francis Dereham before her marriage to Henry threatens her standing and ultimately her life. Then we see her as a frightened young woman at her wits end. Willing to give up her friend and lover to save her life. Her story is compelling and full of surprises. Dunn did a fantastic job of bringing Katherine's story to light and giving readers a haunting look at what people are willing to sacrifice.
Henry is portrayed much as he usually is. Very pompus, very demanding and without much of a conscience. But after the beheading of Katherine readers see a change in Henry that is surprising. He begins to go down hill at an alarming rate. Some think that had to do with guilt over Katherine's death. I thought that Dunn showed Henry as someone who was used to getting what he wanted. Yet he was vulnerable. The fact that he had no legitmate heir was something that haunted Henry. He was also a very sexual man who had many women, but never seemed to care deeply for any of them. But, Henry was a man, like any other. He has his faults and they were many and Dunn does a remarkable job of showing readers how Henry's mind worked. It was fascinating.
I recommend this one to historical fiction fans and those interested in the Tudor's. This a story about a girl who came from nothing and became queen. It's a story about friendship and the ties that bind people together. It's about sacrifice and what that does to a person. It's a great book that I think many will really enjoy.
The Confession of Katherine Howard is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I am giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag.
Suzannah Dunn is the author of ten previous novels, all of which haven been critically acclaimed. She has written three historical novels. The Queen's Subtleties, The Sixth Wife, and The Queen's Sorrow.
Please join me in welcoming Erica James to Debbie's Book Bag today. She is joining us to talk about her latest release from Sourcebooks, The Queen of New Beginnings. Sourcebooks has been generous in offering Debbie's Book Bag two copies for giveaway, please see the end of the post for details.
DEB: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
ERICA: I started writing as a hobby in my early thirties when I was a stay-at-home mother with two young children. I never intended to become a published author; writing was merely an extension of my love of reading and I simply thought it might be fun to write a story of my own in place of reading one. In my naivety I had no idea what I was getting into and before I knew it, I was hooked and couldn’t stop writing. Fifteen published books later, and I’m still hooked.
DEB: Tell us a little about your book, The Queen of New Beginnings.
ERICA: This was one of my favourite novels to write because not only did I love every minute I spent with the characters, but it was one of those books that seemingly wrote itself. The story revolves around Clayton Miller, a well-known comedy scriptwriter suffering from writer’s block, and the unlikely friendship he forms with Alice Shoemaker, a voiceover artist. They each have good reason to avoid telling the truth about themselves and as the story unfolds, we see that not only is Clayton his own worst enemy, (but with his heart in the right place), but that Alice’s childhood was far from conventional.
DEB: What was your inspiration for this book?
ERICA: For me it’s always a character who kick-starts a novel and in this instance it was the character of Clayton Miller who was the catalyst. He popped into my head one day when I suddenly imagined a tired and jaded man cynically composing his obituary and from there he became a constant presence in my head and I had no choice but to get to know him better. Then as time went by I could hear him interacting with other characters and the ideas just kept flowing. I always think of writing a book as being akin to throwing a stone into a pool of water and watching the ripples spread.
DEB: Have you always been interested in writing women’s fiction?
ERICA: People often ask me if I’d like to write a different style of novel and my answer is always the same - I love what I do. I see my books as being stories, which revolve around relationships, whether they be relationships between friends, members of a family or people falling in love. I particular enjoy writing about families because whilst families may have similarities, every family is different, which means the potential for stories is endless. On the whole it is women who enjoy this genre of storytelling, but I know from meeting my readers as well as receiving emails from them that men also enjoy my novels.
DEB: What type of research did you do for your book?
ERICA: I didn’t really have to do an awful lot of research for this book as I have a very good friend who is a comedy scriptwriter and over the years I’ve absorbed his stories of the business he was in. With regard to Alice and her work, all of my novels have been turned into audio books and I’ve been lucky enough to meet the actresses or voiceover artists who have recorded them and again, I’ve absorbed the nature of their work.
DEB: What is your normal writing day like?
ERICA: From Monday to Friday I try to be in my study at half past eight in the morning and will work through the day until seven o’clock or seven-thirty in the evening. I stop for a short lunch break but for no more than twenty minutes as I don’t like to lose momentum. If I’m stuck on a scene or chapter, I’ll potter in the garden for a while or run an errand that needs doing in the hope that inspiration will come. But basically I don’t like to stray from my study when writing, I like to stay in the zone. The same goes for when I’m in Italy and working there. I suppose I’m naturally very focused and self-disciplined.
DEB: Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?
ERICA: I like to be surrounded by what I call creative clutter, such as keepsakes and photographs of my sons. I also like to use the same files, pens and pencils for making notes – some of these I’ve had for more than ten years.
DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?
ERICA: It was unbelievably exciting and an answer to a prayer because I was going through a divorce and desperately needed a job and an income. With the publication of my first book – A Breath of Fresh Air – not only did I suddenly have money in the bank, but the novel became a bestseller, not just in the UK, but in Sweden.
DEB: Do you have any advice for new writers?
ERICA: Don’t write because you want to be a famous bestselling author, write because there’s nothing else you’d rather do.
DEB: When you’re not writing, what kind of books do you like to read? Do you have a favourite author?
ERICA: I read all the time, whether I’m writing or not. A snapshot of favourite authors would include Anne Tyler, Jodie Picoult, Harlen Coben, Lee Child, Kate Atkinson, Douglas Kennedy, Lionel Shriver and David Nicholls. I tend to read contemporary fiction, but just recently I’ve started reading the Shardlake series of novels by C.J. Sansom, which are set at the time of Henry VIII.
DEB: What are you working on right now?
ERICA: I’m working on the final draft of a new novel called The Real Katie Lavender. It’s about a girl who discovers that the man she’d thought was her father wasn’t. Feeling that she no longer knows who she is, she tracks down her biological father to find out the truth about him as well as herself.
DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?
ERICA: The one thing that always surprises my readers when they meet me at a book event is how small I am. For some reason they imagine a much bigger person. Apologies to anyone who feels short-changed!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Sourcebooks has generously offered readers here at Debbie's Book Bag the opportunity to win two copies of The Queen of New Beginnings.
~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian addresses only! (Publishers Request)
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST April 18th.
1.) Please leave a comment on THIS post in appreciation of the author.
2.) Please fill out this FORM.
Demon's Are a Girl's Best Friend by Linda Wisdom
Publication Date: April 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Pages: Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9781402254390
ISBN: 1402254393
(Received for review from Sourcebooks)
Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound
Linda Wisdom on the WEB: Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter
Synopsis (Book Blurb):
A BEWITCHING WOMAN ON A MISSION...
Feisty witch Maggie enjoys her work as a paranormal law enforcement officer - that is, until she's assigned to protect a teenager with major attitude and plenty of Mayan enemies. Maggie's never going to survive this assignment without the help of a half-fire demon who makes her smolder...
A HOTTER-THAN-SIN HERO WITH AN AGENDA...
Declan is proprietor of an underground club and busy demon portal. No way he'll allow his demon race to be blamed for the malicious acts of some crazy evil Mayans. But he's already got his hands full when the sexy witch offers him a challenge he can't refuse...
Amidst the rising flames of their steamy love affair, Maggie and Declan are damned if they do, and even more damned if they don't...
Thoughts:
Linda Wisdom once again hits it out of the ballpark with her latest book, Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend. Feisty main character Maggie is an offshoot from Wisdom's popular Jazz Tremaine series. Fans will love this first book in a new series, with hotter than hot demon heroes. Wisdom sticks to her trademark witches, but gives readers a whole new set of paranormal characters that have them a little hot under the collar.
As a Hellion Guard and witch Maggie finds herself in some pretty sticky situations, but it's all in a days work. When a chance meeting with the owner of Damnation Alley, an underground club, becomes more than just business, she finds herself wondering what life would be like with a home and family. Declan, is about as hot as you can get, considering he's half-fire demon. As proprietor of the club and administrator of a busy demon portal, he has a lot of his plate. But he still finds time for some steamy romance and saving the world. When Maggie is assigned to protect a young teenage girl who is targeted by blood thirsty Mayan priests. It's up to both she and Declan to stop the ritual before it's too late.
Linda Wisdom's ability to create believable paranormal characters is definitely one of her strengths. Her popular Jazz Tremaine series is one example. Taking an offshoot character from the first series Wisdom has created a new set of characters for fans to root for and believe in. Wisdom's affinity for all things witchy hasn't changed, as the main character Maggie is a witch with attitude.
Maggie is a paranormal law enforcement officer who loves her job. She likes nothing more than to get down and dirty with the bad guys. Her kick-ass attitude will have readers applauding her no nonsense style. But Maggie also has a vulnerable side. She has big heart, one of the reasons she is determined to protect as many innocents as she can. Having lost her sister at a young age, she has dedicated her life to service, but she still longs for the dream of a home and family. She is such a great character. I enjoyed watching her develop throughout this book. She becomes more and more accessible as readers learn what she's all about. The passion she shares with Declan is all the more realistic considering her take charge attitude about life. I thought Wisdom did a remarkable job of giving readers a character who was paranormal but still had the same hopes and dreams as the rest of us.
Declan is a very sexy character. He smolders off the pages of this book, with his dark good looks and his demon swagger. At first he may come across as very laid back, someone who doesn't ruffle easy, but as the book goes on readers will find that he has spent his entire life fighting for every breathe, against a sadistic father who wants nothing more than to use him for his own gain. He is a part of a race that is considered even by paranormals to be blood thirsty and untrustworthy. So he has a lot to overcome. But he comes across as someone who will protect those he loves to the bitter end, even to the point of giving his own life. The romance between Declan and Maggie is just as passionate as these characters are. It is steamy and full of very hot moments. I thought the author did an amazing job of giving readers two paranormals that are not supposed to be together, but who are a fantastic combination.
This book has a lot of underlying ideas running through it. From the idea that certain kinds of people or in this case creatures shouldn't associate or love certain other kinds, to whether or not is possible to have the career you love and still have a home and family. It's a great urban fantasy read, with lots of attitude and action, and quite a bit of 'Wisdom'. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this new series. Wisdom continues to surprise and entertain readers with each new novel she crafts. I recommend this one to urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers. It's very steamy so keep that in mind. If you are looking for your next great paranormal read, this one should be it!
Demons are a Girl's Best Friend is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 romances in all subgenres. Her books have been published worldwide, have appeared on various romance and mass market best seller lists and have been nominated for a number of Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita award. She lives with her husband in California.
The giveaway for two copies of How to Win a Heart Back home recently ended. I chose the winners using random.org. All winners from today will be notified this evening.
The giveaway for one copy of The Postmistress has ended and I have chosen a winner using random.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, we had a lot of success with this one.
The giveaway for one copy of India Black ended some time ago, but I have had some health issues and hadn't gotten to post some of the winners. Winners will be notified later this evening. Thanks to everyone for participating and there will lots more giveaways in the future. 
Please join me in welcoming Elaine Coffman to Debbie's Book Bag, today. Elaine is here to talk about her latest release from Sourcebooks, The Return of Black Douglas. Sourcebooks has been generous enough to offer two copies of The Return of Black Douglas for giveaway, see details at the end of the post. 
The Confession of Katherine Howard by Suzannah Dunn
Suzannah Dunn is the author of ten previous novels, all of which haven been critically acclaimed. She has written three historical novels. The Queen's Subtleties, The Sixth Wife, and The Queen's Sorrow.
Please join me in welcoming Erica James to Debbie's Book Bag today. She is joining us to talk about her latest release from Sourcebooks, The Queen of New Beginnings. Sourcebooks has been generous in offering Debbie's Book Bag two copies for giveaway, please see the end of the post for details. 
Demon's Are a Girl's Best Friend by Linda Wisdom
Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 romances in all subgenres. Her books have been published worldwide, have appeared on various romance and mass market best seller lists and have been nominated for a number of Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita award. She lives with her husband in California.