What Was the Name of That Book?

Back to what I'm reading -- have read, actually. Wednesday Marie Bellevaux asked on the Cerridwen authors' blog "what is the book that you most remember now? What book/author left a big impression on you that you still remember today?"

For me, The Bride by Julie Garwood immediately came to mind. It was the second romance I read. I love her historicals for a fun read and have to admit that I have not read any of her contemporaries for fear that they wouldn't be as fun. Second, I thought of Mary Jo Putney's (a continuing theme here) The Rake and the Reformer, for emotion. I read the original version and have it on my keeper shelf. Then, an historical I judged in RWA's RITA contest a couple of years ago came to mind. But, I can't for the life of me remember the author or the title. Bad Jean.

I'm pretty sure it opened in Vienna. The hero was Eastern European/German state nobility. The heroine probably was, too, although she was living in England. Maybe had a son. It was a reunion story. What I do remember is that it had rich historical detail and historical intrigue. I couldn't forget. I meant to save the book and look for more by the author, but, apparently, I donated the book to my library's annual book sale.

Anyone have any idea of what book I'm remembering.

Contests

Who has an opinion on writing contests? Good? Bad? Ugly? I've had three experiences. The first was very good. The second was pretty neutral. The last was ugly.

Library Day

Yesterday was library day. I picked up the kids from Chess Club.










And we picked out our books.

Yep, more Mary Jo Putney for me. I also put in a request for the next two books in Beverly Lewis' Abram's Daughters series, The Betrayal and The Sacrifice. The only ones on the shelf were the first one, The Covenant, which I've read and the last one. I want to read them in order.

What Are You Reading?

I just finished book four of Sara Donati's Wilderness Series. The books are historical romantic sagas set in post-revolutionary northern New York. Part of the fun in reading them has been recognizing the various settings in the stories. I've been to almost all of them.

They are all very long -- in the 600-page range -- and I've noticed a pattern. About half to three quarters through, my interest flags a bit. But I keep reading because the endings always leave me satisfied, but longing for more. I'm looking forward to the fifth book due out this fall.

What am I reading next? Mary Jo Putney's Bartered Bride. I don't know how I missed this one when it first came out. I've read all her books. A bit of trivia: Mary Jo grew up in the next little village over from where I grew up in Western New York.

The Work Continues

It seems our renovations are in sync with my writing. Three windows in, three pages written, and, drum roll, ta da: one new door.

That's my lovely daughter displaying the door. It opens into her kitchen.

Let the Work Begin

Here's Druhan, age six, giving Uncle Michael a hand . . .







making sure everything is nice and level.


Good thing someone is working. I've been so excited about selling Milady Viking that I haven't written much of anything new since last Thursday.

Travel Back to Tenth Century Scotland

Here it is, my next book. Milady Viking (working title).

Cerridwen Press offered me a contract today.

Milady Viking pairs would-be Viking warrior Kara Thorddatter with Scots Warlord Aedan Machakon on a quest for a Viking hoard hidden in the Highlands of Scotland that proves love is the real treasure.

More details when I have them.

This Old House

While I'm waiting for my Cerridwen contract and revision letter:

We live in a 170-year-old farmhouse that we're renovating and restoring. Is that an oxymoron?

The project for this summer is seven new thermal windows and

two new insulated doors. They are here and ready to go. Work starts in earnest today.