I am truly grateful for all the kind and generous support I’ve had for both celebrations and appreciate every one of my online friends. So let’s party! Feel free to pop over to Facebook with a picture of yourself in a mask, if you have one.
I’m giving away the following prizes as a thank you for your support and because I like giving gifts! In any of your comments, please tell me which prize you would you like to be entered for and one person will be chosen from each prize category tomorrow (Tuesday). The prizes are all easy to post so anyone can enter. |
| Cranberry lip balm |
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| Calendar of Scotland |
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| Black mask |
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| Small earring studs |
Here’s the blurb to whet your appetite for the novel, and some cordial and cake while you read. I've come in my mask, ready for the ball - wish I was also dressed in a long Regency gown! This was me at the Venetian masked ball on a cruise ship last year when we were actually moored overnight at Venice!
In Edinburgh, December 1816, young widow Lady Lenora Fitzallan accepts an invitation to the country estate of Edward Montgomery, the man she once thought to marry twenty years previously. Until he left without explanation. Accompanied by her godmother, Lady Pettigrew, Lenora forms a friendship with Edward’s young niece and ward, Annabelle, who has a propensity for getting into scrapes and falling in love with the wrong man.
In the days leading up to the Masquerade Ball on the Winter Solstice, another guest arrives. Mr. Henderson has a particular reason for meeting Annabelle, who distrusts him on sight. Meanwhile, Lenora struggles with her rekindled feelings for Edward, while thinking of Robert Masters, the sophisticated man who hopes to marry her when he returns from abroad. As past secrets begin to unfold, Annabelle is rescued from harm, and a dashing, costumed stranger arrives at the Ball.Once the past is revealed and the real villain unmasked, Lenora must decide where and with whom her future now lies.
The story is set in my own lovely Scotland during the Regency period, which was officially from 1811 to 1820 when the Prince Regent was on the British throne. For this book, I wanted a less traditional Regency romp, although the niece, Annabelle, provides more than one escapade. I love winter, and the winter solstice is an added interest for me, as well as signifying a time of change for my characters. As for the masked ball – well the photo of me above already shows how much I enjoy a mask!
Which is your favourite time of year and why?Here’s the first excerpt
As the carriage departed from her house in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, Lady Lenora Fitzallan settled back in her seat and contemplated the change to her plans since receiving the unexpected correspondence.
“Let me read the letter again, Lenora, if you will.”
Lenora reached across the short distance and handed the well-folded paper to Lady Clarissa Pettigrew.
Lenora’s godmother read the letter twice over, then handed it back. “How mysterious, my dear. And you had no knowledge of this niece, Annabelle, whom he wishes you to meet?”
“Not only have I never heard of the girl, but I’ve had no contact from Edward Montgomery in seventeen years, which makes his invitation to a midwinter solstice house party and masquerade ball all the more intriguing.”
“One wonders how Mr. Montgomery knows you to be a widow. His invitation would not otherwise have been proffered.”
Lenora turned the letter over in her hand as if the answer to her godmother’s astute question could be found there. “I do not know, Godmother. It is exceedingly curious.”
She fingered the firm, sloping signature before returning the missive to her reticule. She knew it by heart, especially the part concerning the unknown niece. A sudden vague remembrance surfaced of rumours about the birth of a child, and she recalled Edward had a younger brother but knew nothing of his life. But why should the girl be in Edward’s care, as the letter inferred?
Do you have a favourite Jane Austen character, or a type of hero you prefer in romantic novels? Take the J.A. Character quiz by clicking on the link below the picture!
Second Excerpt
She was trying to identify the remaining plants, when a crunch of feet warned her of someone’s approach.
“I hope I don’t disturb you, Lady Fitzallan.”
Lenora knew it was Edward even before he spoke, as though her heart recognised his presence.
“Not at all. As you see, I am admiring your herbs.”
They regarded each other without moving and Lenora wondered how to escape without appearing too eager, not quite ready for meaningful conversation between them.
She shivered. “Forgive me, but I had only meant to take a short stroll around the garden and the cold is now biting at my toes.”
He smiled and offered his arm. “Come let me walk you back to the house, lest you lose your way.”
Hesitating for the merest moment, Lenora took his arm. She was hardly a simpering miss to react at the touch of a man’s hand on her arm, yet, annoyingly, she was not unmoved by his tall masculinity. The boy she once knew and loved had become a handsome man, the scar merely adding an intriguing, rakish air. Lenora stiffened away from him. Handsome features and intrigue aside, she could not, no, would not forget his betrayal so easily. If Edward noticed her reaction, he gave no sign.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation, Lenora. I hardly dared to think you might come after so many years between us.”
So they were to use their given names again. “I confess I almost did not, but curiosity won over any other emotion.” This time he glanced at her but did not speak.
They strolled on in silence and Lenora wondered if his thoughts were as deep as her own. Yet she could not broach the subject that had lain between them for this long. Another time, perhaps. However, she must mention the poems, although not the one he had singled out. Not today.
They strolled on in silence and Lenora wondered if his thoughts were as deep as her own. Yet she could not broach the subject that had lain between them for this long. Another time, perhaps. However, she must mention the poems, although not the one he had singled out. Not today.
“Thank you for the volume of Sonnets. I have always loved Mr. Shakespeare’s words.”
“I remember.” He smiled and said nothing more.
*
I love Shakespeare's sonnets and there is a particular one quoted in parts of the novel - it has great significance for Lenora and Edward's story.
Do you have a favourite line from a Shakespeare sonnet or play?
If anyone wants to read Midwinter Masquerade, It's available on kindle from Amazon UK and AmazonUS, and in all e-formats through Tirgearr Publishing and Smashwords
Do you have a favourite line from a Shakespeare sonnet or play?
If anyone wants to read Midwinter Masquerade, It's available on kindle from Amazon UK and AmazonUS, and in all e-formats through Tirgearr Publishing and Smashwords
The above photo is one of the views from my home and I love when the hills are covered in snow on dark winter mornings.
This fine plump pheasant wandered into our garden on one such morning in the hope of some food. Perhaps in the Regency period, it was more likely to be the food!
Well thank you all for joining in the celebrations. Carriages are now waiting for anyone ready to go home. Don't forget to leave a comment if you'd like to be entered for one of the prizes - and mention which one. Safe journey until the next party!
Romy x
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