Welcome To Contemporary Author - Lizzie Chantree

I'm delighted to welcome contemporary author, Lizzie Chantree, to my blog.

Hello Lizzie. It’s been wonderful connecting with you through the Romantic Novelists’ Association. I find the RNA an excellent group in which to reach out to fellow authors. I love sharing our writing experiences and hearing everyone’s news of up-and-coming book releases.

But…..before we get to know about your latest release, ‘If you love me, I’m yours…’, here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.

Arabella: How did you find your agent or publisher Crooked Cat Books and what are their good points?

Lizzie: Hi Arabella. I found my publisher through a friend. She had just signed with them and I decided to see what they thought of my book Ninja School Mum. I sent the manuscript to three publishers and two responded quickly, which was amazing. A good point is that being one of their authors makes you feel like you are part of a writing community. They are very supportive and all of their authors work together to share knowledge. 

Arabella: When writing a novel, how do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?

Lizzie: I’m a pantser. I was writing a new book this week and a minor character who I thought was unassuming, suddenly had another side to his personality that I’d not realised before. His backstory, was quite surprising! It’s almost as if I’m reading the story as I write it, which makes it a very exciting process.

Arabella: Currently, what is your most favourite T.V. programme, and why?

Lizzie: I really like watching drama series like Vera, but I also enjoy reality television. Being a writer, people’s mannerisms and the way they interact fascinate me.

Arabella: If the person of your dreams, (husband/wife/partner/or superstar), were to take you out for the night, where would they take you and what would you do?

Lizzie: I am happy anywhere with a beautiful view, especially if it’s by the sea. It could be a picnic or a lavish meal, as long as there was something inspiring to see. You might have noted how both options included food! 

Arabella: A slice of Chocolate Cake, a piece of Fruit, or Burger and Fries?

Lizzie: I’m allergic to chocolate, but I would always choose cake if I could. It’s why I need to do more exercise!

Arabella: Are there any organisations, writing, or reader groups, you belong to? And, how do they support or help you in creating such wonderful, inspirational novels?

Lizzie: I am a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, which is a wonderfully welcoming community of writers. I am also a member of an online book club called RRBC. I have met so many talented and supportive writers and readers there too. I run a Facebook group for writers called Lizzie’s Book Group where we share book marketing ideas and our successes and failures.

Arabella: We all have a long list of books we keep meaning to read but never have the time for --- which book is a must read for you this summer?

Lizzie: I’m looking forward to reading Megan Mayfair’s new book, The problem with perfect.

Arabella: What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?

Lizzie: I’ve written six books so far and am currently writing a new romantic comedy set by the seaside. It is about a family who have had a business for generations, who suddenly decide one day to pack up and move to the other side of the country and we don’t know why until later in the story. It’s full of mishaps and adventure and of course is packed with romance and giggles too.

Thank you for joining me on Arabella’s Blog and chit-chat, Lizzie. I’ll have to checkout your Facebook page: “Lizzie’s Book Group” and see if I can discover some marketing idea. Any author will tell you that these are always needed.
All the best and happy-ever-after writing.

Arabella Sheen

arabellasheen.co.uk

About Lizzie Chantree:

Award-winning inventor and author, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now runs networking hours on social media, where creative businesses, writers, photographers and designers can offer advice and support to each other. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree

https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.

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‘If you love me, I’m yours…’

Book Blurb:  

Maud didn’t mind being boring, not really. She had a sensible job, clothes, and love life… if you counted an overbearing ex who had thanked her, rolled over and was snoring before she even realised he’d begun! She could tolerate not fulfilling her dreams, if her parents would pay her one compliment about the only thing she was passionate about in life: her art. 

Dot should have fit in with her flamboyant and slightly eccentric family of talented artists, but somehow, she was an anomaly who couldn’t paint. She tried hard to be part of their world by becoming an art agent extraordinaire, but she dreamed of finding her own voice. 

Dot’s brother Nate, a smoulderingly sexy and famous artist, was adored by everyone. His creative talent left them in awe of his ability to capture such passion on canvas. Women worshipped him, and even Dot’s friend Maud flushed and bumped into things when he walked into a room, but a tragic event in his past had left him emotionally and physically scarred, and reluctant to face the world again. 

Someone was leaving exquisite little paintings on park benches, with a tag saying, ‘If you love me, I’m yours’. The art was so fresh and cutting-edge, that it generated a media frenzy and a scramble to discover where the mystery artist could be hiding. The revelation of who the prodigious artist was interlinked Maud, Dot and Nate’s lives forever, but their worlds came crashing down. 

Were bonds of friendship, love and loyalty strong enough to withstand fame, success and scandal?

Buy Links:

Universal book buy link: If you love me, I’m yours: viewbook.at/IfYouLoveMe-ImYours

Universal book buy link: Ninja School Mum: viewBook.at/NinjaSchoolMum

Universal book buy link: Babe Driven: myBook.to/LizziesBooks

Universal book buy link: Love’s Child: viewBook.at/Amazon-LovesChild

Universal book buy link: Finding Gina: viewbook.at/FindingGina

A Bride for Lord Redfield - A Sensual Regency is..... OUT NOW!

I'm delighted to say: A Bride for Lord Redfield  - is OUT NOW!
$0.99, £0.99 etc.  for a limited time only.

Delve into the Regency era and enjoy the amorous adventures of Lord Thomas Redfield and his servants...

A risqué regency romp enjoyed by both servants and masters as love and passion is discovered―above and below stairs―in his lordship’s household.

At Redfield House, everyone is busy with preparations for a ball, and rumor is rife in the servants’ quarters that the master is about to propose.

Lord Thomas Redfield realizes the time has come for him to take a wife and that this duty can no longer be delayed. The only trouble is…he isn’t sure the desire he once felt for Catherine, the woman he was previously betrothed to, is over and a new life with Rosalinda can begin.

Can Lord Redfield take Miss Rosalinda Mills for his wife, and will she agree to an engagement knowing he could still be in love with Catherine?

As the weekend unfolds and the fun begins, a bevy of illicit encounters are enjoyed between maids, footmen, grooms, and guests, while his lordship inwardly struggles with the problem of finding a wife.

Content Warning: contains passionate, sensual love scenes

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EXCERPT

Lord Thomas Redfield intended to marry Miss Rosalinda Mills, but as yet, she was not aware of his wishes.

She wasn’t a beauty by any means, but she had an attraction of sorts. Refined, polished, and cultured, she also had a conversation that did not bore him. Most women he knew were chatterboxes and windbags or bluestockings and dull. But Miss Mills was neither.

She fell into none of these categories, and after several days and evenings spent in her company, Thomas was prepared to discover more.

* * * *

“Which debutante would you have me consider? Which of your many friends will wish to parade their daughters before me?” he asked cynically.

“Well, actually, I was thinking about―”

“Enough, Mama. I’m afraid I must decline your suggestion. Your attempt at arranging a marriage between Catherine and myself was not exactly a success.” He recalled with bitterness the outcome of that proposed union. The fact that Catherine and Harry had married had hurt his pride and ego enormously. “An arranged marriage that is of your making and to your liking is not for me. I refuse, especially after my enlightening experience with my cousin. My lesson, when it comes to taking a wife, has been well and truly learned, and I would be a fool if I were to repeat such an endeavor again.”

Those were empty words, and he knew it. At some point in time he would have to marry. The difficulty was finding the right woman who was malleable and compliant to tie the knot with. Someone who would obey him without question. Someone who would tolerate his illicit liaisons without too much objection. And that type of woman was hard to find.

“But you have to try to find a wife.”

“If I do, this time, love will definitely not be in the equation.”

Thomas decided that a marriage of convenience, where he would wed and bed someone without properly wooing her for love, was his best option. And that was what he was going to propose when he offered for Rosalinda. He liked her. They got along. But the all-consuming passion and physical attraction he had once felt when betrothed to Catherine was missing when he thought of Rosalinda.

A wife was needed, and she would have to be of good birth and excellent breeding. Someone with whom he could produce an heir. The only question was…with whom and exactly when? So far, by process of elimination, Rosalinda was the best contender.

Having compiled a list of potential candidates from the many socialites within his circle of friends and acquaintances, Rosalinda seemed the best option. He had known her for years, and although he had never thought of her as a potential wife until recently, he was now prepared to do so. There was respect between them, and he hoped some sort of convivial relationship could blossom. It was a shame that the all-consuming love he had felt for Catherine was not there.

“Your betrothal to Catherine was more than three years ago, and even though I suspect your heart was never truly given to her, your feelings must have recovered. Surely?”

That just proved how little his mother knew him. Like many of his acquaintances, she thought his emotions had not been affected by Catherine’s decamp. She was so wrong. His wound was still raw.

“Mama, the subject is closed for discussion. At least for now. I have to go riding with Rosalinda and―”

“So the servants’ rumors are true. You are thinking of proposing to Rosalinda!”

Thomas approached his mother and bent to place a kiss upon her cheek. “Don’t fret. You will be the first to know if and when she accepts my offer.”

His mother’s chin dropped, her mouth open with astonishment. And with that announcement, Thomas left the room and went to change into his buckskins and riding boots.

Buy Links: 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2tx1VkW
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2U2ETxO 

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2GIyTYa
Beachwalk Press: http://bit.ly/2NrHKhw
                        
                             . . . and other leading ebook retailers.

Westbury - A Regency Romance - PRE-ORDER

I'm delighted to say:

Westbury - A Regency Romance - Ballrooms, Cotillions and Almack's…   is now available for PRE-ORDER!!

Delve into the Regency era and enjoy the adventures of Miss Georgina Morton and her friends...

Westbury 

                                                                                 Click here for more...

Can Miss Georgina Morton surrender her independence and accept the Duke’s love?

Miss Georgina Morton, at the age of four-and-twenty, with a modest annual income of four hundred pounds, believes she has no need of a husband and can manage quite nicely without one. Yet within a matter of weeks, she’s betrothed to Giles Glentworth, the Sixth Duke of Westbury, and bound for Regency London.

Set in rural Wiltshire and elegant, fast-paced London...a runaway ward, a shooting at midnight, and a visit to fashionable Almack’s, are only a few of the adventures Georgina enjoys while falling for the Corinthian charms of the Duke.

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Excerpt: 

Westbury  - Ballrooms, Cotillions and Almack's…

     

Some years ago, Georgina’s parents had hired a house in Claremont Square for the London Season. They had taken her to London with the intention of presenting her to society so that she might find a suitable man to make a match with and marry. Georgina had done all the things a debutante should do. She’d gone to balls, danced the night away, and she’d made lots of new friends.

It was whilst paying a morning visit to one of her friends―Clarissa Davenport―that Georgina first encountered “Cousin Giles.” He had been known as the Marquis of Glentworth, and her encounter with him was anything but pleasant.

At the time, Georgina hadn’t known who the Marquis of Glentworth was, and it was only later in the season when someone pointed him out as being none other than the next Duke of Westbury, that she discovered his true identity.

Having called upon Clarissa to indulge in a delightful tête-à-tête about a ball they attended the night before, Georgina left her friend’s house and was making her way back to Claremont Square on foot when the Marquis of Glentworth almost knocked her down with his phaeton.

He was considered London’s most eligible bachelor and thought of by the ladies of the ton as the undisputed dandy of the Season. But that didn’t matter to Georgina. All she remembered about the Marquis was that he was the most arrogant, high-handed man she’d ever met, and he’d behaved atrociously toward her.

Whether he’d seen her crossing the road or whether she’d stepped off the curb too quickly was irrelevant. It was the fact that he’d chosen to give her a dressing down in public that riled her.

There was no doubt the Marquis veered his horses away to the side of the road with great skill. And his competence in avoiding an accident was excellent. But she felt there was no need for him to have shouted her down in such an ungentlemanly fashion in front of passers-by. He’d been completely and utterly discourteous.

His displeasure with her was apparent, and people at the roadside, witnessing their altercation, had been thoroughly entertained by her discomfort. For her it was an excruciatingly painful and embarrassing event. And she’d been disconcertingly mortified.

“You there,” the Marquis had called out. “Where are you bound in such a hurry? I assume you know you have crossed the road with unseeming recklessness?”

The Marquis was a fine figure of a man. Handsome enough, with a crop of thick, raven-black hair swept back from his brow in the style known as a Brutus. His features, although not rugged, were strong and compelling. And his penetrating eyes, by startling contrast, were of a cool steely grey that was mesmerising. But his good looks and manly attractiveness did not sway her from the fact that his gentleman-like behaviour wasn’t up to scratch or that he was shouting, giving her a dressing down in public.

Flustered and on the point of apologising for her hasty action, Georgina remained silent. When she heard his angry words and the tone of voice in which he spoke, she pointedly ignored his outburst and concentrated solely on straightening her lopsided bonnet. But when his horses moved, restlessly shaking their manes for attention, her bonnet, which had by now fallen from her head and dangled by its ribbons down her back, was completely forgotten.

Drawing near to where the high-perch phaeton stood, and with total disregard for her safety, she’d gone to the front of the carriage, taken the horses’ bridles in her gloved hands, and tried to calm them. Stroking their forelocks, she’d spoken soothing words before fixing a steely glare of disdain upon their owner.

Never before had she been more thankful for all the hours she’d spent in her bedchamber as a young girl, standing in front of the mirror, practising and perfecting the art of delivering the harshest of stares imaginable. Any lesser man than the Marquis would have baulked at her glower, but her unflinching look seemed not to affect him.

“Had you been more attentive, sir, there would have been no need for you to have pulled so harshly on these reins. You might have ruined their sensitive mouths.”

“Let me tell you, young Miss, no one has ever dared question me on the treatment of my horses before. You are the first person to do so.”

Georgina was surprised by the incensed and irate reaction of the Marquis. She’d ruffled his feathers.

“Really? You astonish me, sir. Perhaps someone ought to have done so before.”

He adjusted his grip on the reins. “I pride myself on giving my thoroughbreds only the finest. Nothing is of more importance to me than my horses’ wellbeing. They always have the best of everything. The best stables, the best grooms, the best fodder, and I never leave them standing outside in the cold waiting on my pleasure. Never. How dare you say I might have ruined their mouths?”

Bravely ignoring his outburst, Georgina began gingerly inspecting the horses, searching for any damage that might have been caused. There was none. But that was of no account.

Although the Marquis had skilfully handled his animals as any Corinthian, it was of no consequence to her. Her hackles were raised, and she was on the warpath. Given half the chance, she was ready to accuse him of anything and everything because of the way he made her feel and because of the telling off he’d given her.

“Had I not been vigilant, madam, my greys could have floored you, and the world would be minus your beauty.”

Georgina thought she detected a hint of tightly control sarcasm about this man, but giving him the benefit of the doubt, she decided she might be wrong. There was such an air of condemnation about him that she doubted he would ever have the inclination or the ability to stoop so low in order that he might indulge himself in something as meaningless and trivial as cynicism.

“I’m realistic enough to know I’m not a beauty, sir. I agree I may have momentarily lost my wits when crossing this road and that I might have been quite inconsiderate to these magnificent horses, but I’m not so stupid as to believe you when you call me a beauty.” Georgina tilted her head proudly in the air. “I must inform you that on more than one occasion I’ve been told my looks are passable, but a beauty I’m not. And never shall be.”

Giles had regarded her with a measuring look and then he’d laughed in disbelief. “Never before have I paid a woman a compliment and had it thrown back at me. I’m intrigued to know what kind of modest, self-effacing woman I’m talking to.”

“I’m not self-effacing, sir. I’m only truthful.”

“Then if you tell me you are not a beauty and inform me that my judgement is to be questioned, I must insist on having a closer look―for my eyes must be deceiving me. Come, step up into the carriage and allow me to inspect you.”

Giles drew off his gloves and tossed them onto the seat beside him. He reached down a hand to help her up, but with a shake of her head, she refused.

“Sir, I will not,” she said, affronted. “And you cannot make me.”

“Don’t fly into high fidgets. If you will not come to me then I shall have to come to you.”

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Welcome to Historical Author - Faye Hall

I’m delighted to welcome Australian Historical Author, Faye Hall, to my blog.

Hello Faye, It was great to connect through our romance publisher, Beachwalk Press - where a wide range of quality ebooks in a variety of subgenres, are offered – including Australian Historical Romance.

Here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.

Arabella: How did you find your agent or publisher and what are their good points?

Faye: I found Beachwalk Press literally by accident.  I was having extreme issues with the publisher I was with (no royalties, no communication) and was trying to see if it was just happening to me. Long story short I ended up on a forum that mentioned Beachwalk and thought I’d check them out.  Much to my surprise, they took the first manuscript I sent them and I’ve been with them since.  They’re the best publisher I’ve worked with so far and I’ve no plans of leaving them any time soon.  Can’t praise them enough.  Good communication and I always get a detailed royalty statement regardless of sales.

Arabella: Which do you prefer to wear: beach shorts and top, a long evening skirt and blouse, pyjamas and slippers?

Faye: I’d love to say pjs and slippers but Australian weather doesn’t always allow that.  I mostly live in singlet and shorts or a summer dress.

Arabella: Who or what inspired you to write your latest release, Wrath & Mercy?

Faye: Well it’s the fifth book in my Sins of the Virtuous series, and deals with the sin of wrath.  The entire series was born from my want to write my own version – a sensual version – of the seven deadly sins.  As with all my books, it also holds some local history from my hometown too.

Arabella: We all have a long list of books we keep meaning to read but never have the time for --- which book is a must read for you this summer?

Faye: There’s a new, upcoming author from America called April Wood.  She writes magically themed books and I’m quite intrigued by her series.

Arabella: If you could choose, which would it be: A walk in the woods, a walk along a beachfront to dip your toes in the sea, or a day shopping for clothes?

Faye: A walk in the woods.

Arabella: How do you research your novels and characters?

Faye: A lot of my characters are based on stories I’ve been told about my own ancestors and their journey to Australia during the 1800s.  I also use the local history I’ve collected over the years to get as many historical facts as accurate as possible.  Only occasionally do I have to do a google search, but that’s mainly for shipping records, or botanical medicines.

Arabella: What advice would you give to someone who is starting out on their writing journey?

Faye: To not let the bad reviews or ratings get to you.  After all, authors can’t please everyone.

Arabella: What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?

Faye: I’ve still got two more books to write in the Sins of the Virtuous series.  After that, I would like to get back to a few single titled books that are already in the works and then I might try to tackle another series.

Thank you Faye, It was lovely to have you as a guest on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat.  Do tell us when your other two books in the Sins of the Virtuous series are ready for publishing. It would be great to have an update.

Oh…and I’ll remember to check out your author recommendation for this summer’s reading.

All the best, and happy-ever-after writing,
Arabella Sheen
arabellasheen.co.uk

About Faye Hall

Faye Hall spent her early years listening to stories about the families – including her own – who settled townships in and around her hometown in North Queensland, Australia.  The local townspeople, including her own parents, told her stories of corruption and slavery, along with family secrets and forbidden love.

Desperate to remember what she’d been told, along with her already growing love of writing, Faye began to write about the history of her local area.  Never could she have imagined the history of her small home town in Australia would become a growing list of published books.

Faye’s passionate stories combine controversial subjects and provocative encounters as her characters struggle to survive the lifestyle in early rural townships throughout Australia.  She explores slavery and abortion, drug addiction and murder, as well as forbidden love and passionate affairs of the heart.

When she's not writing, Faye enjoys sharing a bottle of wine with her husband in their ever-growing garden, and encouraging the varied interests of their combined family of nine children.

Explore the world of Faye Hall, Australian Historical Romance Author at her website https://www.faye-hall.com

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Book Blurb

Would you show mercy to the lover who deserted you?

Finley Helmer thought he had it all when Elina invited him into her bed.  He thought he found passion and love beyond compare.  Instead he was thrown into a life of smuggling black opals, drugs and aboriginal slaves.  When he was charged with murder, he fled town to escape the charges, vowing to return and ask his lover why she’d handed him over to the police.

Elina Clemence was ripped away from her home and the man she loved and brought to Australia to start her life anew.  Her father promised her beauty and opportunity.  What she found was a cruel and abusive business partner, and a step-daughter who wanted to destroy her.
Despite the constant accidents following her and threatening her life, Elina sets herself up as a profitable shipping tycoon, with control over most of the town's supply.  Despite her powerful position, her heart still ached for the man she once loved who disappeared from her life without a trace.

Finding themselves passionately reunited, Finley and Elina discover the cruelty that tore them from each other.  As they search for answers, they uncover the unrelenting wrath and vengeance of an opium addict who will stop at nothing until she has possession of the black opals she thinks they are hiding.

Will their love for each other allow them forgiveness, or will they fall victim to the horror that seems to be following them?

Book Excerpt

Elina went quiet, watching Fin’s attention return to the papers on the desk. She knew now wasn’t the best time to bring up her own concerns. Still, he needed to know.

“My father told me we leave for Australia as soon as he has our affairs in order.”

Fin looked up at Elina. “He told me before the funeral that he thought it best to take you as far away from here as possible. He believes what is being said about Ewan, and he doesn’t want those he dealt with finding their way back to you.”

Elina lowered her gaze to her lap. “Will you be coming with us?”

Silence surrounded them. Lifting her gaze to him and seeing his stern expression, she felt her heart sink.

“Archie has instructed me to stay here in England a while longer to finalize the last few shipments. It will be at least a few months before I can get my own passage to Australia.”

His words stabbed at her heart. “I don’t want to leave you,” she uttered, her voice laced with tears.
Getting up from his seat, he walked around the desk. His hands going to her, he helped her to stand. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m able. I promise.”

Her gaze held his as fear filled her. What if this was the last time she’d ever see him? The mere thought pained her.

“This isn’t goodbye,” he told her, his hand going to her face, his fingers stroking her cheek. “I won’t allow it to be.”

Buy Links

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