Today, we're lucky to have author Marie Lavender with us. She's an incredibly talented writer and really sweet to talk to!
Give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word
or less tagline:
Upon Your Return is a historical
romance novel set in Victorian France.
To sum it up, the main character is Fara Bellamont, a young girl who has
always dreamed of having adventure in her life.
When she is set upon by rogues, her protector becomes so much more than
a stranger.
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
It will, of course, appeal to historical romance or historical fiction
readers. It should also appeal to anyone
who loves a good love story.
How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
Upon Your Return came from a part
of the dialogue between the two main characters.
Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you
go with that particular image/artwork?
The lovely Kayden McLeod did the cover art.
Jimmy Thomas is the male cover model.
When I put in the request form through the publisher, I wanted something
that would invoke the harbor, the fact that Grant Hill, the hero is a
captain. I also wanted something very
romantic, and I think they achieved that quite well.
They did wonderfully! -Amanda
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
It is so hard to choose. Of course, I
am partial to Fara because there are a lot of things about her that I can
relate to. She is a strong female
character in a time where women were powerless.
I also love Captain Hill as a character.
He is so…um, hot.
*fans herself* Ooo yes he is!
How about your least favorite character? What makes them less
appealing to you?
Oh, dear. I don’t want to give any
spoilers away. Well, I really have no liking
for the man Fara is promised to at the beginning of the book, Jean Le
Croíx. He is a spoiled jerk.
If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?
Why?
I guess it would be fun to have the book made into a movie. I have always seen the story playing in my
head like one so it just seems fitting to see it that way in reality. Of course, that is just a dream, but one can
always dream, right?
I think this is a wonderful idea!
Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:
Interestingly,
Upon Your Return is
a part of a series. It is the first book
of the Heiresses in Love series. In the
course of the series, the characters visit many different locales, and I have
found it so fascinating to go on those adventures with them.
Oh dear. I sense a lot of 'One Click" in my future!
What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?
It’s ironic that you say that. When I
think of this series, I think a little of Catherine Coulter’s
Devil’s Embrace. Only a little, of course. The story is totally different. I actually used that cover (the original) as
the suggestion for this one. But, when I
received the cover art for
Upon Your
Return, it was perfect for the story.
I am so glad they went in that direction.
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I can sing first soprano. And I write
poetry occasionally.
I think we need prood of both of these. :P
How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
You can certainly visit my website.
http://www.marielavender.webs.com/
I have two blogs as well.
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
You can also connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=92992474&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
What can we expect from you in the future?
I just finished writing the sequel to
Upon Your Return. It is titled
Upon Your Honor. I will also
be releasing an anthology before the end of the year. I have a romantic suspense in the works as
well. On top of all of these projects, I
do plan to re-release all 15 of my other published books under Marie Lavender
(they are under other pen names now).
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
Feel free to tell your friends or tweet about it! Word of mouth is very effective. Reviews are also appreciated.
J
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to
get published?
Never give up. The road is long and
hard. But, as with most other things in
life, if you keep trying, if you keep moving forward, it is worth it.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’d like to thank you for letting me visit you and your readers today,
Amanda!
Oh my goodness, thank YOU for stopping by!
And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant
to intrigue and tantalize us:
“I hear you're
leaving us.”
She turned to
see Grant approach her. “Yes, my uncle has sent transportation.”
“It's a pity.
I would have kept you longer.”
“Oh?” Alarm
ran along the back of her neck and raised the hairs in some kind of strange
anticipation. What did he mean by that?
“Oui.
I'm sorry I was away so long. The business of being a captain has its moments
of tedium.”
“That's all
right. Every position has its disadvantages.”
He then took
her by the hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle.”
“Likewise, Capitaine.”
“Your carriage
awaits, my lady.” He gestured to the vehicle waiting down below at the dock.
She nodded,
barely glancing at her uncle's property, and looked up at him. His face relaxed
into an expression of contentment, and she wondered if her departure was the
source of it. Had she given him cause to want to be rid of her? The prospect
didn't seem fair for she'd never been anything more than herself. Hadn't he
just expressed otherwise?
Fara chastised
herself. He was a captain of a ship. His opinion should not matter to her at
all -- but strangely it did, and she couldn't find a reason for it.
She cleared
her throat to cease the silence. “I regret to say I never quite thanked you for
your most timely interference last night.”
He grinned. “I
think your show of gratitude this morning was quite enough. I require no more, Mademoiselle.”
She flushed
scarlet beneath his captivating gaze. No doubt he referred to that morning,
when she awakened in his arms. Like a lady, she should have apologized
profusely and probably should still for acting so familiar with a man, but she
was certain he would not accept it.
“Nevertheless,
Capitaine, I am grateful for you truly spared me humiliation, if you
understand my meaning.”
He nodded. “I
do. But, I suggest you forget the ordeal. They were rogues intent on doing any
manner of harm possible, and it is just fortunate you got away.”
“You are too
humble, Capitaine.”
He shook his
head. “Now, Fara, I am sure you must attend to your duties as I must to mine.”
He grasped for her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Perhaps we will meet again,
Mademoiselle...”
Like a perfect
gentleman, she thought, and was grateful he hadn't done something impulsive.
“Oui, Monsieur.
Perhaps we will. I bid you farewell, Capitaine Hill.”
He released
her hand, and she turned to go, but with a sudden tight grasp of her wrist, he
reeled her back. Crushing her against the wall of his chest, Grant covered her
lips with his. It was too late to pull away for he held her against him and
Fara was lost in the sensation of his kiss.
Lord, if she'd
found the man aesthetically pleasing, his kiss was so much more. She parted her
lips on a sigh as he burned her, igniting a fire deep inside in her body.
She had no
time to respond to him completely though. Before she knew it, he'd set her away
from him. Gasping for breath, she searched his eyes, expecting to see something
akin to triumph. There was only brightness. The deep and dark charcoal she'd
witnessed before turned soft and subtle, appearing as the land when the sun
comes up and light spills to the ground, staining every surface and contour.
Fara cleared
her throat again, aware that propriety should have mandated she slap him, but
she couldn't muster the will to do it. “Goodbye, Grant,” she whispered as she
made her way down the gangway to the ground below. Pierre assisted her into the
carriage and she turned to stare up at the tall figure of Grant Hill. She
wondered if he really was pleased to see her go. Certainly a kiss like that
could only mean the opposite.
