image: header
image: gownflare

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Spotlight on Linore Rose Burkhard and Before the Season Ends

Today, we have not one, but TWO author spotlights. You get a bonus as we wrap up the year 2008 and get ready to ring in 2009. Praying you're all blessed as we move forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE ROSE BURKHARD creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS
by Linore Rose Burkhard
Published by Harvest House

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1813: Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her Aunt Bentley's town house in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Under her aunt's watchful eye, Ariana is soon steeped in high society--and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue.

Then, unexpectedly, rumour of a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her faith and her future are at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it is Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to a man who cannot share her faith, how can it ever turn out right?

BOOK VIDEO TRAILER



Buy Your Copy of Before the Season Ends today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

I'm not sure. I think Ariana and Phillip are both amalgamations of people I've read about and known. England in the 1800s is a world away from the 21st century.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

It's hard to say how much of oneself goes into a character. I don't know if anything in my experience influenced my characters except knowing now how I WISHED I could have behaved at times in my past! Meaning, I think I made my heroine smarter than I was, or would have been, at her age, in her place. I hope that answers your question.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Oh, my goodness--this is not the way I think, but I'll try! Let's see--Ariana Forsythe would likely be a rich, creamy Vanilla--pure, lovely, pulls no punches, is up front and dependably true to her nature. "Flavour." The hero, Mr. Phillip Mornay? When we first meet him in the book, he is definitely "Rocky Road!" (Hey, maybe I DO think this way!)

4. Are there any themes in Before the Season Ends that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Readers come away from my book with the feeling that God is involved in everyday life, and that happy endings are possible for everyone. A less obvious theme could be that "God works in mysterious ways," in that He leads us down paths that are scary and surprising, but which ultimately fulfill his highest plans for us.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I think for me the biggest challenge was to believe that I could write a novel in small increments. As a mom of five, four of whom are still home year-round (one is in college), having frequent interruptions is a fact of life. Writing takes a concentration so deep so that when I first started doing scenes, I would find myself getting woozy after standing up. I was shocked at the level of exertion it took to use my brain that hard, I guess! It happens less now--I guess I've grown accustomed to it. And I've learned to appreciate those small blocks of time. Ten minutes in a waiting room can yield a part of a scene I couldn't get done at home. Every little bit counts. I don't despise small beginnings. There are times when I'm in a deep level of involvement with a story or a character, and then getting interrupted can break the mood; but I'm getting better all the time at picking up where I left off, no matter how deeply I've got to dive to get back into the character or situation. For people like me with busy households, this is a must-have ability. I believe it can be the difference between making that deadline or not.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The House in Grosvenor Square will be out in April of 2009. It's a continuation (sequel) of Before the Season Ends. I don't want to give anything away, but Ariana gets in more scrapes, has two dastardly enemies, and there are strange goings-on in "The house in Grosvenor Square!"

Thanks so much, Tiff!

* * * * *

Thank you, Linore, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Before the Season Ends.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

13 comments:

windycindy said...

Please enter me in this wonderful book giveaway drawing. Many thanks,
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Janine Mendenhall said...

Hi Linore,
I'm a mother of four, and completely understand the quiet time/space thing. I'm writing my first book and have 40,000 words so far. Thanks for the inspiration. I've also seen your website, and read the first few pages of your book--amazing period language! I'd like to be a part of the book giveaway drawing. Your website also has great resources.
Thanks again and many blessings in the new year.
Janine
tmendenhall7@embarqmail.com

Anonymous said...

The book sounds wonderful.
13rubberducks [at] gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm always open to a new author I haven't read yet. Please enter me in your drawing.
desertrose[at]gmail[dot]com

THANK YOU!!!

Anonymous said...

Oops! my email is desertrose5173[at]gmail[dot]com.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting read! Please enter me in the contest.

Rebecca191 [at] aol [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I've heard so many things about this book. I can't wait to read it.

Please enter me for a chance to win!

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

Martha A. said...

i have read so many good reviews on this book! It sounds like this years must have!!!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Carolynn said...

I really, really want to read this book...but I can't find it anywhere, would be great to win it! Thanks for the chance!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com

Maureen said...

This looks like a story I would really enjoy. I enjoyed your interview. Happy New Year!
mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

Cherie J said...

Ooh! This is one I just recently added to my wishlist. I love regencies and this one sounds great.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linore Rose Burkard said...

Thank you, Amber for having me on your lovely blog, and I have to thank all of you ladies who have left such sweet comments. Janine, I wish you the best with your own writing. 40,000 words is a great accomplishment--keep up the good work!
Carolynn, you said you can't find my book anywhere? It should be in any bookstore, as well as online at Amazon, ChristianBook, BarnesandNoble, etc. It's also on my website, if you want to order an autographed copy. So, I assure you, it's out there!
I wish I could award all of you a book. I recognize that some of you have tried a few different giveaways. I so appreciate your determination and perseverance!
Blessings All.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

JANINE!

Congratulations! I've emailed you for your mailing information so we can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.