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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Spotlight on Linore Rose Burkard and The House in Grosvenor Square

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE ROSE BURKARD 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. 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.

THE HOUSE IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
by Linore Rose Burkard
Published by Harvest House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1813: As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding, she must adjust to the realization that she will soon become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But, she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London. During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana impulsively makes plans to redecorate (just a little) according to her tastes . But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, another item disappears.

When Ariana suffers an abduction attempt by two villains, and other mysterious goings-on are unexplained, Mr. Mornay must unravel the mystery of who is after her, and why. He knows he has to prevent any harm from befalling his future bride, even if it means he must keep her under lock and key in his own house!

Romance, suspense, and a deft touch of humor are part of the wonderful story of Philip Mornay and Ariana Forsythe's march to the altar. Fans of Linore's first book, Before the Season Ends, will love this delightful addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

Buy Your Copy of The House in Grosvenor Square today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and I guess you can apply that to writing, too. I didn't envision a sequel when I wrote the first book in the series (Before the Season Ends) but so many readers wanted one, that I agreed to write it. So my "inspiration" in this case, started with a need to continue the story. I was as surprised as anyone to discover that I wasn't ready to pick up after the wedding, and actually started book two almost exactly where book one left off. I had tried starting the story later, more than once, but it just wasn't working for me like I wanted it to. When I backtracked to where book one left off, I suddenly had this bustling, busy story to tell!

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

I always find questions like this tricky, because I really can't say how much of me is in my characters. I try to make my heroines emotionally smarter than me, if that makes sense. And Ariana's eyes, which sort of sparkle gold, or undergo changes to blue when she's upset, are totally her own--mine are green, and just stay green. Period.

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

Lol, I think someone asked me this before, but I can't remember what I answered. So, here goes: Mr. Mornay would have to be Rocky Road, but by the end of the book he might be something more like, Butter Pecan. If ice cream had rum flavoring, that'd be him. Ariana would be Velvety Smooth Vanilla.

4. Are there any themes in The House in Grosvenor Square that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

The book has a few major themes that I hope are not easily missed. One is that sexual purity is possible, not to mention advantageous, even when people are in love. Another is that faith in God can make the most worrisome situations bearable. Both themes are present throughout the story, but the idea of being tempted sexually is heightened as it progresses, due to circumstances that occur; and of trusting God in danger, because the threats against Ariana increase as the book goes on.

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

It was difficult to keep track of the timeline. The whole book takes place in less than two weeks, the period prior to the wedding. And Mr. Mornay, especially, is called upon day and night to rescue his bride-to-be, or try to nab a bad guy, and my editor had to suggest at one point that I give the poor guy some sleep! There are portions when things are going on around the clock, so I had to go back many times and make sure I knew what time it had gotten to be, or, in some cases, what day it was! I was using a graph to help me keep track, but it still got very challenging.

A favorite scene of mine in this book is when Ariana confronts the first man who abducts her, giving him a scold for his useless life. Another is near the very end, when she is confronted by her new husband regarding the charities she has promised to help. Both situations are humorous, so I think those are the most fun for me to write.

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

Right now I'm working to meet a deadline for book three in the Regency Series for Harvest House, which is, The Country House Courtship. I don't jave a publish date for sure, yet, but I think either at the very end of this year, (like December) or early next year. Any reader wanting to be "in the know" regarding my future books should just get on my free mailing list. It includes a subscription to my monthly online magazine ("Regency Reflections") and always comes with a free download. I also post new book announcements or new contracts.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The House in Grosvenor Square.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 anyone worldwide.

7 comments:

Merry said...

Add my name for The House in Grosvenor Square, this really sounds delightful. Thanks!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Linda said...

I would love to win this as it is another great-sounding historicals.


desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I don't recall the last time I read such a charming delightful book as Before the Season Ends. I would love a chance to win this one!

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

Carole said...

I would so much like to win a copy of Linore's book. I got hooked on Regencies many years ago with Georgette Heyer and am delighted to see quality Regencies in the Christian market. Thank you for the contest.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

windycindy said...

I have read so many good reviews about this book. Please count me in!
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Edna said...

I started reading it last night and the first chapter I hate to amit had some words that I could not pronounce, but after that everything was good, read about 5 chapters and really like the book

Carolynn said...

I loved the first book and would love to continue Ariana's story! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com