- Copperplate Books' Newsletter
- Posts
- Woohoo! It’s RELEASE DAY!!
Hello everyone! I can’t believe it’s finally here, but my book baby is out in the world! I have, of course, sorted out the ending, which turned out to involve a bit of an action scene . . . I had to make use of DC2 (Dear Child 2) to do a bit of acting regarding what was feasible and realistic and what wasn’t, haha!
After the book launch I’ll be heading up to my Scottish retreat to pound out some serious word count on Book Number Two in which we discover what the future holds for Charmaine. Watch this space!
I’ll also be beavering away on an extended epilogue to The Lady Lies, which will be available free before too long.
The Lady Lies
She was a hoyden, a minx, a deceiver. She also had the misfortune to be penniless…
Lady Amelia Davenport has a lot to lose - her fortune, her independence and, not least, her heart - so she’s not above a spot of deception to keep them intact. But when her guardian unexpectedly returns from abroad and thrusts her into the London marriage mart, her lies begin to unravel and she discovers her heart is more vulnerable than she realised. Beset by fortune hunters and villains, she turns in desperation to the Earl of Silchester for help.
Unfortunately, Edward has been deceived by her lies once too often, and is determined to secure his future without her. With his estate all but bankrupt, and his honour at stake, he must make an advantageous marriage at once before his debtors descend. However, his attempts to secure a lucrative match are compromised by the knowledge that his heart belongs to another.
When Amelia is placed in mortal danger, Edward realises he is the only man who can rescue her. But with time running out, has he left it too late?
Her outfit really was singularly awful; even the camp-followers were attired with more appeal than this, and although he realised he was staring, he couldn’t drag his gaze away. Mud-brown in colour, her dress was clearly far too big for her slight frame, thus she’d bunched it up to clear the floor. Her bonnet, equally ugly, was pulled down over her forehead and ears like an upturned bucket. It hid most of her hair apart from a few stray golden strands which wafted loose above a pert button nose and an over-wide mouth. Edward’s gaze raked her body, creating a mental image very different from the actual one before him.
“Good afternoon, my lord,” she said with a jaunty tilt of her head.
Coming belatedly to his senses, and cursing his wayward thoughts, Edward inclined his head in greeting. “You have the advantage of me,” he said. “No doubt knowledge of my arrival has preceded me, but I am unaware of whom I have the pleasure of making my acquaintance.” He heard the stilted words in his head and inwardly groaned. This was some village wench, not a well-born lady. He did not have to fumble his words.
But she did not appear to be put out. Rather, a glimmer of something—surely not derision?—lit those bright blue eyes. “Indeed, my lord, we have been awaiting your arrival with great anticipation.”
“Indeed.”
“Indeed, yes, my lord.”
The girl gave a slight curtsey, but continued to look him brazenly in the eye as if she were his equal.
“I am astounded that my presence should be of such interest to the village,” he commented.
“Oh, you must know we are astonished it has only taken four months since you became the Earl for you to appear.”
Stung, he said, “I have only just returned from the battlefield.” He clamped his jaw shut. He didn’t need to apologise to this village chit.
“Ah, a soldier too. How excited everyone will be that the new Earl is a redcoat.” She lowered her lashes, pulling her bonnet even lower, and Edward couldn’t shake the feeling that she was laughing.
If you would like to read more, you can find a copy here.
I’d be super pleased if you would leave me a review, or if you have anything you’d like to discuss with me, I’d love to hear from you!
My Reading List
My current Regency read!
My fix of Regency fiction has been well supplied by Ester Hatch’s Romance of Rank series. Book One is a romp in which the heroine delights in confounding the somewhat naive hero at every turn! With their words and actions bordering on the ridiculous, it’s a funny, entertaining read not to be missed.
I’ve currently embarked on Book Two, which is shaping up to be equally amusing in its light-hearted approach to a gentle romance.
When I’ve not got my nose buried in the past, I’ve been catching up with a couple of local authors: LJ Ross and Marisse Whittaker, both authors of detective series set in the northeast. I enjoy seeing their different approaches to both subject matter and locality.
Right now, I’m more focused on food than fonts, however, with DH (Darling Husband) currently cooking up a feast in the kitchen (I can hope, can’t I?). With dreams of crispy noodles or salmon en croute, I’ve a nasty feeling mince and potatoes might be more his plan . . .
Until next time, enjoy some sunshine, a pair of shades, a long, cool drink and a good book!
Kiera x