Interview on S.A. Jones' website!

The original post is here, but I will post it below as well:

 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Interview with Marie Lavender & Her New Release!

Today on the blog I am so happy to have Marie Lavender! If you caught my post earlier this week, this was originally meant for last weekend; however, I had some technical difficulties. (My computer has not been my friend lately!) At the end of the post you can also find information about here latest release, as well as a link to read the first chapter for free. Without further adieu, please enjoy an interview with Ms. Lavender!

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Interview with Marie Lavender

1. Tell us something about yourself that is *not* in your bio?

I was in choir all through elementary school to high school. I also took a class in college. I can sing first soprano.

2. Did you always plan on writing?

Pretty much. I have known since I was nine years old that I wanted to be an author.

3. What type of food is your favorite? Does it ever make an appearance in your writing?

I like pizza a lot. Yes, occasionally it shows up. I also love The Cheesecake Factory. Their food is excellent. I have never written about that though. LOL.

4. What book has most influenced you as a whole person, not as a writer?

That is a hard question. Though I have been influenced by a lot of great books, I would say the thing that influenced me was not exactly a book, but a poem. I think that I have been following “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann a lot of my life. It has a lot of good lessons in it. And I think both consciously and even subconsciously I have tried to strive for those ideals.

5. Do you prefer noise when you write, such as music or activity, or do you prefer to write in silence?

Both. It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to listen to Celtic music or something light when I write. Other times, if it is apropos to the story, I will listen to alternative or pop. There are also times when I need to organize my thoughts, and I require silence.

6. How does your family feel about your writing?

I am not sure they have ever understood my need to write. It was a major fight in my house when I was younger. But, I know on some level, they are proud of what I have accomplished.

7. Do you do any traveling for your writing?

No, I do research what I write, but I have not traveled for it. I wish I had the budget for that. If I did, I would definitely visit those regions.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have ever written?

That is a tie. Upon Your Return, my current release, was a very long project and a true labor of love so I am partial to it. Fara Bellamont is a character I will never forget. But, A Touch of Dawn is also very close to my heart. I think it is a very special story with truly remarkable characters. It needed to be told. So much violence goes on in the world. So much hate. I cannot say what exactly inspired me. I imagine it was a number of incidents I saw in the news, not to mention my own experiences in the past. I think it is truly amazing when people who have been through what Jack and Caitlyn experienced can still find their own happiness. I imagine it does happen. If it does not, then it should. So, maybe A Touch of Dawn was born of that need, to tell what should be told, despite the costs.

9. Do you stick to one genre when you write, or several? What genre(s)?

I am very partial to romance, though I have noticed a mix appear in some of my books. There are so many subgenres in romance these days so it hardly matters. I have written contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, romantic mystery and paranormal romance.

10. Do you have a favorite character in your most recent release? Who is it?

Like I said, Fara Bellamont is an unforgettable character from Upon Your Return. She goes against all of the social norms and the hero likes her all the more for it.

11. Are you working on anything now?

I have several projects in the works. I am working on the sequel to Upon Your Return. It will be titled Upon Your Honor. I am also working on a romantic suspense with a writing partner. Our initial title is Certain Death. And last, I am working on merging my first three books (short story collections) into one big anthology. The title will be Miss Lavender’s Anthology of Ramblings. After that, I will re-release all of my books under Marie Lavender.

12. Any advice for aspiring writers and fellow authors before you go?

I feel like I have said this many times. But, perseverance is one of the key things a writer should have. Never give up, even if others say you should. Keep trying. Improve your writing however you can. But, do not let rejections or anyone keep you from your dreams.

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Latest Release: Upon Your Return

Fara Bellamont has been back in society for a year after leaving Cluny Abbey, where her uncle sent her long ago. When he chooses a suitor for her for marriage, she fears that she will be forced to marry a stranger and live a miserable life.
But, Fara finds herself thrust into an adventure of a lifetime when unforeseen circumstances cause her to place her trust in a strange man for protection. His intervention not only saves her, but puts her in an even more compromising position.
Grant Hill, a trading captain, is enchanted by the young heiress not only because of her beauty, but because she is hardly conventional. Underneath her ladylike exterior lies a tigress. Grant cannot help but offer his protection as she is in need and he is far from immune from her charms.
Fara just never bargained on the passion that she feels for Grant Hill. As events unfold, she must decide whether her desires and the dictates of her heart should trump the rules of society...

For those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE sucker of historical romance, and just look at that gorgeous cover! You can find the first chapter for free on Ms. Lavender's website HERE. You do need to scroll a bit before you get to it, but it's there!

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About Marie Lavender

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty
years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands.
At the tender age of nine, she began writing stories. Her imagination fueled a lot of her early child's play. Even growing up, she entered writing contests and received a certificate for achieving the second round in one. She majored in Creative Writing in college because that was all she ever wanted - to be a writer. While there, she published two works in a university publication, and was a copy editor on the staff of an online student journal. After graduating from college, she sought out her dream to publish a book.
Since then, Marie has published sixteen books. Marie Lavender's real love is writing romances, but she has also written mysteries, literary fiction and dabbled a little in paranormal stories. Most of her works have a romantic element involved in them. Upon Your Return is her first historical romance novel. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.webs.com/ for further information about her books and her life.
Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Works by Marie Lavender (and her Other Pen Names)
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things

~*~

Find Marie Lavender

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

Posted by Serenity Jones at 8:00 AM

Suprise Review Today! Awesome!

Title: Upon Your Return (Heiresses in Love Series)

Genre: Historical

Author: Marie Lavender

Reviewer: Jo

Reviewer Email: jo@romancejunkies.com

Publisher: Solstice Publishing

ISBN: 9781484978092

Release Date: February 13, 2013

Author Website: http://marielavender.webs.com/

Author Email: marie.lavender.58@facebook.com

Format: EBOOK

Rating: 4 blue ribbons

UPON YOUR RETURN is an historical romance set in France that took me on a roller coaster ride with so many adventures and happenings.  One minute there was happiness and the next would be despair.  So many emotions were drawn on during the telling of the story.

Lavender's UPON YOUR RETURN is filled with sadness and sorrow, tears, angst, happiness, laughter, adventure upon adventure, unlikely heroes and heroines,  family, friends, romance, love, hatred, enemies, secrets and a happily ever after.  The prologue introduces us to Fara and shows us her strength immediately.  Although it would waver she never lost that strength no matter what was thrown her way.  Her uncle, who was her guardian after the death of her parents, never had her best interests at heart.  It was difficult to fathom why he did what he did concerning Fara's life and future each and every time.  Grant Hill, a ship's captain, was her unlikely rescuer many times and they had immediate chemistry and a connection the moment they met.  Watching their interactions was never dull. There were complex characters, different locations and nice closure that tied up all the loose ends.

Lavender is a new to me author who has penned many books under several names that I will add to my TBR pile.  I am happy to see she is currently working on the sequels to this series and will definitely be reading those as well to hopefully pick up where we left off! 

SNIPPET— UPON YOUR RETURN is an action packed historical that pulls you in immediately from the prologue and doesn't let go until the unexpected ending. 

I WANTED TO SHARE A POEM WITH YOU ALL...

Hi, readers! I wrote this poem last night. If you didn't already know, I am going to merge my first three anthologies together.  So I will put this poem in my new anthology I'm working on. Enjoy!

Memory

I remember…
Fields of lavender, as far as the eye could see,
Raindrops glistening on cheeks,
The ripe smell of it in the air.
Puddles of mud over laces,
A child in a raincoat and rubber boots.

I remember…
Pasting stars on a poster board covered with glitter,
Sharpening pencils,
The dust of lead soiling hands.
Riding a bike with a banana seat,
The wind whizzing past my ears,
The neighbors’ houses flying by too,
The windows wide mouths open with laughter.
Playing hopscotch in the street,
Fresh dew on grass shining like emeralds.
Running on a beach,
Tripping over sand castles,
The water catching the sun, almost blinding.
Shopping in the town square, mistletoe everywhere,
One might think it was Christmas all the time.

I remember…
Being grown,
Moonlit walks on the beach,
Amazement at the dark, watery abyss calling to me.
And the moment your hand touched mine –
On campus we talked like rampant parrots and walked for miles and miles,
Tireless.
Now, I see your face in my thoughts,
Your wonderful countenance before me at times.

Thinking back to that girl, I remember…
But, she wouldn’t remember you. We hadn’t met.
That dreamer is me, yearning, wanting –
Yet I have you now.

Take my hand and we’ll…
Watch the bursts of light on the Fourth,
Make out like we used to,
Silly with hormones.
Knowing your love completes me.

Let’s make a new…
Memory.

 

 

Major Surprise Review for A MISPLACED LIFE!

*Here is the link on Amazon, but I will post it below as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a lovely read. August 6, 2013

 

By Robin Bailey

 

Format:Paperback

 

I have read this author's work before, and this novel is just as pleasing as the others. I love ghost stories, and this book hit the correct cord within me. It's a very well-written novel in which the characters are extremely likeable. I read the book in one sitting and was ready to read more of Kathryn's work when I was finished. I say you should purchase her novels and expect to be enchanted. Her words will wrap around your soul and draw you in for more. Buy this novel! 

 

 

 

 

I just got a surprise review on Amazon for RANSOM! So exciting!

Here is the Amazon link, but I will post it below too.

5.0 out of 5 stars A very sweet take on a dangerous situation August 6, 2013

 

By Robin Bailey

 

Format:Kindle Edition

 

I was given this book by the author through a contest. I am happy to say that if I had to pay for this book, I would have. It is a faced paced page turner, that will leave you breathless. A man is put into a desperate situation with a woman who holds the key to the survival of a family member. Forced into watching over his kidnapped goddess, feelings arise from both sides that cannot be denied. I will not put any spoilers into this review, but you would do well to buy this book and fall into its tangled web of adventure, seduction, fear, and love.

DELETED SCENES

Hi, readers!  I thought I'd do something fun for you today.  If any of you have read UPON YOUR RETURN, you may enjoy this little taste.  Below, I have included some of the deleted scenes from the original manuscript.  There were much more than this, but I have posted a few that my editor cut.  Of course, I was cringing the whole time!  LOL.

None of them are in any certain order, but if you are familiar with the book, you might understand where they came from.  And who knows?  Maybe someday down the road, I'll re-release the original manuscript in its entirety.  Well, happy reading!

 Text cut from Upon Your Return

·         Grant swallowed hard. The implication was what he had expected from such a man, but why must it sound so lewd? And why must a captain of a ship be likened to that of pond scum? Was it no longer an honorable profession? And wasn't he still respected in social circles? Recently he had begun to think otherwise. He had heard the rumors concerning himself and Fara. 

·         Bright, tear-struck eyes looked at him. 

·          He'd half expected her to swoon, but she looked at him as if he'd told her he would be gone for hours and not months. Perhaps she did not understand after all.

          What is happening, he thought. This seemed such a change in character that he assumed something had to be wrong.

Then a thought occurred to him. Was he perhaps playing into her hands? He didn't think she had the notion of being so cold, but her recent actions had caused him much doubt. 

·         The gardens in the courtyard behind the house, however much a reminder of Grant's absence, were a solace in some way. Sometimes she would sit by one of the numerous statues or fountains, and then close her eyes to think. The memories were not as cruel as they once were; often they became a comfort or a refuge from the tediousness of her normal life. Frequently she wished she could be back on La Voyageur with Grant. There, though a peaceful calm enveloped her, was always something different happening. She remembered how frightful yet exhilarated she had been when she had set about to seeking vengeance for what Nicholas Bordeaux had done to Grant all those years ago.

·     She fought her increasing fervor at his request. It was a real plea; he was not ordering her. She felt it in the timbre of his voice.

This was a study in the gray eyes of the man she loved, a study in need, not   desire. As well, in those fathomless depths she saw fear. Of what, she wondered. He was worrying her now. He had been affectionate with his kisses and she had thought he meant to make love to her right out in the open. She would have objected, of course, but she could see that something else was bothering him.

·         But, did he deserve her? He claimed he'd missed her, that thoughts of her had kept him alive. What about love, for God's sake? Was she now to finally abandon the concept, the hope, and settle? Grant knew it mattered, but he'd not mentioned how he felt for her. Fara felt addled by it all. What if it wasn't love, but just desire? It would have been all for nothing if that was true. In uncertain terms, she would have to tell him having that knowledge before they were wed mattered much more than the vows themselves. Yet, she would not tell him now. Tomorrow is another day, she thought. She sighed as well. But, why had he left? Beneath all of the concern for the authorities finding him as well as his mission, what was the motive?

·     He had dealt with a lot, much more than she'd ever given him credit for. But, it wouldn't do to pity him; he wouldn't appreciate it. He was a proud man, able to fight for his honor. It wouldn't do to wound him.