Saturday, July 26, 2014

Fairytale romance and Christmas bring magic to Montana



Hello Alanna and welcome to Adventures in Authorland, Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Alanna Lucas
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
     When I joined RWA it was with the commitment that I was going to make every effort to make writing a career. However, it wasn’t until I received my first contract that I truly felt like a writer.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?
     I write historical romance. I have always enjoyed researching and learning about different time periods. It seemed only natural to write what I enjoy. There is one downside—it is far too easy to get wrapped up in research and forget what I am supposed to be writing.

Can you give us some details about your upcoming release/s?
         Coming later this year from Boroughs Publishing Group…Face to Face.

     Miss Penelope Ashurst wanted one night to shed the strict rules and proper decorum of Regency society.  While attending a forbidden masquerade, she meets the man of her dreams.  It is love at first sight.  His secret identity only adds to the excitement of the evening.  Before she discovers who the mystery lord is, a ruthless man who is only interested in her dowry kidnaps her.
      When Ranulph, The Earl of Monfort, first spies the goddess in a golden mask, something inside comes to life and stirs a deep longing.  The weight of responsibility that had been bearing down on him his whole life dissipates. But before he can profess his love to his goddess, she disappears.
      In a race against time, Ranulph searches for Penelope.  However, their ordeal does not end once Penelope is rescued.  While trying to evade the kidnappers, Penelope and Ranulph find their lives in jeopardy.  But as they escape one danger, others lurk to destroy their newfound love.  Can their love conquer all, even death?

What place inspires you the most?
     The historical richness of Europe is always inspiring to me. If I had to choose one place in Europe (that is a tough one), it would probably be Rome. The Colosseum and Roman Forum, especially at night, is one of my favorite areas to explore.

Do you have any advice for new writers beginning their adventure?
    
Learn your craft, know your genre, and most important, join organizations. After I joined RWA and discovered my local chapter, everything seemed to fall into place. The support and encouragement from my fellow chapter mates has been an amazing part of this journey.

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
     I love to drive and recently did a lap on the Nurburgring in Germany. It was quite thrilling!
     I am stubborn and very competitive (which has rubbed off onto my husband).
     We have game night in our household. My kid’s favorite game is Sorry!, followed by Apples to Apples.

BLURB: ONCE UPON A MONTANA CHRISTMAS
    Miss Eva Kenward does not want to spend another Christmas alone. Leaving Queen Victoria’s England, she journeys to America in search of an uncle but finds herself on the rugged frontier of Montana. And with no money and no acquaintances, the rudest man she has ever met is the one she must engage. Especially considering the precious bundle in her arms.
     “Hunt” Strauss has been fooled before by beauty. So when the ravishing young woman arrives on his doorstep, he suspects her of ulterior motives. But perhaps the baby she holds truly is his kin...and when Miss Kenward finds herself stranded after a hotel fire, he reluctantly agrees to help. Bringing her to his sprawling ranch, Hunt tries to keep his distance. But the enticing woman and her enthusiasm for the season soon prove that fairy tale love stories—and holiday wishes—really can come true.

EXCERPT
“Oh! It’s here!” Eva heard Aunt Carol bellow from downstairs. She gathered Lily in her arms and went down to see what all the fuss was about.
            Eva arrived downstairs just in time to see Hunt and Mr. Walker carry a large crate into the house and place it beside another.
            Aunt Carol’s face was bright with excitement. “Oh, dearie, you are just in time.”
            “Just in time for what?” Eva said as she edged closer to the crate.
            “Christmas decorations, tinsel, and treats from my brother in Germany!” As Aunt Carol explained about the contents of the crates, Hunt and Mr. Walker pried them open, revealing wrapped packages and tins full of fragrant spices.
            Eva sat down on the floor with a very curious Lily on her lap. When she opened a tin with the embossment of a German landscape, the scent of cloves filled the air. The next package Eva pulled contained a smooth wood block engraving of a Christmas tree. “This is beautiful,” she said as she admired the engraving.
            Eva was surprised when Hunt began to explain the significance of the wood engraving. “It’s a cookie mold. We use the molds to make decorative Lebkuchen, a type of spiced cookie, and ornaments for the Christmas tree. It has been a tradition in my family for many generations. My Oma taught my siblings and I how to make them.”
            She could hear the pride in his voice. Despite his tough exterior, underneath it all was a sensitive man. Not for the first time, Eva wondered what had hardened him.
            “Did you have any family traditions, dearie?”
            Eva did not know how to answer that question without raising sympathy from Aunt Carol. Her family was not close and they would never dream of sitting on the floor, rummaging through crates. She could hear her stepmother now: “That is why we have servants. Let them get their hands dirty.” Looking away, she shook her head without a word, and continued on with unpacking their traditions, wishing desperately she had some of her own.

About Alanna
     Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination, Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America, East Valley Authors, The Beau Monde, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

Buy links

Boroughs Publishing Group

Amazon

BN.com

Allromanceebooks

kobo



10 comments:

  1. Wonderful interview, Alanna! Your Christmas story sounds wonderful!

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  2. Thank you Kary! I love to write about Christmas- it is my favorite time of year :-)

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  3. I love the premise of "Once Upon a Montana Christmas," Alanna. Best wishes with your book!

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  4. Christmas in July is the perfect time for this post. A wonderful story, Alanna!

    Best--Adele

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  6. Having technical difficulties! I enjoyed both the interview and meeting you this week. Good luck with your book.
    Best-Emily Mims
    'Solomon's Choice'

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  7. Beautiful details-- the scent of cloves and the visuals and story of the Christmas tree mold. I enjoyed your interview and excerpt. All the best! kate/writing as Katie O'Boyle

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  8. Loved the interview! I love to drive too!
    -Lani

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  9. Thank you Angela, Adele, Emily, Kate, and Lani for stopping by! I am a little behind-RWA nationals was great fun, but exhausting!

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