"To Pledge Allegiance" by Robert W. Smith ~ Excerpt

Hello there, my friends! I've been missing for a while again, but I have a few upcoming posts, so stay tuned for that.

Today, I'm thrilled to bring you an excerpt from To Pledge Allegiance by Robert W. Smith. 

 

To Pledge Allegiance

A World War I 

Windy City Novel

by Robert W. Smith

Book Blurb:

Assassination, espionage, war, and vigilante violence. 

Welcome to Chicago in 1917.

Within this caldron of intrigue and deceit, live nearly half a million Irish and German American immigrants, among them Irish-born lawyer Conor Dolan and his wife Maureen. The Dolans are among thousands of immigrants marked as “hyphenated Americans,” their reluctance to support the war cry branding them “enemy aliens.” 

When one of the legendary Chicago Newsboys takes a lethal bullet from a German Luger during a warehouse break-in, his mysterious companion escapes, and Conor is determined to find the killer. He discovers instead a link between the burglary and the murder of a prominent Chicago arms broker with ties to the Allied powers and possibly the mob. Despite warnings from a powerful group of government-backed vigilantes and a suspicious lack of cooperation from the police, Conor presses on at his own peril to root out the boy’s killer. 

Was it a German agent? An Allied agent? The mob? Or maybe even the police themselves by some deceitful plan? The closer he gets to the answer, the greater the danger to those he loves.

 

Excerpt

It was nearly one in the afternoon when the funeral crowd began to trickle into the restaurant. Most had arrived by rail, making the short walk up Wolf Road to the restaurant. MoMo Storino, One-Ear Raimondi, even the recently paroled Irish thug, Lucky O’Leary, like the Litany of the Saints performed live on stage. The politicians in attendance were largely retired and immune to bad publicity. Conor spotted reporters and cops, lots of cops, with no way to distinguish among dirty cops, curious cops, and on-duty cops. A few might have attended only to be certain the gangster was dead.

The drinks were free after one-thirty, and around two o’clock the crowd began to mill upstairs for the luncheon. The meal officially began with Father Militello’s rendition of the Grace, an obligatory act of the Catholic mourners. The old priest’s manufactured tears and fond recollections of “a great and generous” man warranted a Jameson, but Conor decided against it. He was here for a reason. No doubt this cleric would miss his regular cut of the ill-gotten proceeds from the “great man.”

The disgustingly effusive speeches and stories carried beyond the antipasto, the minestrone, three types of pasta, and clear into the tiramisu until, at last, the gathering began to dissipate, and the mourners left or gathered in small groups at the bar. The drinks were still free, but Conor held it at three. He wasn’t here to drink any more than he was here to mourn. 

Viviana came to him at the bar as he’d hoped, where they stood shoulder to shoulder without acknowledging one another. “Water,” she said to the bartender.

Conor didn’t turn to face her. “I need to talk with you.”

“I know,” she replied. “Let’s go outside. They have a few tables. It’s cold so we’ll be alone.”

Conor knew only too well how much she detested her father, at least he thought he did. He struggled to find the appropriate words. Keep it simple, nothing religious or hypocritical. “I’m sorry, Viviana. He was your father.”

“I keep telling myself that.”

“I saw in the papers you were performing in St. Louis when he died.”

She laughed gently. “Are you still stalking me?”

He shrugged. “I like to think I’m not but. . .”

Once outside, she said, “It’s time we talked.” Then she leaned back in the chair. “How would you like to do this? Would you like to ask me questions or should I give it to you all at once?”

“First let me take a guess. You have a three-month-old baby and I’m the father?”

She laughed as a waitress came out the back door. The woman seemed surprised to see them. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know anyone was out here. Too chilly. I just came out for some air. Can I get you folks something? Open bar closes in fifteen minutes.”

Conor waved her off. “No, thanks. We’re fine.”

Viviana turned back to Conor. “I wish that were the case. It would be simpler. Go ahead. Fire away.”

“This means you know more than you’re telling me.”

“Much more.”

He was afraid to go further down this road. Was he about to learn all the answers? How much did she know? Was she going to say she lied to him? He wondered how ugly this could get and that fact terrified him to his core. Alright, get to the heart of it and find out. “First off, I’d like to know who killed Mumbles.”

“It was my father’s dog, Lucchesi. It had to be. Lucchesi didn’t know my father was helping the Allies. It’s still possible the boy was meant to die from the beginning. But it doesn’t matter and it’s all my fault.”

“I don’t know about that. Remember, your father called the Bureau of Investigation to verify the identity of the agent who approached him with the British. He didn’t exist. Your father might have thought he was in trouble running a rogue operation for the British.”

“I still think Lucchesi was acting alone, as much as I believe my father capable.”

How would Viviana know that? She only knew what her mother told her. And why was it her fault? He tried to prepare himself to be shocked. “Why your fault? And what plan?”

“That’s complicated, but I was telling the truth when I said I didn’t alert the cops.”

She was fumbling. Why? It didn’t matter whether her father ordered the hit or not. He thought briefly about telling her to stop. Did he really need to know more? Mumbles was dead and Ruffulo was involved up to his ears. Now Ruffulo was dead. Game over. But it wasn’t over, not for Conor and not for Mumbles. He had to know for sure, and he had to know everything. Did this woman know the whole story? If so, what is she? Who is she? “I have time. How do you know all this? Does that mean everything else you told me was a lie? Even the personal . . . things?”

“Of course not. I was as honest with you as I could be. It’s a long story.”

“I have time. I could even buy us a drink.”

About the Author

Bob was raised in Chicago, enlisting in the Air Force in 1968. Following four years of service as a Russian Linguist in the Security Service Command, a branch of the NSA, Bob attended DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School. With over thirty years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago, Bob brings a lifetime of understanding and experience to his novels. His Running with Cannibals is the Grand Prize winner of the CIBA 2022 Hemingway Award for best 20th-century wartime fiction. 

The author lives in the Chicago area. 

Connect with Robert W. Smith

Website

Buy Links

To Pledge Allegiance (Amazon paid link)

Also, by Robert W. Smith

A Long Way from Clare (Amazon - paid link)

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission, at no cost to you,  if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!

Many thanks to Robert W. Smith for stopping by with an excerpt and to Janet @ More Agreeably Engaged for organizing this book tour.

So, friends, what did you think of the excerpt? I'd love to know your thoughts! 

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen ~ Cover Reveal!

Hello, my friends! I'm delighted to bring you another cover reveal! Julie Klassen has a new book, A Winter by the Sea, coming out in December 2023! It's my pleasure to be part of the cover reveal book tour! 

Before we see the cover, here's a word from Julie Klassen:

Dear Readers,

I am excited to give you an insider’s look at my December 2023 novel, A Winter by the Sea. This is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. Book One, The Sisters of Sea View, has been enthusiastically received and reviewed. I am grateful for each of you who helped spread the word about it!

During my research, I learned that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby daughter stayed in Woolbrook Cottage (very near fictional Sea View) during the winter of 1819-1820. I instantly knew I wanted to include them in the novel to give readers a glimpse of the early life of Queen Victoria and her parents. The royal party arrived with too many attendants to accommodate at Woolbrook, so some were lodged elsewhere. I thought it would be fun to have a few staff members stay at Sea View, including a pastry chef who invades their kitchen, a man in desperate straits, and the duke’s handsome private secretary.

It was also interesting to write a seaside novel set during wintertime (it was unusually cold and snowy that year). Because I live in frigid Minnesota, cold weather details and sensations were easy to imagine. 😊

When I began writing this series, I had not yet traveled to Sidmouth, where the series is set. I am happy to say I was able to visit in August 2022 and was thrilled to experience this delightful town in person. The highlight of that trip was meeting the staff and volunteers of the Sidmouth Museum who have been extremely helpful in answering research questions and checking setting details for me.

A Winter by the Sea focuses on beautiful Emily Summers, who finds herself caught up in two rivalries. First, while striving to further her writing aspirations, Emily is torn between her loyalty to a well-established publisher & bookseller and his flamboyant competitor. Second, despite her best intentions, she is attracted to one of their new guests, but an old love comes to town, determined to renew their courtship.

I hope you are eager to return with me to the English seaside for Book Two of the On Devonshire Shores series. Thank you for all you do to support my books, and readers everywhere! 

Gratefully, Julie

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen.
Her books have sold more than a million copies and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been honored with the Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • Instagram • Goodreads

Now without further ado, here's the cover!

Book Description

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

Purchase Links

Amazon (paid link) • Barnes & Noble • Book Depository • Bookshop

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!

Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress @ AustenprosePR for organizing and including me on this tour! 

Wow! This looks like another fantastic book! Be sure to pre-order your copy! 

Death on a Winter Stroll by Francine Mathews ~ Blog Tour & Excerpt

 Hello, my friends! I'm excited to be part of Death on a Winter Stroll Blog Tour! I love this cover, don't you? This is the seventh book in the Merry Folger Mysteries. I hope you enjoy the excerpt below!

Death on a Winter Stroll

A Merry Folger Christmas Mystery (Book 7)

Francine Mathews

BOOK DESCRIPTION 

No-nonsense Nantucket detective Merry Folger grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and two murders as the island is overtaken by Hollywood stars and DC suits.

Nantucket Police Chief Meredith Folger is acutely conscious of the stress COVID-19 has placed on the community she loves. Although the island has proved a refuge for many during the pandemic, the cost to Nantucket has been high. Merry hopes that the Christmas Stroll, one of Nantucket’s favorite traditions, in which Main Street is transformed into a winter wonderland, will lift the island’s spirits. But the arrival of a large-scale TV production, and the Secretary of State and her family, complicates matters significantly.

The TV shoot is plagued with problems from within, as a shady, power-hungry producer clashes with strong-willed actors. Across Nantucket, the Secretary’s troubled stepson keeps shaking off his security detail to visit a dilapidated house near conservation land, where an intriguing recluse guards secrets of her own. With all parties overly conscious of spending too much time in the public eye and secrets swirling around both camps, it is difficult to parse what behavior is suspicious or not—until the bodies turn up.

Now, it’s up to Merry and Detective Howie Seitz to find a connection between two seemingly unconnected murders and catch the killer. But when everyone has a motive, and half of the suspects are politicians and actors, how can Merry and Howie tell fact from fiction?

This latest installment in critically acclaimed author Francine Mathews’ Merry Folger series is an immersive escape to festive Nantucket, a poignant exploration of grief as a result of parental absence, and a delicious new mystery to keep you guessing.

 

Death on a Winter Stroll 

Excerpt

One of the perks of being police chief was the ringside seat Merry Folger commanded for certain critical moments. For instance, this Saturday morning—the first weekend in December, with the sun high in the sky and a brisk, cold wind driving whitecaps across the water as a Coast Guard cutter sailed toward Straight Wharf. 

Her white SUV with the distinctive navy and gray police markings was parked where no cars were allowed, within the Christmas Market barricades that blocked the wharf’s access to town. She and Peter were lounging against the bumper in their most festive winter gear. Merry’s father, John, was inside the car staying warm. They were waiting for Santa Claus to dock. 

Nearby was the Town Crier and some of the town’s Select- persons who would escort the Man in Red to his island sleigh, a vintage firetruck owned by the Nantucket Hotel. Santa would stand in the back, waving, while the Town Crier walked ahead, ringing his bell, announcing the glad tidings of great joy. 

“Look at that guy,” Peter muttered in her ear as a man roughly their age walked by, natty in sunglasses, a suit, and a knotted Stroll scarf. Nothing abnormal about that, except that the suit had red and green stripes with white death’s-heads and fists stamped all over it. 

“Kind of like North-Pole-meets-Venice-Beach-tattoo-parlor,” Merry suggested. “You prefer the blonde, I take it?” 

The blonde wore a minidress covered in hot pink sequins and thigh-high boots made of fake mink. She had a jingle bell on each boob. 

Every third person in the crowd—and there were about ten thousand people in town, jockeying for the best viewing spots— was dressed in ways bizarre or wonderful. The color and noise and exuberance were thrilling after the cheerless quarantine holidays, and Merry was grinning helplessly. She glanced over her shoulder and gave her dad a thumbs-up. John was drinking coffee laced with peppermint schnapps in his passenger seat. He saluted her with his mug. 

The sight of him sitting alone jolted her suddenly, as it did whenever she looked for her grandfather, Ralph Waldo Folger, and remembered he’s gone now. The freshness of loss stunned her each time like a blow to the face. 

Merry had known her eighty-nine-year-old grandfather was vulnerable in the pandemic. She and John had talked by phone daily about ways to keep Ralph safe. As a frontline worker exposed for the duration to a germ-laden public, Merry had stayed scrupulously away from her childhood home on Tattle Court throughout the first waves of sickness. Peter arranged for grocery deliveries twice a week and dropped supplies from Marine Home at John’s front door. And Ralph was healthy for nearly a year: social distancing on his daily walks, wearing a mask when he ventured into town. He contracted Covid nine days before he was scheduled for his first vaccine. 

Nantucket Cottage Hospital had five ventilators; Ralph never made it to one of them. Sickening on a Friday, he was delirious by Sunday and medevacked to Boston in the wee hours of Monday. Intubated, he lingered in a medically induced coma for four days. 

What dropped Merry to the floor when they got the news, sobbing and hugging her knees as though she’d been sucker punched, was the fact that her careful distance hadn’t mattered a darn. Ralph was alone when he died. And she hadn’t seen or touched him for a year before that. Of all the pandemic’s cruelties, this was the coldest. 

Her father thrust open the car door and stepped out to the paving beside her. “Boat’s in,” he said. 

She linked her arm through his as the cutter drew along- side. A couple of ensigns jumped off with sheets in their hands and moored the steel-gray vessel to the wharf’s stanchions. The Town Crier hailed the boat, Santa waved, horns blared, the drum corps drummed. Merry and Peter and John whooped along with everyone else. Despite the logistics and the responsibilities, she was nominally handling, despite her underlying grief, joy shot through Merry as she fell into step behind the Selectpersons and jauntered after Santa’s firetruck. For the length of Main Street at least, she was uncomplicatedly happy. 

It felt like the whole island celebrated with her. 

Chapter 10, pg. 69-71

From Death on a Winter Stroll © 2022, Francine Mathews, published by Soho Crime

Advance Praise

• “This fast-moving mystery packs in a lot, but never too much, and will work for fans of coming-of-age stories, police procedurals, and romance.” —First Clue
• “Fresh, well-wrought prose brings the setting of Nantucket to life. Mathews consistently entertains.” —Publishers Weekly
• “Christmas and death come to Nantucket . . . Plenty of fascinating characters and myriad motives make for an exciting read.” —Kirkus Reviews 
• “Mathews consistently places relationships at the forefront of her mysteries, and Merry's unique blend of tenacity and humanity makes her a heroine to root for.”—USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden, author of the Inspector Corravan mysteries

Purchase Links

Amazon (paid link) • Barnes & Noble • Book Depository • Bookshop

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!

About the Author

Francine Mathews was born in Binghamton, New York, the last
of six girls. She attended Princeton and Stanford Universities, where she studied history, before going on to work as an intelligence analyst at the CIA. She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Since then, she has written thirty books, including six previous novels in the Merry Folger series (Death in the Off-Season, Death in Rough Water, Death in a Mood Indigo, Death in a Cold Hard Light, Death on Nantucket, and Death on Tuckernuck) as well as the nationally bestselling Being a Jane Austen mystery series, which she writes under the pen name Stephanie Barron. She lives and works in Denver, Colorado.

Connect with Francine Mathews

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Bookbub • Goodreads

Congratulations to Francine Mathews on the release of Death on a Winter Stroll! 

Many thanks to Laurel Ann @ Austenprose PR for organizing and including me on this tour!

So, my friends, do you like a good mystery? Well, it's the perfect time to grab a copy of this Christmas mystery! Feel free to leave a comment below! 

A Stolen Heart by Clarissa Kae ~ Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, friends! I'm thrilled to be part of A Stolen Heart Blog Tour! This book sounds fantastic to me. I mean, a Victorian twist on Robin Hood, what's not to love?!

Be sure to check out the fabulous giveaway! You can find details at the bottom of this post. 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Stolen Heart (Victorian Retellings #3) 

By Clarissa Kae 

Historical Romance, Fairy Tale 

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 

264 Pages 

January 29, 2022 

by Carpe Vitam Press 

A Victorian twist on Robin Hood. 

The Earl of Rochelle, Nikolas Whitworth, is handsome, charming. And a traitor. 

He can outwit and outcon any Englishman—and any Englishwoman. When his debts are called in a savior appears, the criminal mastermind known only as the Tailor. 

Nikolas is bought and sold, his future no longer his. But when a beguiling thief picks his pocket, Rosalyn Devereaux steals more than his coin. Orphaned as a child, Rosalyn trusts no one. She picks the pockets of lords and ladies alike, donating her spoils to the poor. The Tailor notices her skills and demands Rosalyn enlist in his cause. 

With every moment beside Rosalyn, Nikolas changes from a life of lies to a man with a conviction. She occupies his every thought but can Nikolas outcon the Tailor and secure Rosalyn’s heart before the Tailor steals his love?

 

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Read an Excerpt

Rosalyn bumped into the elder nobleman. She mumbled an apology before nicking his billfold. She crossed the street and hid behind the corner. Several boys snuck their way to her, grinning widely. Rosalyn tossed them their due and made her way east, towards home. She went through St. James square, her fingers lifting wallets and coins as Rosalyn made her way through the busy streets. 

“I’m sorry.” A familiar voice echoed. 

In the front garden of a townhome, Nikolas—the Earl of Rochelle—stood with his hand outstretched to a beautiful woman, her curls disheveled and her skin like a fine china doll. The woman shook her head and climbed into the townhome. He wiped his haggard face with a hand, his other arm wrapped against him. Rosalyn froze, her heart in her throat. She ducked behind the garden fence. 

Excerpted from A Stolen Heart by Clarissa Kae, Copyright © 2022 by Clarissa Kae. Published by Carpe Vitam Press.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Three winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card (US only)

Ends March 23, 2022

ENTER HERE

 

Many thanks to Prism Book Tours for including me in this tour!

Her Country Gentleman: Timeless Georgian Collection, Bk 1 ~ Blog Tour ~ Excerpt

Hello, friends! I'm delighted to be part of the Her Country Gentleman Blog Tour! 

Her Country Gentleman is an anthology of three Georgian novellas. It is the first book in the Timeless Georgian Collection from Mirror Press. 

Today, I have an excerpt to share with you from Spring at Tribbley Hall by Sian Ann Bessey. I hope you enjoy it!

ADVANCE PRAISE

“I have no hesitation in giving five stars collectively to this book. Great writing. Outstanding characters and each story is very compelling and different.”— Ken Reynolds, Goodreads

“This book is authored by three very talented authors, Sian Bessey, Sarah Eden, and Rebecca Connolly. I will admit upfront that these are three of my favorite authors so my expectations were high and they did not disappoint. This book is a truly wonderful read that I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads

“I enjoyed the premise of each book - high society lady going to the country. But each heroine found their own adventure as they learned to live a different type of life than they were used to. Each hero was engaging. And of course, I loved their HEAs”— Caleen Picket, Goodreads

Her Country Gentleman

Timeless Georgian Collection (Book 1)

by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, & Rebecca Connolly

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Her Country Gentleman is the first book in the Timeless Georgian Collection, a new anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from bestselling historical romance authors whose stories reveal that not all love is found in London. 

“Spring at Tribbley Hall,” by Sian Ann Bessey 

When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William's sheep's disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

“Love of My Heart,” by Sarah M. Eden 

Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

“Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire,” by Rebecca Connolly 

Martha Smith wants to marry for love and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother's approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha's romantic sensibilities and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great. Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he'd already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he's more than willing to work for it. Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything. 

ABOUT THE SERIES 

The Timeless Georgian Collection is a new series featuring novellas set in England during the Georgian era (1714 – 1830). It is part of A Timeless Romance Anthology series published by Mirror Press — a curated collection of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.

 

Buy: Amazon • Bookbub

Add to Goodreads.

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Excerpt 

Spring at Tribbley Hall, by Sian Ann Bessey

 

London, 1784

Chapter 1

Grandmama made her stunning announcement at the breakfast table. Charlotte’s father had just finished the last sausage on his plate. Across from him, her mother and sister, Margery, were reviewing their long list of appointments for the day. Charlotte was nibbling on her toast, hoping she might have enough time before she finished it to conjure up a worthy excuse to stay at home rather than join them in yet another shopping expedition for Margery’s trousseau. 

“I am going to the country,” Grandmama said. “Norfolk, to be precise. If you would be so good as to make a carriage available, Edward, I should like to leave tomorrow.”

 

The elderly lady would not have garnered a more stunned reaction had she told her family that she was visiting the moon. 

Charlotte’s mother was the first to recover.

“To Norfolk?” She set her teacup in its saucer, the slight rattle of the china a fitting reflection of her obvious shock. “Tomorrow?” 

“That’s right. And if she is willing, I should very much like Charlotte to accompany me.”

Charlotte’s heart leapt. Had she heard correctly? Not only had Grandmama formulated her own plan of escape from the prenuptial madness that currently surrounded them, she had engineered one for Charlotte also. 

Her mother’s expression moved from stunned to aghast. “But we have Margery’s wedding in a month.” 

“I am aware,” Grandmama said dryly.

Charlotte bit her lip to hide her smile. The entire house had been turned on its end in preparation for Margery’s upcoming marriage to Viscount Rothsey. Indeed, for the last few weeks, breakfast had been the solitary hour of calm before the whirlwind of daily premarital activities resumed. 

“My good friend, Lady Cheston, has written to invite me to visit. Her home is located not more than five minutes from the coast. Given all the chimney smoke hanging over London these past few weeks, I believe the sea air will do me good.”

“I have no doubt you are right, Mother.” Charlotte’s father had taken one look at his wife’s face and had obviously determined that he had best enter the fray. “But there is the matter of Margery’s wedding.” 

Grandmama released a frustrated breath. “I have no intention of missing my own granddaughter’s wedding, but I hardly think my presence is needed here before then. Nor Charlotte’s either, come to that. Constance already has things well in hand, and I would hazard a guess that Margery will fare perfectly well without her old grandmother’s and younger sister’s advice. Is that not so, Margery?”

Margery blinked, clearly unprepared for the question. She turned to Charlotte. 

“Would you like to go, Lottie?” 

Charlotte hesitated. She loved her sister, but an opportunity to be by the sea did not present itself often. Their family’s small country manor was in landlocked Leicestershire, and unlike most of their friends and acquaintances who divided their time evenly between the country and the city, her family rarely spent time away from London. Her father’s business demanded that he be in Town more often than not, and since her mother preferred the hustle and bustle of London over the slower pace of village life, she opted to stay with him. 

“If Grandmama is sure that we will be back to see you marry your viscount, and you feel that you can manage without me until then,” she said, “I believe I would.” 

Grandmama’s gratified smile was instant, and Margery gave her an understanding nod. 

“I daresay choosing linens is not a terribly exciting endeavor when one will never see them again no matter which are chosen.”

Charlotte laughed. “You forget, Margery. I intend to visit you in your new home often, and I shall pay particular attention to the towels you have out.”

“As will everyone else,” their mother warned. “Such things say a great deal about the mistress of a house.”

“I believe that with your expert guidance, I shall not go awry, Mother,” Margery said. 

“Well, be that as it may,” their mother said with a sniff, “Charlotte would learn a great deal by coming with us. It will surely not be long before she is choosing her own linens.”

Charlotte was all too aware of their mother’s desire to marry her two daughters off in quick succession, but as she had sighed with relief when every eligible gentleman who had come to call on her this Season left the house, she sincerely hoped that matrimony was not in her immediate future.

Pages 1-3

* * *

About the Authors

Sian Ann Bessey

Born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of
Anglesey off the coast of North Wales, Sian left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today bestselling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.

She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Website • Facebook • Instagram • Bookbub • Goodreads

Sarah M. Eden

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. 

Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Website • Facebook • Instagram • Bookbub • Goodreads

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than two dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. 

She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Bookbub • Goodreads

Purchases Links 

Amazon (paid link) • Bookbub 

Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

* * *

Congratulations to Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, and Rebecca Connolly on the release of your new book! It's a beautiful cover and I'm looking forward to reading the stories!

Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose PR for organizing and including me on the tour!

So friends, what are your thoughts? Which story has piqued your interest the most, or do they all sound fabulous to you?