Summer Haze

That's what I'm in! And man does it feel good! This is the first summer in nearly five years that isn't totally choked full of writing and deadlines, and it feels great!

I've been away from the blog for weeks now, and I apologize, but I had quite a few things to get off my plate, because I knew I needed to have this summer be calm and pleasant and serene. I really need to rejuvenate the creative muse. So now, I only have 2500 words to write four days a week for the next seven weeks in order to complete the third Brethren Guardian book--Temptation and Twilight! That might sound like a lot, but for me, it's Heaven! I've actually been able to do a bit of promo for Seduction and Scandal, as well as really take my time on edits for Pride and Passion (which I loved how it turned out) as well as taking my time to write some really hot and emotional love scenes for Temptation and Twilight. Beyond writing, I've got my summer reading list all ready and I cannot wait to dive in and indulge. Reading for pleasure has been non existent for me this year and I had hundreds of books to choose from, but the books I'm going to share with you made it to my top!

In the next few weeks  I'll be doing give aways for Seduction and Scandal (and yeah, the Canada Post strike is over so I can actually mail out stuff) as well as posting a brand new scene for Wallingford and Jane. Readers voted, and they wanted to see more of that couple. So, once it's done, I'll post it for a little extra summer treat.

Along wtih reading for pleasure, I'll be doing some reserach reading--I can't say on what, because that would ruin the surprise, but suffice it to say that I have new historical proposal for HQN in the works. I'm REALLY in love with it, and all the characters, and I hope readers--and my editors, will be, too!

Hope you are all enjoying summer, and that you'll come back often to win a book, or read a new excerpt for Pride and Passion--and maybe a little glimpse of Temptation and Twilight, or just to see Jane and Wallingford again!

So, without further adieu, here is my summer list. I've been especially dying for Jennifer Ashley's and Mary Balogh's books! And aren't the covers stunning! Just beautiful.

Jennifer Ashley's writing just speaks to me. I love her writing, her dialogue and her sensual love scenes. She totally won me over with the Mackenzie clan, and I've been salivating for every book! I wish her the best, but man, I wish she could write this series faster!

Mary Balogh is an absolute fav of mine! I love her historical details, her inner monologue and rambling thoughts while in the character's head. I love the way she writes angst and emotions, and I have been DYING for this story since I first read More Than A Mistress! 

I'm new to Meredith's books. I've only read one of her books, Duke of Shadows and loved it. This cover is just so stunning and the back cover copy so compelling, how can I resist reading it? I like to try new to me authors, and I really think that Meredith's books will be the kind that I like to read. Anyone have a favorite of hers?

I'm new to Lorraine, as well, but I have read the two books in this series that lead up to this one. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward this, especially after Barbara reviewed it. We have the same reading tastes, and I know how excited she was about this read, so it only fueled my need to read even more! I love angst and deep emotion in my reads, and I know this will fit the bill! I will be reading this one first!

So, what are you reading? Any good recommendations for me when I'm done these?
Be Well!

Winner!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Wedding of the Century

Hi all! Hope your week went well. I won't be on the blog much for the remainder of the month! Those pesky deadlines! But I will be giving away three-four more copies of Wedding of The Century. And it's easy peasy to win. Just add a comment and you're entered.

Next week I'll be showing you my inspiration for Jase and Blossom, plus giving a bit more background into the story. Abd maybe a little snipped of a scene....

So now, without further adieu, the winner of this week's copy of The Wedding of the Century is.....

                                                              joeyjhg2!
Congrats! Just email me at charlotte@charlottefeatherstone.net with your addy and I will get this shipped otu to you.

Now....if the deadlines go well, and the muse is with me, what you like a little to see me write...a little sexy scene wth Lindsay and Anais, or Jane Wallingford. Most votes wins!!!
See ya next week!

Promo~The Wedding of the Century

Happy Monday, I hope all the Mother's out there hada lovely day yesterday, and whether you're the mother of a child, or a special little fur baby, I'd like to extend my wishes (although belatedly) for a happy Mother's Day.

Which, incidently, brings me to today's post. Mothers. So many people have written to me requesting more from the 'Addicted world'. And I thank them for it I was surprised, and honored that they asked. So, when my editor presented me with the opportunity to be included in an anthology that included Mary Jo Putney I was thrilled, yet flummoxed. What would I write about? At about the time I was asked to write the novella, Sinful was just released, and the epilogue I had written to complete the book was floating around the internet. In it, Jane and Wallingford are married, and Jane is carrying his baby. The epilogue was a warm, feel good piece, which was what the publisher wanted for the novella. So, immediately, I began to think. And think. I re-read the epilogue again, and it was then that it hit me. Jase. The little scoundrel who thought girls were yucky would be the perfect hero!

Jase is Lindsay and Anais son (Addicted) and I began to muse about the idea of bringing him together with Jane and Wallingford's daughter Blossom. When I approached my editor with the idea, I was afraid of the reeption. I was already working on the Sins and the Virtues, and the world of Addicted and Sinful seemed far away. But she loved it. And the rest, is the cliched, history.

While writing it, I had to think of Jane and Wallingford, and Lindsay and Anais, not the way they were in their books, but twenty-five years down the road, when they've matured into fifty somethings. I also had to think on what sort of mothers they were to their children. It was surprisingly easy to imagine both Jane and Anais as mothers--but they both have very different mothering styles.

Anais is a very maternal, affectionate woman. Her mothering style is warm, close to smothering, but not cloying. She has the gift of caring deeply, of comforting with embraces and the sharing of secrets. She is the type of mother who would have cried at the door while you tottered off to school. The one most likely to welcome you home from school with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. In essence, she's the Norman Rockwell mother.

Jane on the other hand is a far different woman. Caring and loving, most certainly, openly affectionate, absolutely. But her style of mothering is far ahead of the average Victorian female. Jane could be considered today's woman. Teaching her daughter to rely on herself, to forge her way in the world so as not to have to rely on a man--a very radical way of thinking in the Victorian era. Janeecourages Blossom to find herself, to be what, and who she is. Despite being a duchess now, Jane is still that down to earth working girl who had
towork and scrape for everything she had.

I like the prevailing differences between Anais and Jane because their ideas and personality have shaped their children. And it was a real delight to see them both interact with their children.

I hope readers will enjoy the novella, and the glimpses of Jane and Anais as they strive to bring their children together, in an union of love of which both have been so blessed to experience.

So, to celebrate the release of The Wedding of the Century, I will be giving away a copy of the book, each week until the beginning of June. Nothing to terribly difficult, just leave a comment thorought the week, and I'll randomly pick a name out of a hat.Winners will be announced on Fridays.

Stay tuned, though, more to come on Lindsay, and that naughty Wallingford as well as Blossom and Jase, and a little surprise for readers about Sarah, and finding her own true love.....

Be Well!

Yummy Inspiration

Sorry to be gone so long. Deadlines, I'm afraid. I'm busy, busy writing Pride and Passion, as well as beginning the last book in the Brethren Guardian series--Temptation and Twilight. If you can believe it, it's actually time to start pondering future proposals. And I know I've already hinted a bit about that on the blog. But, thought I'd share my inspiration for a component of it.

So, just for all my readers, here's a little Friday mojo to put a smile on our faces....the inspiration for two future heroes. Names aren't fully fixed, but personalities are, and here we go...

Say hello to Mr. Born Common and Ruthless. This guy is determined to rise to the top of the Victorian Society, and he's not afraid to get his hands dirty! I'm quite certain he'll make many a ladies swoon with his skills! I love this guy! I can see him as very bad boy hero. You know how I love me a bad boy, especially when he falls hard for the heroine! This guy is going to look fantastic, especially in a cravat and shiny boots! I was thinking of the name Jake, or Nathan for him. What do you think? He needs a more 'common' less stuffy aristocratic name. Any thoughts or ideas?

And here is Mr. Dark and Brooding. Oh, how I love how masculine this guy is. He's perfect for the character I'm thinking of. He's kind of the quiet, skulking, itense type, maybe a bit ruthless, too, and definitely sexually intense! He looks like he could seduce the knickers off a nun!

So, what do you think? Inspiring?
Happy Mother's Day to everyone!