New Review of "Before the Season Ends" from Publishers Weekly!

Now we have it: My Inspirational Regency romance is officially a "tasty confection."
(Unless you want to argue with Publishers Weekly, that is.) Of course, if you've read the book, you knew that already, right? :)

Before the Season Ends Linore Rose Burkard. Harvest House, $12.95 paper (300p) ISBN 978-0-7369-2551-8

Country girl Ariana Forsythe is sent to a wealthy aunt in London to head off an unsuitable match in this faith-based Regency romance. After being modishly outfitted by said aunt, Ariana is thrust into the London season, with all its attendant social conventions: status distinctions, formal etiquette and gossip, gossip, gossip (the Regency antecedent of dishing). Ariana meets her match in the disdainful paragon of society, Phillip Mornay, who quickly becomes her ally after an unexpected turn of social events threatens her good name. This period romance lacks sufficient romantic tension between the principals. The plotting is also uneven, with some complications (the matter of Ariana’s correspondence with her family, for example) not driving the plot forward, instead frittering narrative energy. But the author’s command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details but also in dialogue. The theology is also period authentic. The novel even contains a glossary to help non-Regencyphiles get up to speed about the difference between ladies’ pelisses and spencers. Despite some technical problems, on the whole it’s a tasty confection. (Dec.)

And PS to the reviewer: My readers love that "frittering narrative energy!"

This is Me (Imaginatively Speaking)

I love this picture--it could be Jane Austen writing at her little desk,or it could be--me! (Imaginatively speaking, of course.) The truth is I sit at a laptop in a study which I have all to myself when I write, except that the door remains mostly open, and my children wander in freely whenever they feel the need.

The exception is when I'm on deadline, whether from my publisher or self-imposed: During those down-to-the-wire times I try to control how often the kids may interrupt me. (I actually barricade my door since the lock is broken. It's amazing how strong a five-year-old is!)


But when I'm writing a Regency, I feel like the writer in this picture. And I like that. I like the simplicity, the lack of clutter, the modesty of her dress, and the fact that she is endeavouring to write while household tasks await. Just like me.

Weapons of the Regency!

My September Regency Newsletter ("Upon My Word! The Regency 'Zine) is LIVE and available on my website. This month's feature is called "Weapons of the Regency," and takes a brief peek at some actual pistols and other arms from the day. Guest writer is Vonnie Hughes. She and her husband have quite a collection of authentic antique (period) weapons. Take a look! Click HERE


And don't forget to sign up for future issues while you're there--it's FREE, and you'll get a free download of an amusing vignette by a 19th century author about living with servants.


Enjoy! Just click HERE


Warmly,

Linore

Wow, It's Available!

The new release of my Regency Inspirational Romance, Before the Season Ends, isn't "officially" out until December 1st, 2008, but it's available for pre-order NOW. Cool!

(Need I say that it makes a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift? And by pre-ordering, you get the special discounted price given by the publisher LOCKED IN. That means, even if the price goes up before the release date, you don't pay a penny more than your pre-order price.

That's a prodigiously good deal, wouldn't you say? (Ahem)
You can order from the following retailers: (Click on the name)
ChristianBook.com
Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

ChristianBook.com even has the temporary cover posted for "The House in Grosvenor Square!" That book won't be out until 2009, so it's rather extraordinary to see it listed so soon. Check out how the book covers match one another: Harvest House has very capable graphic artists. The guy on both covers does not, unfortunately, really fit the "hero" character in the book (I'm not namin' names! No spoilers!) but he is
dressed very nicely, indeed. To see the cover of the sequel,
Click here: The House In Grosvenor Square. (Notice I said, "temporary cover"? Can you see the mistake on the book cover? There are two things that are going to be changed, in fact, two inaccuracies. Watch for my next ezine for a contest to see who can spot them before they're changed by the publisher!

Until then, happy reading.