Satin Sheets Welcomes Author Christie Kelley - What do you like to read?

Thank you having me today!  I thought it would be fun to talk about historical romance, how much the subgenre has changed over the past thirty years, and my personal keepers. When I first started reading historical romance, the stories were long, adventure filled books that could take place over years. We were taken from the Caribbean to Russia and many lands in between. Even being a fast reader, it could take me days to finish one of those lush books. These were the books with the reputation that came to be known as bodice rippers.

I miss those books…well, some of them. Some, I will admit, were more like rape than a slightly forceful sex scene. That is not the part I miss. I long for the exotic destinations like St. Petersburg, Nassau, Italy, France, and yes, even the USA.

With many authors self-publishing today, we are finally seeing some differing locales, but the mainstream publishers haven’t picked up the concept again. I think one reason we see a lull in historicals every few years is people get tired of every book being set in England or Scotland. The readers move onto a different subgenre of romance until they tire of all the millionaires and secret babies, then they come back to historical romances.

I doubt we’ll ever go back to the long historical, though. This is something I can understand. I work full time, write when I can, have two almost grown sons, and very little time for reading. I have been reading one of my favorite author’s books for over a week now and I’m only halfway through it. The book is not poorly written and it’s not dull. It’s a lovely story. I just haven’t had the time to put into reading this wonderful book. Years ago, I would have been done with that book in two days or less.

So, as I’m sure you have guessed by now, not only do I write historical romance, it is also my favorite subgenre to read. Some of my favorite authors are Johanna Lindsay, Julia Quinn, Christina Dodd, Victoria Alexander and Kathleen Woodiwiss.

I thought it would be fun to discuss keepers. The books you go back to over and over until you have to buy a new copy because you’ve worn out the old one. Of course, with e-books that won’t be a problem.

One of my top keepers is A Heart So Wild by Johanna Lindsay. First, I love this story because it’s set in the western US but the hero isn’t really a cowboy. I always found this to be a very magical story. It is one story that makes me cry almost every time I read it.

Next on my list is Judith Ivory’s The Proposition, because who doesn’t love a hero who’s a rat catcher. If you haven’t read this one, I can’t recommend it enough. I just pulled it off my bookshelf so I can reread it again because it’s been a couple of years.

So what are some of your keepers? No, they don’t have to be historical or even romance. Anything is fair game. Just tell me about that one book you reread every year or so because it touches your heart.

And what do you think about seeing exotic locations? Do you love them? Don’t care either way? Tell me how you feel. 

Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Be sure to check out Christie's latest release!

Only His Passion. . .

With his estate near bankruptcy, Simon Blakesworth, Earl of Hartsfield already has a perilous secret to keep. Still, when he finds Mia Featherstone badly beaten, he doesn't hesitate to shelter her in his home. . .and offer marriage to protect the lovely healer from her attacker. But Mia is concealing a danger this honorable earl never imagined--and can't resist. . .

Can Save Her Love. . .

Mia's valuable discovery on Simon's land saved her patients' lives. Now the only way she can help the man she's always loved save his home is to secretly find the rest of a cache of hidden artifacts. But their passion is making it impossible for Mia to ever walk away--even from a love that may not survive the truth. . . 

AMAZON  B&N

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Award winning author, Christie Kelley was born and raised in upstate New York. After seventeen years working for financial institutions in software development, she started writing her first book. She currently writes regency historicals for Kensington. Christie now lives in Maryland with her two sons. 

Come visit her on the web at www.christiekelley.com or www.facebook.com/ChristieKelleyAuthor or www.twitter.com/christiekelley

Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of To Have and To Hold by : Charlene Raddon

Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of  To Have and To Hold by : Charlene Raddon

 

Title: To Have and To Hold
Author: Charlene Raddon
Author's Website: http://www.charleneraddon.com

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing (January 23, 2013)
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Length:448pages
Buy Link:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/To-Have-Hold-ebook/dp/B00B5GWFCY/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1372480545&sr=8-12&keywords=to+have+and+to+hold

BLURB

A woman without a prayer . . .
A widow with two children, Tempest Whitney has had to mortgage everything to repay the money her husband had stolen. But even as she struggles to hold onto her Utah homestead, a scheming rancher buys up her debts, demanding she either get off his land or marry him. Then a dark-haired stranger shows up, claiming to be her dead husband . . .
A man without a past . . .
Buck Maddux spent two years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Now a deathbed promise has brought him to Tempest's homestead. A man without roots, he doesn't plan to stay -- or to feel so fiercely protective of this feisty beauty he saves from a hated marriage of convenience. Suddenly, Buck years for a home, a family, a lasting love. But what can he offer Tempest? The surprising answer lies in the forbidding canyons of an ancient Anasazi tribe, where fortune and danger await--along with a passion more precious than gold . . .

Kimberley's Review....
BUCK ,BUCK,BUCK . All the dreams I use to have when I was a small girl . Of what it would be like to live in the past. And what kind of man I wanted. And Ms. Raddon , she found just the man I have always wanted; and his name is Buck! 

We first start off with Tempest , strong woman who will do anything to keep her and her children afloat and pay back all her dead husband has done. When she is cornered and given then awful choices of marry or leave she doesn't know what to do. And just when you think it is all over her come her dusty, dirty, brown horses LONG dead husband? 

Buck, promises Tempest husband ,Skeet to make sure is and the family is ok , as he lied dying. Buck agrees but being throw in jail side tracked this promise. But once her get out he head to make that promise true. Little did he know he will just have to what he got himself into.

Wonderful story, loved the back and forth between Tempest and Buck. She don't take no crap from him or anyone. And that is what Buck needs. A strong woman , to show him it is ok to love again. Ms. Raddon is a wonderful , detailed writer and you will be missing out on this if you let this book pass you buy. 

Anna Well's Satin Sheet Review of the Unraveling of Lady Fury

Title: The Unraveling of Lady Fury

Author: Shehanne Moore
Author's Website: 
Publisher:  Etopia Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 262 pages

Buy on Amazon

Rule One: There will be no kissing. Rule two: There will be no touching…

Widowed Lady Fury Shelton hasn’t lost everything—yet. As long as she produces the heir to the Beaumont dukedom, she just might be able to keep her position, and her secrets. When the callously irresistible Captain James “Flint” Blackmoore sails back into her life, Lady Fury panics. She must find a way to protect herself—and her future—from the man she’d rather see rotting in hell than sleeping in her bed. If she must bed him to keep her secrets, so be it. But she doesn't have to like it. A set of firm rules for the bedroom will ensure that nothing goes awry. Because above all else, she must stop herself from wanting the one thing that Flint can never give her. His heart.

Ex-privateer Flint Blackmoore has never been good at following the rules. Now, once again embroiled in a situation with the aptly named Lady Fury, he has no idea why he doesn't simply do the wise thing and walk away. He knows he’s playing with fire, and that getting involved with her again is more dangerous than anything on the high seas. But he can’t understand why she’s so determined to hate him. He isn't sure if the secret she keeps will make things harder—or easier—for him, but as the battle in the bedroom heats up, he knows at least one thing. Those silly rules of hers will have to go…

Anna’s Review

Lady Fury has a dilemma; her husband has died before he produced an heir.  She has to get pregnant immediately so she can convince everyone she is carrying her dead husband’s child.  If she doesn't she’ll be penniless, but Fury takes this in stride quickly and finds a number of suitable if not likable candidates to father her child.

However her plans are disrupted when her former lover, Flint Blackmoore, walks back into her life and quickly signs up for the position of stud.  Fury understandably can’t forgive him for previously abandoning her so she is determined to remain aloof, and really who can blame her?

Historical romances are my first love and Lady Fury is a delightful heroine.   She’s not easily seduced the second time around really makes Flint work hard to win her back.  Fury and Flint are great characters who will make you laugh as they attempt to keep their distance while they are trying to conceive a child.  As the story unfolds you’ll learn why Fury is so determined to secure her future, but shhh….no spoilers.

Nanee's review of An Inconvenient Wife By Constance Hussey

http://www.amazon.com/Constance-Hussey/e/B00C5HPH0O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Book description:

Fleeing an obsessive suitor, Anne Mackenzie finds refuge in Portugal, although she will only be completely safe in England. When she takes two children into her care, she never dreams that they will be the key to return her home. Lord Westcott can take her away from Portugal and protect her from the dangerous man in her past, but the price is high—a loveless marriage. Unless Anne can thaw the heart of this compelling, aloof stranger, they may be irrevocably bound to a lifetime of unhappiness.

Unable to ignore the bonds of friendship, Lord Westcott reluctantly agrees to visit Portugal in search of a missing child. A recluse since the death of his wife and a crippling injury to his daughter, he never imagines he will return with two orphans and a wife—a wife whose dangerous secrets threaten his very life—and his long-frozen heart.

Chance has thrown them together, but only love can transform an inconvenient wife into his heart’s desire.

Nanee's review 

I loved this book, the story is so intriguing...I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it.....The story begins in 1804 Hampshire England home of Nicholas Blackwell "Viscount  Westcott"' (a loner or some might call him a recluse )his best  friend Dev St Clair has asked a favor that Nicholas cant help but  begrudgely  agree too. He needs to go to Portugal to locate a young girl who may be in trouble.  It may sound easy but its far from it. He meets  Anne Mckenzie whose caring for the young girl and brother that Nicholas is searching for. A chance encounter and a promise of safety is all Anne needs to agree to be Nicholas's wife in name only. Nicholas has reasons beyond Anne's safety for wanting  a wife in name only but one's he won't share...will their relationship blossom into something more? Read it to find out ...this book is super sweet, romantic and very cute all in one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book...it reminds me of historical romances I read and would highly recommend this one.  

Nanee


     

Nanee's Satin Sheets Romance Review of My Gift To You by Faye Hall

Title: My Gift to You
Author: Faye Hall
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing
Genre: erotic historical romance
Link: http://eredsage.com/store/MyGiftToYou.htm



Summary:


As a child, Rush Mullens saw her parents murdered before her eyes. She didn’t know the men responsible, but she would find them. She wanted revenge. She didn’t think she would also find a boy she could love more than her own life; a boy who grew into the man who would steal her heart.

She couldn’t let him endanger her plans for revenge, nor could she ignore that she was willing to risk all – her past, her life, her reputation - just to sample an ounce of passion from this man.

Bailey Maston wanted to find a woman – the perfect woman – to give his heart to. He wanted to trust that she could exist. Everything he had seen in his young life, both at home and in society, told him what a foolish dream this was.

When he finally discovers the truth of Rush’s life, and the revenge she is enacting, will he allow the betrayal to keep him from the woman he yearns for…a woman he craves to free his well-guarded heart?


Nanee's Review

Faye Hall has a very unique story to tell. The story starts out in year 1866 in Australia and it begins with Rush's parents being hung by the "witch hunters" in front of 8 year old Rush's eyes. They accused Rush's parents Joseph and Carmen of being witches and for killing several people (also for reasons not shared yet). The "master" of the cult also wanted Rush to be put to death but Justin one of the "witch hunters" saved her life. He owed Rush's parents a great deal and felt by saving and protecting Rush he would take some of the guilt off his soul. Lord Maston (Justin) brings her into his home to raise her along with his son Bailey and hides away the truth of his past. The story starts out great it captures your attention and was hard to put down, but then starts to wander a little with Rush being out in "society" along with Bailey and their growing feelings for each other. Rush's feelings for Bailey are of love and Baileys at first are of lust. Rush knows of Bailey's sleeping around she cant help but want him for herself. As the time passes their relationship has its ups and downs. The story trails a little more in the middle when Rush wants revenge for her parents deaths and stalks each "witch hunter" cult member. I felt it could have been more interesting. As her vengeance plays out on each person responsible, the story picks up again when shes running for her life and more lives are lost. Over all I felt the story was interesting but felt it was lacking in a few areas.  I enjoyed the relationship between Rush and Bailey ( very passionate at times). I liked Justin's character. He always regretted his past but did his best to protect Rush and put his life on the line to protect his family. The end of the story ties in all the mystery from the story but felt more should have been shared throughout the story.

  

Satin Sheets Romance Author of the Month - Deborah Gafford

Welcome Deborah Gafford to Satin Sheets Romance!

Wow, where has the time gone? It seems like I just finished eating the last of the Thanksgiving turkey and now it's the beginning of spring! I guess that means I really need to get the final Christmas decorations put up so there's room to set out lawn chairs, right?

Here in my part of Texas, winter is mild with no snow or ice storms, but we do have many cold, cloudy days. When friends from other parts of the country tell me of their winters and claim we don't even have winter here, I tell them, "Yes we do. It came on a Tuesday last year." It's during the chilly gray days I especially love to read.

Reading does for me what the woman in the old Calgon commercial experienced when she said, "Calgon, take me away!" and was magically whisked away to a place where she felt relaxed and happy. Or, depending on my mood, reading propels me into a world of vampires where danger and death lurks around every corner. When my gloomy moods need brightening, I read romantic comedy and my tension escapes on the breath of every laugh.

If I want to step into the past, into the arms of a strong handsome hero who chooses to love and protect me no matter the cost, reading gives me the opportunity to experience timeless love.

For me, reading opens a magical doorway to times, places, people and emotions I choose. I have control and choice. If I choose to read a murder thriller by myself on a stormy night, I have control. When it gets too frightening, I shut the book and hide it in my closet under every pair of shoes I own. I thunk myself on the forehead in a "V8 moment" for even considering reading it on a stormy night alone and read something light and funny to ensure I sleep, not lay there all night with my heart racing at every little sound.

Okay, I've pontificated at length on my enjoyment of reading. (I had to throw one fancy word in to make my rambling sound good.) But which books interest me? What do I have on my keeper shelf? Well, as I tell my husband, I'm glad he gave me an iPad because my keeper bookcase is about to collapse from the weight of my favorite books.

I love reading romance in many forms but my all-time favorite is historical romance, especially time-travel to Scotland in the past with a muscle-bound Highland laird who keeps his heart locked away until a sassy wench crosses his path and turns his world upside down. From the moment he can't decide if he wants to toss her out of his castle to fend for herself or wed, bed and keep her, I'm hooked. I haven't found an author that does this better than Lynn Kurland. If I told you how many times I've read a couple of hers you probably wouldn't believe me until you saw the duplicate copies with pages falling out. Again, thank goodness for my iPad. Until it has trenches rubbed into the screen from use, I'm good. Two Lynn Kurland favorites are: A Dance Through Time and A Garden in the Rain.

For romance set in contemporary times yet still exuding that timeless Alpha male kicking ass and protecting his love no matter what, I love Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels. There is nothing like her sizzling ultra sexy Carpathian who fights and destroys vampires knowing unless he finds his true soul mate the bleakness of  his existence will eventually force him to end his life by facing the dawn rather than lose his soul and become the very evil he kills. Two definite keepers are: Dark Prince and Dark Fire.

When I want romance but also need a laugh or ten, I read Janet Evanovitch. Her books are laugh-out-loud funny and have, not one but TWO, sexy Alpha males for madcap bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum. Gee, what a hardship. I wonder if she'd let me take her place once in a while? All for the sake of research, of course. Two great books are: One For the Money and Two For the Dough.

Okay, now you know my reading favorites. What are yours? Be careful, thinking about it will have you pulling them out and forgetting things that need to be done. But hey, I'll be the first one on the block to have Christmas decorations up next year!

I always like to ask our guests to describe themselves with three words..

Deborah said... 

1) romantic  2) caring 3) funny

Now, here are a few of Deborah's fabulous books!

Highlander's Bride: When Alexander MacGregor is forced to wed Katherine Gordon or lose all he possesses, love was not part of the bargain.  Or so he thought.

Buy link for Highlander's Bride: http://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Bride-ebook/dp/B005FTQERO/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1316967478&sr=1-3

The Talisman: Although a stranger, Laird Gavin MacPherson vows to aid Ailis search for her family's killer. But can she trust his kind words and kisses, or does he hide the murderer in his midst?

Buy link for The Talisman: http://www.amazon.com/The-Talisman-ebook/dp/B00683BMQO/ref=sr_1_22?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1321547173&sr=1-22

You're in Good Hands with Al Tate: Susan Pierson needed a man who was good with his hands. And she needed him now.

Buy link for You're in Good Hands with Al Tate: http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Good-Hands-Tate-ebook/dp/B006MHLQTY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1324063793&sr=1-1

Deborah is giving away two ebooks and a color poster! Be sure to comment on the blog to enter to win! She will draw winners several times during the month of April!!! Don't forget to leave your email. You can't win, if we can't get a hold of you!

BE SURE TO FOLLOW DEBORAH

My social media and contact links are: 

Website:  http://www.deborahgafford.com/

Email:  deborah@deborahgafford.com

Author/fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Deborah-Gafford/288925501236934

Facebook Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238057489654928/

Romance Novel Center page:  http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/deborahgafford

Monthly Readers' Contest: http://www.deborahgafford.com/Readers__Contest.html

Natalie Gibson's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Vanguard of Hope: Sapphire Brigade Book 1 by Kathy Steinemann

Vanguards of Hope: Sapphire Brigade Book 1
by Kathy Steinemann

Buy links:
Amazon                             Historical Romance/ Mystery
Amazon UK                      Length: 288 pages
Amazon CA                      eBook format
B&N                                 Indie Published
Kobo                               
Smashwords
iTunes



Blurb:
This is the first in a series of novels about the Sapphire Brigade. The story occurs in the late 19th century, a time when chauvinism and racial prejudice were an accepted part of life.

Set against a backdrop of mystery, murder, and romance, it is the struggle of a woman who copes as well as she can with secrets and personal demons.

Natalie Gibson's Review:
Written in journal format, Vanguard of Hope details the later years of Hope.  It was written well but writing in first person is hard enough without throwing journal in the mix.  The author is not only restricted to the thoughts and feelings of one person but the limitations of how that person would make entries into a diary.  I liked that it felt secretive, that we were reading something no one else had read.
It started with a intro by a distant niece of Hope which confused me a bit and I had to go back when I was about half way through to see who this girl was.  I was looking for a Victorian romance when I picked this book from our submissions list.  It started out as just what I was looking for but quickly it was obvious that Hope was not the normal Victorian lady.  She read much more modern.  Maybe that was because we weren't just seeing her facade but seeing her innermost thoughts and desires.  It was also because she had sex outside of marriage, an affair with a black servant, and went around unchaperoned. 
Hope was a well rounded well formed character but the format of the book didn't allow any of the other characters to be properly depicted.  Also, it did not have the description of setting and attire that I love in Victorian novels.  It isn't a bad or good thing - just how the journal writing worked. The sex is glossed over but the book deals with child abuse, child rape, infidelity, ect.

I give it 3 satin pillows and 2 candle flames.

Connect with the author:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter

Natalie Gibson's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Love's Debt by Rachel Brimble

Love's Debt
by Rachel Brimble

Historical Romance, Novella
92 pages

Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N
Wild Rose Press

Contact
Website
Facebook
Twitter

To keep herself from the depths of poverty, Milly Shepherd needs to be appointed manager of the Red Lion Tavern. The elderly owner is in failing health and has promised her the job permanently if no one more suitable applies. Milly will fight with her entire being to make the job her own.

Joseph Jacobs needs to supplement his income to pay off his father's creditors and save him from debtor's prison. Though the job as manager of the local tavern looks promising, Milly is favored by both the owner and customers. Instead, Joseph swallows his pride and agrees to tend bar.

As they work together, their attraction grows, their goals cross, and both Millie and Joseph find they must face their fears --the question is whether they face them alone or together?

Natalie's review:

To me, Milly read as a modern woman.  She did not get married even though she is well in her twenties; instead she got a job and has been rising in the ranks and in the eyes of her employer.  She provides for her family.  She even gives away her virginity before he 'puts a ring on it'.  Joseph comes from a middle class family who is down on its luck, mostly because of his father's fall from grace.  His mother has abandoned them rather than face the reality of their fallen status and the father has turned to gambling.  Now Joseph works two jobs to care for his family.  These two are more alike than they care to admit.  They start out vying for the same job and so bristle at each other externally even as inside they know there is something attracting them to each other.
The book was alright if you are looking for a quick romantic read.  Because the heroine is such a modern seeming woman, it did not read like a victorian romance.  She was too free to be truly victorian.  It was short and sweet with one non-explicit love scene.  Everything worked out just a little too well and easy.  There wasn't much struggle.  The grit and hardships of life were missing to feel historically accurate being about a poor girl and down on his luck man.  The main characters were well rounded but the plot was a little thin.  Nothing much happens aside from their budding romance and the story is over as soon as it starts.
The writing was good with no major complaints.  I will keep an eye on this author and try for some of her longer works.

The author has graciously offered to give away one copy of Love's Debt to a commenter.  Leave a message below if this story seems like something you would like to read and Rachel Brimble will select a winner.

Kerry's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala

Title:  Michal’s Window 

(A Novel: King David's First Wife)    

Author:  Rachelle Ayala

Author Website:  http://www.rachelleayala.com/

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  460 pages

Find It On:   Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

From the Author:

Michal is one of those fascinating women in history who had the guts to stand up to the establishment and the courage to take her punishment. I knew there was more to her story than the surface presentation in the Bible. If God was so adamant about men remaining with the wife of their youth (Proverbs 5:18-19) and not mistreating their covenant wife (Malachi 2:14), then why did it seem as if David got away with his burgeoning harem?

Michal was shortchanged in most history books, novels and Bible commentaries, so I wrote my own version of her story to vindicate this heroic woman, too strong for her time.

Not your Grandma's Bible Story...

It's not easy being a woman, least of all princess of Israel. Married as a prize, abandoned as a wife, Michal fights to claim her rightful spot next to King David, the man she loves with all her heart.

Separated by war, concubines, and kingdom politics, Michal embarks on a journey of adventure and heartache where she is befriended by a goddess-worshipping priestess and tempted by a Philistine prince.

From reading scrolls high atop the palace walls to seduction with a henna-painted body, Michal is not your ordinary Bible heroine. Join her in Michal's Window and let her delight you with her courage, devotion, and outrageous passion in her relentless drive to win back her husband.

Content advisory: sexual situations, blood and violence

Kerry’s Review:

I’ll admit that I was super excited to read this book. I love historical novels, and this one sounded so unique. It was just after 1am one night last week when I decided I would read “a little” of it—figuring I would finish it up over a few days. Next thing I know, the sun is coming up and I had stayed up all night reading. I only had about a hundred pages left at that point, and no way was I closing my eyes until I found out how the book ended.

Wow.

What an amazing, epic story. Kudos to Ms. Ayala—this is the best historical novel I have read in a while. I spent the whole next day thinking about the characters and the time period and the choices Michal faced in the book. Would I go to the ends of the earth to reclaim my husband? Would I risk everything? Including my children? Death? Violence?

This book isn’t for the weak. It will tear at your heart—over and over again. You will be joyful, angry, sad, lonely, hungry… You will also find yourself asking if you would make the same decisions and take the same paths that these characters take.

Michal is a heroine, first class reminiscent of Scarlett O’ Hara. King David loses sight of his path—and pays for it. Every single supporting character is well developed and interesting—what a cast of characters. I can see this book as an epic movie—like Spartacus, or The Ten Commandments. Though there are lots of Biblical references, it never once feels preachy—in fact, it is a perfect blend of religion and humanity. A MUST read.

An overwhelming, not even close, 5 pillows! 

4 Candles--pretty sizzling!

About the Author

Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She has always lived in a multi-cultural environment, and the tapestry in her books reflect that diversity. Rachelle lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.