Giveaway & Interview for THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT LADY MARY with Regency Author Sophie Barnes

Hi Sophie!!  Beyond the moon excited that you have dropped by RCJR eZine Blog. For people not familiar with you would you mind sharing a bit about yourself?

Sure, Christine – and thank you so much for inviting me to join you here today =) I’d probably say that I’m pretty diverse and multi-cultural, having been influenced by an international upbringing and accustomed to travelling the world. I love travelling by the way and discovering new places. Does that make me adventurous? Maybe a little, but I’m also the calm and easygoing sort who likes to just stay at home and enjoy life with my family around me. Yes, I’m a BIG family person, genealogy researcher, TV buff, bookworm, nature enthusiast and artist. I also love crepes, crème brûlée, tiramisu and cappuccino. Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year.

What was it like to see you book in print?

Amazing, indescribable and wonderfully rewarding! Really, holding a book in your hands that you spent so much time working on and pouring your heart into is utterly incredible.

What was the very first thing you did when you heard your book was going to be published?

Smile – that sort of idiotic loopy grin smile that makes you look ridiculous. And then I called my husband to tell him the good news – still smiling =)

When you received your first email or snail mail from a fan how did you feel?

Honored, not only because they’d taken the time to read my book, but because they’d liked it enough to go to my website, click on my contact link and write me an email expressing their appreciation. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Do you believe that social network is a productive way of meeting potential readers? Are there pros and cons to networking with a social media?

I’ve made a ton of contacts through Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads so yes, I do think it’s productive. The biggest con is probably how time-consuming it can be, lol. It’s easy to spend hours on end checking the social networks – meanwhile, that WIP isn’t getting anywhere on its own =)

What was some of the best advice you were given on your road to becoming a published author?

Probably to make a work schedule and stick to it. Working from home can be distracting since there are always things that need seeing to. It’s also easy to find excuses to do anything other than sit in that chair and actually write. You’re your own boss, so you have to be firm with yourself. You should also make it clear to people that even though you’re at home, you’re at work and they shouldn’t feel any freer to make impromptu visits or call for a chat on the phone than they would if you were in an actual office.

What advice would you give to a struggling writer in this day and age of self-publishing?

Don’t sit on your manuscript worrying what everyone will think. Get it out there and then start working on your next. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the more you submit, the greater your chances of getting that contract. =)

Okay, I have to ask you this question.  What is the worst advice anyone gave you?

Hmm…that’s a tough one. I’m not sure that anyone’s ever given me bad advice.

If you could write any genre besides erotica, historical, and romantic suspense, what would it be and why?

Probably a children’s fantasy book – something where I can create an imaginary world, spiced with humor and adventure. I say this because I actually gave that a shot once after reading The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It was fun =)

Do you remember where you were when you first thought up the A Summersby Tale   series?

Yes, I was still living in Ghana and had just finished writing about Miss Rutherford. I decided that my next book would be one with adventure and thought a touch of Comedy of Errors would be entertaining. Initially I actually meant for it to be set in the US during the Civil War, but ended up taking it back to Europe instead.

I know that you put your own blood, sweat and tears into every page.  So, I’m curious to know if your characters have any of your own traits.  Is there one character you think is more like you than any other?

Of course there’s a lot of me in all the characters. For example, Emily Rutherford’s tendency to suddenly laugh because of something funny that’s crossed her mind is very like me, Alexandra’s view on the mortality of those around her is mine too, as is Mary’s persevering nature and Lucy’s preference for elderberry juice rather than lemonade. AS far as picking one that’s more like me than any other, you’ll have to stay tuned for my next book =)

Did you have the entire Mary Croyden and Ryan Summersby’s arc figured out when you started A SUMMERSBY TALE?  Did you know even before you placed pen to paper how the Mary and Ryan’s story would turn out in the end?

No, I didn’t have a clue about how the sequels to Lady Alexandra’s Excellent Adventure would turn out until much later. But when I placed Mary in that scene that takes place in Ghent toward the end of Alex’s story, I knew she’d be my heroine for the next book. The thing is, I started out a pantser but have since become a plotter. Right now I’m working on another trilogy and for that I’ve figured out all the plots in advance to ensure that they’ll work well together.

You write engaging heart-wrenching historical---Thank you, Sophie!!  Is there a genre you would like to try your hand at some day? Why?

Perhaps a contemporary? It would be nice to write a book using modern day terms and dialog I think, though it will probably be a long time before that happens – Regencies just have that magical something about them that draws me in.

Sophie, please tell us more about your latest release THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT LADY MARY?

It’s about a female physician/surgeon who has received her medical training from her father since the young age of fourteen. The two of them have travelled Europe together in search of the best medical practices, but after her father’s death at Waterloo, Mary returns to England, realizing that her father had many secrets. She inherits a title and a vast fortune from him, but soon finds her life threatened, only to discover that these threats are somehow linked to her father’s work. The man charged with her protection is Ryan Summersby, and while he’s not the least bit thrilled by Mary’s exploits, as he fears for her safety, he soon discovers that in order to win her, he must accept her for who she is.

What was your premise for writing this story?

Probably that stubbornness can have dire consequences – this translates not only in Mary’s determination to prevent medical mistakes, but also in her relationship with Ryan.

I would like to take a moment and thank Mary and Ryan for dropping by with Sophie.  Hi Guys, (waving above the crowd) I am so excited that you both were able to drop by today.  I hope you do not mind, but I would love to ask you some need to know questions that readers are desperate to know.

I am one of those readers that love to find out what people think the moment they meet the love of their lives.  Mary, I will start with you.  What was the very first thing you thought when you saw Ryan? 

Mary: (blushing profusely and smiling shyly) I must admit that I found him very handsome, but I also remember thinking that he was exceptionally tall – I’m quite petite myself so his height was definitely something I noticed.

Ryan, you are up. =) What was your first impression of seeing Mary?

Ryan: I saw Mary before she saw me (said with a smile of mischief). She was standing very quietly on the terrace of Richmond House during a ball, looking thoughtfully at the garden. A moment later she surprised me by hitting me in the face.

Mary: You snuck up on me! I was startled.

Ryan: (Grinning) I should have known then that you’d be trouble. (Mary frowning). That aside however, I greatly underestimated her based on my first impression – I thought she might be someone’s poor relation visiting from the country for she looked too plain to be a marchioness.

Mary: Can I take back what I said before about finding him handsome?

Ryan: I’m just lucky that you didn’t think me too big a fool to marry, for I couldn’t have been more wrong in my first assessment of you. You’re stunning – you just needed a bit of guidance on how to dress, that’s all. Furthermore, I admire you more than anyone I’ve ever known. (A sigh from Mary who’s once again blushing)

I know your love story started off on shaky ground when you first met. (Pulling the besotted couple into a secluded corner) What do you believe is the glue to a sound and loving relationship?  Or better, what do you believe is the perfect recipe for romance?

Mary: Honesty and respect. We both had trust issues, largely due to our individual line of work. Getting past the lies and deceit has definitely brought us closer.

Ryan: And as Mary just said, respect is key too. It took a while for me to be able accept what she was doing until I realized what a big part of her character it was – that denying her access to the medical community would destroy the woman I’d grown to love.

Mary: You weren’t the only one lacking respect though, I should also have been more understanding of how difficult it was for you to accept my profession, but I was stubborn. In the end we reached a compromise though, didn’t we?

Ryan: We certainly did (smiling lovingly at Mary). I suppose that’s another important ingredient for a perfect relationship – compromise.

Mary, when was the moment you knew without a doubt that Ryan was the love of your heart?

Mary: I believe that must have been during the house party at Whickham Hall when I discovered that he wanted me for me and not for my inheritance, and how many of his own principles he was prepared to abandon for us to be together.

Same question for you, Ryan.  When did you know you couldn’t live any longer without Mary?

Ryan: I knew sooner.

Mary: Of course you did (rolling her eyes and smiling).

Ryan: It hit me like a blow, right after I kissed her in my carriage.

Mary: I can’t believe you just told everyone that (said with a whisper). It’s completely inappropriate.

Ryan: (Grins impishly before turning once again serious)We argued afterward, and the look of pain in her eyes went straight to my heart. I knew then that my feelings for her ran much deeper than I’d previously thought. (Another sigh from Mary).

What is one thing you, Ryan and Mary, would like readers to walk away with after reading your love story?

Mary: A feeling of hopefulness (Ryan nodding). True love can come with many obstacles, but we overcame ours – there’s no reason why others can’t do the same.

Now back to Sophie

Now, I am curious, Sophie, when you wrapped up with them and typed THE END to your THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT LADY MARY’S transcript, what did you do to celebrated?

If I recall I breathed a sigh of relief and went out into the garden to relax. It was spring and I’d been cooped up inside writing for a long time. After that, I took a week off =)

When your reader reads the last word of THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT LADY MARY what do you hope they take away from it?

A sense of fulfillment coupled with a few interesting facts pertaining to 19^th Century medicine.

When that fleeting free time comes your way what do you like to do?  Are there any authors you would recommend to readers until we have the next book in the A Summersby’s Tale series in our hands?

Oh, definitely! I love Sarah MacLean, so anything by her really. Elizabeth Boyle, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Shana Galen, Vicky Dreiling, Mary Balough and Marsha Canham are all favorites.

And other than read I like spending time with my family, outdoors in our garden during the day and in front of the TV in the evening.

Where can we connect with you on the great wide web?

To find out more about me, please visit my website at: www.sophiebarnes.com

You can also follow me on twitter at: @BarnesSophie

On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/AuthorSophieBarnes

And on Goodreads at: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5400052.Sophie_Barnes

One more thing before I let you skedaddle.  The holiday season is upon us and I would love for you to share one of your favorite recipes.  This could be one you only make once a year when the holidays come around.  Or share with readers a recipe that your friends and family rave about.

Oh, this is fun! I’ll give you my recipe for ris a l’amande (Danish rice pudding desert w/ chopped almonds)

Now, before I begin, there’s a story behind this that needs telling. In Denmark, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas eve with dinner, singing carols around the tree followed by opening presents (this is the standard tradition in most homes). Ris a l’amande is the traditional desert served after the dinner which generally comprises duck, pork roast with crackling, sugar-glazed potatoes, apple halves boiled in sugar water & filled with cranberry compote and accompanied by red cabbage.

Before the desert (ris a l’amande) is served, one large almond is hidden inside, and whoever finds it, gets a present – the almond prize =)

Ris a l’amande (serves 8)

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons pudding rice (I’ve also tried with risotto rice, but this is the best)
4 cups 1% low-fat milk
3 tablespoons vanilla sugar (do not use vanilla extract)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup almonds, finely chopped using knife

1 whole almond

2 1/4 cups whipping cream, whipped until thick

1 jar of cherry preserves

Corn starch

A prize =)

Directions:
1. Bring milk to a boil slowly in a large pot.
2. Add rice, keep simmering until rice is tender, stir every 3 min or so to prevent rice and/or milk from burning at the bottom. This step takes approx 45 minute. While the rice is simmering you can chop the almonds.
3. When rice are firm remove from heat and let cool (must be cool so whipped cream maintains its texture when added). When cool add vanilla sugar, sugar and almonds.
4. Fold in whipped cream.
5. Chill, stir in the whole almond until it’s hidden and serve with warm cherry sauce – I buy cherry preserves in a jar, heat in small casserole and mix in corn starch to thicken.

And that’s it! I wish you all the best of holidays & a very Merry Christmas =)

I would like to thank you one more time, Sophie for bringing readers into the fascinating world of the of Mary and Ryan from THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT LADY MARY about two strong-willed people learning to trust and find love in the most unlikely of places..

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780062225382
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Publication date: 12/4/2012
• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Pages: 400

Overview

Sophie Barnes is back with another delightful Summersby Tale. This time, Ryan Summersby meets his match!

Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.

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Sophie Barnes