Welcome to my place in the blogosphere! Fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and chat awhile! If you'd like to know a little more about 'Yours Truly' - I've been interviewedHERE
Blurb: Winner of Four Literary Prizes / Author selected as one of “50 Authors You Should be Reading” by The Authors Show online media outlet.
“Funny at times and filled with little pearls of everyday wisdom, this book is as much a romantic thriller as it is a perfect little capsule of a time gone by. It is a book about love of all kinds - between grandmother and child, between child and dog, between man and woman.”
Romantic Adventure Book suitable for all ages!
This book is about an unconventional 59-year old woman, Francesca, and her resourceful 10-year old granddaughter, Sarah, who share the adventures of a lifetime over the summer of 1947 in Lost Nation, Iowa. Together, they enchant barnstorming pilots, wow Clinton County Fair attendees, conquer the skies, confront an escaped arsonist, discover how Lost Nation got its intriguing name, and eventually demonstrate to one another the greatest truth about love.
Anyone who loves their grandmother will enjoy reading this Romance Fiction about family, friendship and strong women.
Reviews: “Lucinda Sue Crosby is the most talented writer I have ever worked with. Her words touch the heart and allow the reader a glimpse into her soul. You'll find yourself enticingly drawn into her novel experiencing a rare intimacy with the characters as well as feeling a connection to the author.”--Gary Mule Deer, comedian, entertainer, musician “Throughout one's lifetime, it is such a rare thing to meet someone who is truly unique and brilliant. When you do, you know your life has been touched by greatness. I am so grateful to have met such a person, named Cinda the Songwriter, over a decade ago. I have had the honor and privilege of vocally interpreting her beautifully crafted stories. Do yourself a huge favor and take a moment to explore her heart and life experiences while basking in the warmth and glow of her handy work.”--Renee Martin, Christian recording artist
“I loved the book.”--Garry Marshall, Hollywood Icon, film director, author
About the Author: Lucinda Sue Crosby is Kindle Bestseller and 2011 Winner by TheAuthorShow of “50 Authors You Should be Reading.” In addition, Crosby is a Nashville songwriter, commissioned poet, award-winning journalist and prize-winning author. Her novel, Francesca of Lost Nation, has been on the Kindle International Bestsellers list in Romance categories and has won four literary prizes.
I'm delighted to welcome Linda HayesGibbs to my blog today to tell us about her writing and her books.
HL: Tell us a little more about yourself , with three things not many people know about you.
I have three beautiful children that I adore. I am a devoted Christian and mother and grandmother. I was married four times but I have lived alone since the 90s. Well, my children are close by me and I have a parrot that talks a blue streak and a spoiled Pekingese that thinks she is the master. I am so grateful for all the blessings God has given me in my life.
I love the Regency period of England but have never visited England. I would love to do that someday. I lived in Saudi Arabia at Riyadh and Al Khobar. My Great great grandpa was Daniel Boone and I feel that wanderlust and would love to just travel. Of course next to travel is my imagination and writing. I am part Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Mohegan besides my Irish ( Joseph Ryan) roots from Tipperary, Ireland and Heinrick Ditmar (Tidmore) from Old Frankfurt, Germany my German roots. I do genealogy research and Anthropology. I am just a mixed up girl.
HL: Funnily enough, I'm from the UK and always wanted to visit the US, I achieved my dream earlier this year. I hope you do too! So tell the readers, what do you do for fun when not writing?
I love to watch movies and swim. I read, of course, and I visit my children. I have to promote my books and that is a full time endeavor. I love to play cards with my children and I take photos of everything. I go to school functions. I used to teach and sometimes I sub. I also paint. HL: When did you start writing? I was very young when I wrote poetry. I even did a poetry thing for my high school newspaper about who was dating who and the best gossip but all in poetry rhyme. It was fun. I won some awards with it. “Who’s who of poetry, etc. I had amassed a great deal of my writing and then lost it when I moved. I published my first book of poetry at my daughter Beatrice’s insistence. I never thought it would get published. Then I just started writing romance and here I am.
HL: What comes first: the plot or the characters?
My Character has to come first. He has to be a part of the story that makes it work. My characters interact and tell the story and they have to be the kind of person that makes the story believable. I start envisioning him or her and what would motivate them. I know there has to be a plot but my character has to believe in the plot too. I say okay, this fellow would want what kind of woman or this woman would be into this and not stand for this. It is hard to explain but yes, it is my character that I make up in my head that tells the story. I want to tie my angel stories together and the third book instead of being about a woman angel, this time; it will be a beautiful male angel. I think he will be the best angel ever.
HL: Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it
“My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls” is a sweet fantasy about a young girl, who is secretly part angel. She has a life altering experience. She is weak and grows stronger everyday. It is her coming of age tale…She meets all kinds of scary things and overcomes them, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, and finally her love. All the men love her but she can choose only one. “Angel in My Heart, Devil in My Soul” is about a very horrible man that finally feels love for a creature so beautiful and angelic he is crushed under her spell. He is sent to kill her but finds he cannot. He must have her and he essentially kidnaps her and takes her to Scotland to wed. She is an angel with special powers, with temporary amnesia and is a match for him when her memory and powers return.
HL: If someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?
In “My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls”, I think Meg Ryan or Reese Witherspoon would play Pru. Antonio Banderas could play her vampire Frenchman. Gerald Butler could play the Scottish Ghost and his English twin brother. In, “Angel in My Heart, Devil in My Soul” I think Emilia Clarke from ‘Game of Thrones’ Daenerys Targaryen, would be a great Rachael or Kristen Stewart. John Monroe could be played by Antonio Banderas or Taylor Lautner from Twilight or Jason Statham as they could play a dark assassin.
HL: Have you a favourite actor/hunk? If you’ve answered question 7 would this be the same guy?
I must confess Jason Statham or Antonio are my heroes, of course I love Johnny Depp and there is just something I just love about Gerard Butler. He is so cute.
HL: Mmmmm, yes. good choices! What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?
Oh, my goodness, it is promotion. It is hard to promote your book. I thought when you wrote it that your job was over but that is not the case. Besides editing and rewriting or editing again there is so much work for your book. You must find ways to get your name and the name of your book out there to the public. It is not easy. Writing the book is the easy part. I am amazed at the kind of work our publisher does for us. I am exhausted just thinking about their schedules. Eternal Press is the greatest publisher. We all work together and help each other. It is like a big family. I have learned so much being a part of this organization.
HL: I've found Promotion is the biggest bugbear with most writers! :) What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?
Yes, well, we learn from our mistakes or we do most of the time. I try to let my characters write the book but you have to have a plot, a beginning, middle and an end. There must be some form and function so imagination has to be toned down at least a little.
Sometimes I just have an idea and it takes off on its own but another time I have to think this part through and give it more structure and content. You go back and fatten up the story. I feel like sometimes it is put together bone by bone, so then you have a skeleton put together and you add sinew and muscle and then you get to the meat and flesh it out a bit. The finishing touches are the make up and you add that last. It is hard to explain it but you feel like you have a new born baby when you get through and you think your job is done but now you have to raise it. Lol
HL: Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?
I watch TV, talk to my bird and sing. I love Christian Music and Mercy Me is a favorite of mine and country music. I am a Willie Nelson fan and Taylor Swift.
HL: Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them?
Oh, yes, Eternal Press is a family of writers and we email each other and talk all the time. I have learned more about how to do so many things, like Twitter, and Linked and my new Author’s Facebook Page, my page, and reviews. I can’t tell you all the things because there are so many little stupid mistakes we make that we are not aware until someone tells you. I love being part of this community and Kim Richards, and Sally Franklin Christie, and Amanda Kelsey our cover artist. It is just such a great group of people and I admire them and love them all. The other authors are just as helpful and we are kind to each other and that helps.
HL: What is your personal definition of success?
My personal definition of success, hmmm, let me see. I don’t gauge it by money. I think the most important thing in this life to have is love. The most important is love of God and the love of your family and friends. I am sorry to say I do not get out much and have few friends but I have my children and they are my life after my God. I really had passion for and loved one man in my life and he disappeared when he went to Viet Nam. My husbands were all loved differently. I do not think we ever love the same. It is always different. I had one great all consuming passion and I got out of that. That kind of love destroys you or was about to get me so I had to leave or be destroyed. I had another marriage that was comfortable and I enjoyed as a building relationship and my last love was sweet and kind. I don’t think I loved any the same. I wish I had more friends and I would feel more successful if I sold more books but success is inside of us. WE must feel that our life is a success to have success. It would be great to have my sales off the charts.
HL: What is your favourite source of inspiration?
Oh, my granddaughter’s smile, or my grandson’s hugs are a favorite source. I see eternities in their eyes and find dreams to write. I look at nature or read a history book and I feel a connection and can start a story. I have sunsets that bring me to tears, so I guess everything inspires me. I am just so grateful to be alive and have been around to receive those smiles and hugs. I can read a passage of the Bible and start writing. They are all my favorite sources.
HL: Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?
Write about what you know, about what you love, about what you read. Read, read, read, and then read some more. Read about what you want to write. I gobble up Regency Romances. I was told to have more structure and use more imagery. I don’t always listen to advice. Also, listen to reviews, these people know what they are talking about and can give you great insight into your mistakes. Use them to build a better story. Never let anyone keep you from writing, if you love it. I let others belittle my work and me and quit. I am lucky that my daughter told me to live my dream, I had told her years before the same thing so she encouraged me. She believed in me.
HL: What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information.
Okay, I do google things but I do research too. The thing I like about fantasy and paranormal is that you can make it up on your own. I let my imagination go crazy. When I do need facts instead of fiction. I use the library and the Internet to research. I did a lot of research on Napoleon and his last battle when I wrote, “My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls.”
HL: If you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?
I would love to be a black panther or a black stallion horse. I love horses. Well, on the practical side I would love to be a timber wolf. They are family oriented and can take care of each other. Another animal would be a red tailed hawk. I love the way they soar out of sight and swoop down. They are all so beautiful. It is hard to chose just one but I guess I like the horse the best.
HL: Oh, I'm a great horse lover too, and one of my own horses is black, although he's not a stallion anymore, that decision was taken before I had him but I understand he did sire some foals. Sorry, I digress. Many authors relate their characters to people they know. Is this the case with your characters and do you see yourself in any of them?
I do try and put my emotions into the picture of the characters. How would I react to this or that and would I do this? You can see other people’s personalities that you know in your family or friends in some of your characters but sometimes there is a character that you have never been around and would know nothing about their feelings. You again have to use your imagination. It is not easy to imagine the mind of a killer but you think what it must be like to be them. You take a person you think might could be like this fellow and let your mind roam.
HL: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
My favorite in “My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls” is Pru, some people say she is too surgery but she is part angel so she is sugary and innocent but she learns and by the end of the story she has grown a lot. In “Angel in My Heart, Devil in My Soul” I like the killer. He is a tortured soul and he learns a great deal. I like my characters to become more than they were.
HL: Who is your most favorite character of all time from any book?
Anthony Mallory in “Tender Rebel” by Johanna Lindsey. He is the ultimate rake and my fantasy for a real man. I just love him to pieces. I have to make one of my characters as good as him, he was just mouthwateringly lovely.
HL: Is there a question you really, really wish someone would ask, but they never do? If so what would be your reply?
I guess I would like to ask what a reader is looking for in a romance story? I want to fill their fantasies but I am not into erotic as much as good sweet stories. I want to show that good vs evil and good wins again. It is not being shown in most of the stories today and I feel that we must still have dreams that are good and stories that make us feel better about ourselves.
HL: Thank you so much for taking time to visit my blog, it’s been a thrill having you here and learning more about you and your writing. I wish you much success now and in the future.
Bio Linda Hays-Gibbs has a vivid imagination that always got her into trouble. She loved to make up stories and told a few to her neighbors. One time she told a teacher that her mean old stepmother kept her hidden in the attic and wouldn’t let her go because she had her doing all the work. The teacher came to the house and confronted the mother. Needless to say, Linda had no stepmother and she never did any work. She was six and quite spoiled. She had just read the story of” Cinderella” and it transformed her world. She was appropriately punished but it did not stop her from making up more stories.
She got into trouble with her cousin when she used the premise of “Tom Sawyer” on painting the front porch. Her cousin being convinced, by Linda that painting the porch was the most fun in heaven; traded her Popsicle for the honor of painting it for Linda. When she found out that it was not that much fun she chased Linda around the house with the paintbrush beating her in the head with it. Her aunt thought it a most appropriate punishment for Linda.
Linda told her other aunt that she left her cousins in quick sand and their fate was sealed one afternoon. The aunt went hysterical and searched for her two children among the mud in the park. They were up to their knees in it but quite safe. Linda got a paddling for that. In high school her Latin translations were the best part of Latin class as they kept everyone laughing. The teacher said he had never had more fun. Linda read “Pride and Prejudice and was transformed. She wanted to write like that and she has been writing ever since, although only recently published. Linda has a closet full of stories that she hopes to promote in the future
REVIEWS:
"My Angel, My Light as Darkness Falls by Linda Hays-Gibbs is a delightful mix of regency romance, paranormal thriller, humor and adventure.
Pru is an orphan whose only close family member is her twin brother, Michael, the Earl of White. When Michael joins the army to fight Napoleon's troops, Pru's Scottish admirer promises to watch out for him, but nothing goes as planned. From a sparkling ballroom to the agony of a battlefield, an across the sea to a curiously lively deserted house, Pru despairs, gains independence, is hassled by an amorous ghost, reassured by an angel, guarded by a bereft dog and finally... well, if you're like me, you'll be smiling all over your face by the end. I heartily recommend My Angel for those jaded by the kind of story where nothing seems to happen. Lots and lots happens in My Angel and Pru is a charming heroine. My Angel My Light as Darkness Falls is published by Eternal Press. It is available from various on-line retailers or directly from the publishers By S (Latrobe, Australia)
This review is from: My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls (Kindle Edition) The battlefields rob innocent young Pru of her beloved twin, her Scottish admirer and her future. One day she is a young lady enjoying a ball; all too soon after she is wandering through the carnage seeking two bodies among the multitude. But she is not alone. A great dog howls a dirge, and a half-crazed Frenchman watches Pru with hungry fascination. In the aftermath, Pru returns to a home that is no longer hers, and then moves on to a deserted house. With Knight, the dog whom she has adopted, she tries to overcome her nightmares but again she is not alone. This sounds as if the story is one of unrelenting misery, but nothing could be further from the truth. Once Pru is over the initial shock and horror, she is a resourceful young woman and she really needs to be. What with the protective Knight, an amorous ghost, assorted demons, vampires and the eponymous angel to deal with, the arrival of a flesh-and-blood Scot is just one more thing. And then there's the Frenchman in Pru's c-- (shhh, that's a spoiler!) Parts of this story made me laugh out loud. It is exquisitely funny in places, and oh-so-sad in others. It never fails to hold my interest. Linda Hays-Gibbs's mind-world is an enchanted and enchanting place. (So, what's the genre? Um... sensual Gothic romance horror comedy Regency will do for starters...)
On the eve of the battle of Waterloo, Lady Pru was led out to the ballroom by her fraternal twin brother Michael David Densington White, sixth Earl of White. Even though Pru had not been formerly brought out yet, the stress of being shut up waiting for Bonaparte’s army to initiate the battle led to those waiting to let off steam, find joy and celebrate before the battle. Michael, ever protective did not like the attention Pru was getting from his friend Fearghass MacDonald, the Duke of Somerled but allowed Fearghass one dance with his sister, one dance and one stolen kiss that was enough for Fearghass to proclaim he wished to make Pru his Duchess once the battle was over. When the battle ended and Michael did not return for her, Pru could not be persuaded to leave until she found Michael and went to the battlefield, a sea of blood and carnage where she walked, stumbled and searched for her brother’s body. When found just before nightfall, she sank down and cradled her brothers body and screamed and raged throughout the night. However, a French soldier saw her and rather than flee as he should have – as the night grew colder he drew her into his arms as she finally slept – keeping Pru warm and safe from the evil that stalked the night.
This short novella was a most unusual paranormal regency romance with vampires and ghosts. I picked this up on a whim, because of the mention of ghosts and found it to be an utterly and totally engrossing story. The title of My Angel, My Light, As Darkness Falls was unusual to say the least but from the first few pages I was hooked. Pru and her brother were orphaned and being twins they had a special bond – the author put that to excellent use in later showing how much love there was between the two. Describing Pru’s heartache and devastation so extreme for a young girl who had never had to fend for herself. Michael had protected and provided for her every need. Pru was delicate, dainty and so beautiful it took most peoples breath away – beautiful and pure. With this in mind the author was able to portray, how such a fragile young woman survived, with the help of a few new friends, including a devoted heart-sick French soldier; a huge protective dog; a confused ghost; and help from the great beyond as goodness versus evil in a most wonderful and provocative tale with an ending I found to be FANTASTIC. Talk about a nice twist! I don’t want to spoil the surprises of this marvelous tale by giving any more spoilers away, but the bottom line is that I was moved, emotionally and spiritually by the prose and beautiful imagery this author was able to convey. I strongly suggest and highly recommend that most readers of both historical and paranormal will find a lot to love in this beautifully rendered story.
“What I said to your brother, lassie, was true. You are the sweetest flower here, and so tiny. I thought you were a dream when I saw you. Your brother looks a lot like you. Do ye be twins?”
“Well, this be a real funny coincidence. I have a twin too. We are like two peas in a pod, lassie.” He laughed and Prudence lost her heart. His smile radiated with a white brilliance and was so real, especially when she saw the twin dimples in his handsome cheeks. The dance was coming to a close and Fearghass steered his catch into the doors that led to the balcony. Pru had no time to protest before he had her hidden behind the door and took her into his arms. She saw his mouth descending to hers as if in slow motion and licked her lips. It was like a dream come true. His lips, hard and smooth, captured hers, stopping the chaos of her mind. Pru’s heart hammered wildly.
In Angel in My Heart, Devil in My Soul An assassin searches for the woman he is hired to kill but when he finds her, he cannot kill her. Her beauty astonishes him and he is left immobile. She captivates his heart and mind and lures him away from the devil with her magical powers. She has lost her memory and does not know she is an angel. She falls in love with this brutal man and is carried away to Scotland. When she finds her memory, the devil is in her house, literally and she must escape. Coming in November from Eternal Press
Today I'm taking a break from 'Monday's Word' and am delighted to welcome guest author Melissa McClone to my blog.
Melissa is a fellow author of romance and is celebrating her latest Harlequin Romance release, Expecting Royal Twins, a sweet contemporary romance novel. Enjoy reading about her book and don't forget to enter the contest!
I asked Melissa how she came up with this intriguing idea for her story and this is what she had to say:
Thanks for having me on your blog today! When I first came up with the idea for a royalty themed marriage of convenience romance, I had no idea what I would go through until I wrote The End!
I write what I love to read, so in 2007, I thought it was time to write another royalty romance. (I'd had one published by Silhouette Romance in 2000) I've always loved the idea of someone finding out they're not who they thought they were. What if an American discovered she was royalty? Sounds a lot like Princess Diaries, I know. But every story idea has to start somewhere.
In November 2007, I pitched a story to my editor called Princess Nobody. Set in a small European country, it was a Plain Jane/Cinderella story with a marriage of convenience thrown in.
I could easily picture the heroine living in Oregon, working as a motel maid. I'd even named her Ellianna aka Ellie. Yes, I was taking the Cinderella archetype quite literally. Her grandmother had told her stories of being a wealthy aristocrat, but Ellie thought they were fairytales.
My editor gave me the go-ahead, but asked me to rethink the motivations for the marriage of convenience. While I mulled that over, I finished a Christmas book and submitted it in December of 2007. After the holidays, I began the Princess Nobody proposal, but found myself struggling with the project.
In February 2008, my editor offered me a spot in a trilogy miniseries. I thought writing another manuscript would give me time to let the royalty idea percolate some more. But when I finished the trilogy manuscript in June, the Harlequin Romance line already had enough royalty books scheduled. My editor asked if I'd mind putting it on the back burner for a little longer so I wrote something else instead.
In July of 2008, while I was attending the RWA conference in San Francisco, a different royalty story popped into my head. It still had the Cinderella element and a marriage of convenience, but with a little twist. What if the hero and heroine were already married, but didn't know it? I knew the line didn't want any royalty themed stories so I focused on writing ones they would want. But I played around with the royalty idea when I had free time. The story began to change.
In late 2009, I asked if could write a royalty romance once I finished the Christmas book I was working on. I told my editor I'd written about 60 rough pages and thought I'd found a story that was a combo of the old Princess Nobody idea and a new one.
In early 2010, my editor asked to see what I had as-is. Gulp! When I said rough, I meant rough. But I emailed her the pages anyway. Fortunately she saw the potential and asked me to polish them into a proposal. But the proposal still wasn't right. Here's what my editor said:
Melissa, this story has so much potential – it is a pure fantasy with Ellie discovering she is a real life Princess and being whisked off to a castle in a faraway land! I do have some points for revision to make sure that the characters remain sympathetic and contemporary, and the premise remains believable.
Once I did that, the story seemed to fall into place. The heroine being a long lost princess and the marriage of convenience remained plotlines. I also kept the royal twins. The book had been pushed up in the schedule to be part of Harlequin Romance's February 2011 Babies and Brides mini-series so they needed to be there. I was happy keeping them in the story because that meant the royal couple would get an heir and a spare in one swoop. I wanted them to live happily ever after without any extra baby pressure!
BLURB
Suddenly a Princess...
It's not every day that a tall, dark, handsome prince strides into your workshop and announces he's your husband! Mechanic Izzy nearly drops her wrench. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she'd become a princess!
Independent Izzy struggles with exchanging her oil-stained overalls for silken gowns, let alone becoming responsible for an entire country! Yet her attraction to Prince Niko tempts her further into the fairy tale. And then two small surprises change all the rules of the game....
EXCERPT
Nikola Tomislav Kresimir, Crown Prince of Vernonia, strode past his father's assistant and the two palace guards standing watch. As soon as he entered the king's office, Niko heard the door close behind him.
He grimaced.
Niko didn't have time for another impromptu assignment. His in-box was overflowing. The upcoming trade conference was turning into a logistical nightmare. Princess Julianna of Aliestle was patiently waiting to have lunch with him.
He was used to juggling competing demands, thrived on them actually, but the collar of his dress shirt seemed to have shrunk two inches since he'd left his own office three minutes ago. He tugged on his tie.
Not that it lessened his frustration level.
A summons from the king trumped everything else and often messed up Niko's schedule for the rest of the day, sometimes week. Not to mention the havoc royal protocol played with his priority of turning their provincial country into a modern nation. But he followed his father's orders out of respect and for the good of the country.
King Dmitar sat behind his large mahogany desk staring at a manila file folder in his hands. His once dark hair was now as white as the snowcapped peaks of the Balkans and Carpathians. His face, like Niko's own, was as rugged as those same mountain ranges. His wire-rimmed reading glasses rested low on his nose, making him look more like a professor than a soldier or a king who had spent the majority of his rule trying to unite his country against all odds.
Niko stood ten feet away, waiting.
A breeze blew through an open window, carrying the sweet fragrance of flowers from the royal gardens. A vast improvement over the acrid smell of gunpowder and sickening scent of blood that used to taint the air around here.
Five years had passed since the ratification of the peace treaty. Tensions between the two warring factions erupted occasionally, but peace prevailed. Niko intended to ensure it always would. A totally united Vernonia, however, seemed like a far off dream. A fairy tale, really.
Not wanting to waste more time, he cleared his throat. His father looked up. Dark circles ringed his eyes.
"You sent for me, sir," Niko said.
The lines on his father's face seemed deeper, more pronounced, than they used to be. The conflict had aged him; so had grief. But still the corners of his mouth curved upward into a rare smile. "I have good news, my son."
The best news would be that Vernonia had been accepted into the European Union, but Niko knew they still had too many improvement projects to complete first. He stepped closer to the desk. "I've spent the morning wading through the demands of the trade delegations. Good news will be a welcome relief, Father."
"Your bride box has been located."
Not located. Found.
The unexpected news sunk in. Niko respected the past, but the fact something as important as his marriage was dependent on such on antiquated custom as presenting his wife a family heirloom on their wedding day irritated him. Traditions could only take his country so far. "You are certain it is mine?"
"As certain as we can be until we have the box in hand."
His bride box hadn't been seen in over twenty years. Not since the collapse of the Soviet Union brought turmoil to many Balkan countries. Vernonia had avoided the ethnic strife that ravaged many of its neighbors, but terrorist acts had led to a deadly civil war that tore the country apart and nearly destroyed its economy. "Where is the box?"
"The United States." His father adjusted his glasses and studied the folder. "Charlotte, North Carolina, to be exact."
"A long way from home."
"Yes."
The location wasn't really important. Niko would have the box back. Tradition—and his father—would be satisfied. Nothing would stand in the way of Niko's marriage to Julianna. He could finally fulfill his duty as his parents and people wished him to do. The marriage would give him the means and opportunity to do what he wanted—needed—to do with Vernonia.
Plans formed in his mind, but he couldn't get too far ahead of himself. Nothing could happen until he had possession of the box. "How was it discovered?"
"The internet." His father shuffled through papers in the file. "Someone posted on an antiques forum looking for the key. After a few exchanges verifying the seriousness of our interest, we were sent a picture that confirmed our suspicions. The box is yours."
"Incredible." Niko considered the number of private investigators and treasure hunters hired to find the heirloom. He laughed at the irony. "Technology to the rescue of an Old World custom."
"Technology may be useful at times, but our people desire tradition. You must remember that when you wear the crown."
"Everything I've ever done has been for Vernonia." Niko's family had ruled for eight centuries. The country was in their blood and hearts. Duty always came first. "But we must modernize if we are to succeed in the twenty-first century."
"Yet you have agreed to an arranged marriage."
He shrugged, but the last thing he felt was indifference. His marriage would act as a bridge between the past and the future. He might not be the United Kingdom's Prince William, but Niko had the attention of royal watchers. The publicity surrounding a royal wedding would be good for his country's nascent tourist industry. He would use whatever he could to Vernonia's advantage. "I may not be a stickler for tradition, Father, but I will always do what is best for the country."
"As will I." His father placed the folder on his desk. "You have the key."
"Of course, sir." Niko always had the key. He had been wearing the damn thing ever since the decree that he could never take it off twenty odd years ago. The only thing that had changed since then was the size of the chain. He pulled the thick silver one from beneath his shirt. A key that looked more like a cross and heart welded together dangled from his fingers. "Can I finally stop wearing the necklace now?"
"No." The word resonated through the spacious office until the tapestries on the wall swallowed the sound. "You will need the key when you go to North Carolina tomorrow."
"Send Jovan. I can't travel to the United States right now. I'm needed here," Niko countered. "My schedule is full. Princess Julianna is here."
"The box is yours," his father said. "You will be the one to bring it home. The travel arrangements have already been made. Your aide will be provided with an itinerary and the necessary information."
Niko bit his tongue. Further resistance would be futile. The king's word was final even if it made little sense under the current circumstances. "Fine, but you do realize I have never seen the box."
"You have seen it. You were a child, so you don't remember."
What Niko remembered from his childhood and early adulthood was war, the one thing he wanted and hoped to forget. Keeping peace and modernizing Vernonia were his main goals now. Though the parliament wanted him to provide an heir. Might as well get on with that, now that nothing stood in his way of marrying. Speaking of which…
"Do you wish for me to propose to Julianna before I leave for America or upon my return, Father?"
The king's face reddened. "There shall be no official proposal."
"What?" Niko remembered the open window and the people on the other side of the office door. He lowered his voice. "We've spent months negotiating with the Council of Elders in Aliestle. Even the Separatists are in favor of the marriage since King Alaric supported them during the conflict. The only obstacle to marriage has been the bride box. A delay will send the wrong—"
"No proposal."
Frustration mounted. Niko had searched for a suitable bride for almost a year. He didn't want to have to start over. "You agreed Julianna is an excellent choice for a wife and the future queen of Vernonia. That is why finding the bride box has been a priority."
"Julianna is more than suitable to be queen, but…" His father removed his glasses and rubbed his tired-looking eyes. "Are you in love with her?"
Love? Niko was surprised his traditional father had broached the subject. His parents' marriage hadn't been a love match. Niko had never expected one for himself after his older brother, Stefan, had been killed during the conflict.
"We get along well. She's beautiful and intelligent. I will be content with her as my wife," Niko stated honestly. He'd always known as crown prince he would marry for Vernonia's good, not his own. "The publicity surrounding a royal wedding will increase our visibility to the tourist industry. Most importantly, an alliance with Aliestle will give Vernonia the capital it requires to complete rebuilding. That will help our efforts to join the European Union."
"You've looked at all angles."
Niko bowed his head. "As you taught me, Father."
"And Julianna. Are her feelings engaged?"
"She cares for me," Niko answered carefully. "As I do for her. She understands what is expected."
"But is she in love with you?"
Uncomfortable, Niko shifted his weight between his feet. "You've never spoken about love before. Only duty and what a state marriage would entail."
"You are old enough to know whether a woman has feelings for you or not. Answer my question."
Niko considered his outing with Julianna yesterday afternoon. They'd left their security detail on the shore and sailed on the lake. He'd kissed her for the first time. The kiss had been…pleasant, but Julianna seemed more interested in sailing than kissing him again. "I do not believe she is in love with me. In fact, I'm certain she isn't."
"Good."
"I do not understand what is going on, sir. If something has changed with Vernonia's relationship to Aliestle—"
"Nothing has changed there." His father's drawn out sigh would have made the parliament members' knees tremble beneath their heavy robes. "But a slight…complication in regards to you marrying Julianna has arisen."
Ooh, that is such an intriguing excerpt, Melissa, thank you so much for sharing it with us and for being her today, and wishing you amazing sales and much success!
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Francesca of Lost Nation
Winner of Four Literary Prizes / Author selected as one of “50 Authors You Should be Reading” by The Authors Show online media outlet.
Lucinda Sue Crosby is Kindle Bestseller and 2011 Winner by TheAuthorShow of “50 Authors You Should be Reading.” In addition, Crosby is a Nashville songwriter, commissioned poet, award-winning journalist and prize-winning author. Her novel, Francesca of Lost Nation, has been on the Kindle International Bestsellers list in Romance categories and has won four literary prizes.
