Spotlight on Linore Rose Burkard and The House in Grosvenor Square

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE ROSE BURKARD creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

THE HOUSE IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
by Linore Rose Burkard
Published by Harvest House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1813: As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding, she must adjust to the realization that she will soon become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But, she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London. During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana impulsively makes plans to redecorate (just a little) according to her tastes . But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, another item disappears.

When Ariana suffers an abduction attempt by two villains, and other mysterious goings-on are unexplained, Mr. Mornay must unravel the mystery of who is after her, and why. He knows he has to prevent any harm from befalling his future bride, even if it means he must keep her under lock and key in his own house!

Romance, suspense, and a deft touch of humor are part of the wonderful story of Philip Mornay and Ariana Forsythe's march to the altar. Fans of Linore's first book, Before the Season Ends, will love this delightful addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

Buy Your Copy of The House in Grosvenor Square today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and I guess you can apply that to writing, too. I didn't envision a sequel when I wrote the first book in the series (Before the Season Ends) but so many readers wanted one, that I agreed to write it. So my "inspiration" in this case, started with a need to continue the story. I was as surprised as anyone to discover that I wasn't ready to pick up after the wedding, and actually started book two almost exactly where book one left off. I had tried starting the story later, more than once, but it just wasn't working for me like I wanted it to. When I backtracked to where book one left off, I suddenly had this bustling, busy story to tell!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I always find questions like this tricky, because I really can't say how much of me is in my characters. I try to make my heroines emotionally smarter than me, if that makes sense. And Ariana's eyes, which sort of sparkle gold, or undergo changes to blue when she's upset, are totally her own--mine are green, and just stay green. Period.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Lol, I think someone asked me this before, but I can't remember what I answered. So, here goes: Mr. Mornay would have to be Rocky Road, but by the end of the book he might be something more like, Butter Pecan. If ice cream had rum flavoring, that'd be him. Ariana would be Velvety Smooth Vanilla.

4. Are there any themes in The House in Grosvenor Square that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

The book has a few major themes that I hope are not easily missed. One is that sexual purity is possible, not to mention advantageous, even when people are in love. Another is that faith in God can make the most worrisome situations bearable. Both themes are present throughout the story, but the idea of being tempted sexually is heightened as it progresses, due to circumstances that occur; and of trusting God in danger, because the threats against Ariana increase as the book goes on.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

It was difficult to keep track of the timeline. The whole book takes place in less than two weeks, the period prior to the wedding. And Mr. Mornay, especially, is called upon day and night to rescue his bride-to-be, or try to nab a bad guy, and my editor had to suggest at one point that I give the poor guy some sleep! There are portions when things are going on around the clock, so I had to go back many times and make sure I knew what time it had gotten to be, or, in some cases, what day it was! I was using a graph to help me keep track, but it still got very challenging.

A favorite scene of mine in this book is when Ariana confronts the first man who abducts her, giving him a scold for his useless life. Another is near the very end, when she is confronted by her new husband regarding the charities she has promised to help. Both situations are humorous, so I think those are the most fun for me to write.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Right now I'm working to meet a deadline for book three in the Regency Series for Harvest House, which is, The Country House Courtship. I don't jave a publish date for sure, yet, but I think either at the very end of this year, (like December) or early next year. Any reader wanting to be "in the know" regarding my future books should just get on my free mailing list. It includes a subscription to my monthly online magazine ("Regency Reflections") and always comes with a free download. I also post new book announcements or new contracts.

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Thank you, Linore, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The House in Grosvenor Square.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Spotlight on Linore Rose Burkhard and Before the Season Ends

Today, we have not one, but TWO author spotlights. You get a bonus as we wrap up the year 2008 and get ready to ring in 2009. Praying you're all blessed as we move forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE ROSE BURKHARD creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS
by Linore Rose Burkhard
Published by Harvest House

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1813: Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her Aunt Bentley's town house in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Under her aunt's watchful eye, Ariana is soon steeped in high society--and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue.

Then, unexpectedly, rumour of a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her faith and her future are at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it is Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to a man who cannot share her faith, how can it ever turn out right?

BOOK VIDEO TRAILER



Buy Your Copy of Before the Season Ends today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

I'm not sure. I think Ariana and Phillip are both amalgamations of people I've read about and known. England in the 1800s is a world away from the 21st century.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

It's hard to say how much of oneself goes into a character. I don't know if anything in my experience influenced my characters except knowing now how I WISHED I could have behaved at times in my past! Meaning, I think I made my heroine smarter than I was, or would have been, at her age, in her place. I hope that answers your question.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Oh, my goodness--this is not the way I think, but I'll try! Let's see--Ariana Forsythe would likely be a rich, creamy Vanilla--pure, lovely, pulls no punches, is up front and dependably true to her nature. "Flavour." The hero, Mr. Phillip Mornay? When we first meet him in the book, he is definitely "Rocky Road!" (Hey, maybe I DO think this way!)

4. Are there any themes in Before the Season Ends that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Readers come away from my book with the feeling that God is involved in everyday life, and that happy endings are possible for everyone. A less obvious theme could be that "God works in mysterious ways," in that He leads us down paths that are scary and surprising, but which ultimately fulfill his highest plans for us.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I think for me the biggest challenge was to believe that I could write a novel in small increments. As a mom of five, four of whom are still home year-round (one is in college), having frequent interruptions is a fact of life. Writing takes a concentration so deep so that when I first started doing scenes, I would find myself getting woozy after standing up. I was shocked at the level of exertion it took to use my brain that hard, I guess! It happens less now--I guess I've grown accustomed to it. And I've learned to appreciate those small blocks of time. Ten minutes in a waiting room can yield a part of a scene I couldn't get done at home. Every little bit counts. I don't despise small beginnings. There are times when I'm in a deep level of involvement with a story or a character, and then getting interrupted can break the mood; but I'm getting better all the time at picking up where I left off, no matter how deeply I've got to dive to get back into the character or situation. For people like me with busy households, this is a must-have ability. I believe it can be the difference between making that deadline or not.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The House in Grosvenor Square will be out in April of 2009. It's a continuation (sequel) of Before the Season Ends. I don't want to give anything away, but Ariana gets in more scrapes, has two dastardly enemies, and there are strange goings-on in "The house in Grosvenor Square!"

Thanks so much, Tiff!

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Thank you, Linore, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Before the Season Ends.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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