After a brief hiatus--publishing news is slow as we approach the holidays--we're back with tons of great news for our authors and for readers who love Unusual Historicals!***
The covers of two of our regular contributors, Blythe Gifford and Margaret Mallory, have been named as finalists in The Seasons' Best Historical Covers of 2009 poll. Blythe's entry is IN THE MASTER'S BED, while Margaret has two entries: KNIGHT OF DESIRE and KNIGHT OF PLEASURE.
Voting will conclude tomorrow, so take this opportunity to vote!
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Zoe Archer's novella "The Undying Heart" in the duology she shares with Bianca D'Arc called HALF PAST DEAD received a great review in Publisher's Weekly.Two...novellas combine themes of love and zombies. Vintage horror, high adventure, and soul-aching romance blend in Archer's compelling “The Undying Heart,” prequel to the upcoming Blades of the Rose trilogy. Cassandra Fielding, a young pistol-in-the-skirts hunter of magical artifacts, renews her childhood infatuation with Sam Reed, even though he's been turned into a cold, fierce, disillusioned, but still handsome zombie by his unscrupulous Crimean War commander. Readers [will] love Archer's powerful, polished tale.***
Michelle Styles received a great review from Realms On Our Bookshelves, a Dutch fiction site, for her newest release, THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS.
Though this book was a category romance of less than 300 pages, it totally didn't have that feel, it was well rounded, well crafted and complete. Hence, praise to Michelle Styles for the delivery of another entertaining, solid Viking story and giving this historical romance lover an escape in the form of a few pleasurable reading hours.You can read the full review here.
Also, Michelle's THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING WAGER has been released in Polish with the title PAMIĘTNA WIGILIA. It will also be released in Czech. And next month, AN IMPULSIVE DEBUTANTE will be released as Debutante Il Vlazer della Debutante, and A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY will be released as Una Proposta Scanalosa, both in Italy. Congratulations!***
Erastes is happy to announce that Speak Its Name is hosting an advent calendar of sorts: a different gay historical author every day, including Stephanie Cowell, Josh Lanyon, Charlie Cochrane, and many more. There's a giveaway every day and a "bumper" bonus present for one random commenter to be announced on Christmas Day!
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Lindsay Townsend's ancient world historical romance, BRONZE LIGHTNING, has been short-listed for a Christmas Award at Red Roses for Authors. Only twelve people have voted so far, so show your support for unusual historicals! In addition, Lindsay has received two new covers: for her third Kensington Zebra medieval historical romance, A KNIGHT'S ENCHANTMENT, due to be published in June 2010; and from Audio Lark for her sweet historical romance, SECRET TREASURE, published as an ebook by Bookstrand and due to be published as an audio book in March 2010. Here they are:
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Michelle Buonfiglio at the Barnes & Noble Heart to Heart Blog named Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE as one of her two favorite debuts of 2009!***
Carrie Lofty is pleased to announce that her Austrian-set historical romance will help launch Harlequin's new digital-only venture, Carina Press, in June 2010! More details to come, including lots of incredible promotional ventures. It's going to be an exciting ride!
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Join us Sunday when Unusual Historicals will welcome Love Inspired author Carla Capshaw. She'll be talking her debut, THE GLADIATOR, and giving away an autographed copy. Don't miss it!***
We'll also draw the winner of Michelle Styles' THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.***
And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! MJ Smith, Magdalena Scott, Monica Burns, and Carrie Lofty will be our guests. We hope you'll join us!
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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...