A handful of historical authors brave the wilds of unusual settings, times, and characters to create distinctive, exciting novels just outside of the mainstream. Join us as we chronicle the trials and rewards of our quest - from research and writing to publication and establishing lasting careers.
Contact Carrie to provide your mailing address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!
We're happy to welcome author MJ Smith as she celebrates the release of her WWII-era romance, FOREVER YOURS. Stay tuned to learn how you can win a copy!
Europe is torn apart by World War II and a feisty and beautiful heroine, Liz, answers the call to battle as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Philip, her childhood friend and superior in the air force, is in a position of authority to stop her, but Liz is determined. Before she leaves on a dangerous reconnaissance mission, the two share a passionate night and Philip proposes, giving her his grandmother's ring.
Liz's plane goes down during her mission in enemy territory while Philip is sent to train with an elite team of paratroopers. The two discover other loves during their time apart, each thinking the other is lost forever. Will these two star-crossed lovers find each other or will a war that has destroyed so much destroy the greatest love each has ever known?
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Reviews:
"Grab a cozy chair, a hot cup of tea, and get ready for a journey you will never forget in FOREVER YOURS. This is one story that ranks high in powerful emotions." ~ Coffee Time Romance
"FOREVER YOURS is a romantic romp through Europe during World War II, continuing well after VE-Day. This is an action packed story from the battlefields to the bedroom, with a lot of romance, a lot of tension, sexual and otherwise. Definitely a page turner!" ~ Romancing the Pubs
"FOREVER YOURS is a touching romantic tale of two young people who discover true love in war torn Europe while heroically serving their country. Their story of love, loss and devotion tugs at the heart strings while engaging the reader in realities of war." ~ Fiction Vixen
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What influenced your storyline for FOREVER YOURS?
Many things influenced my storyline. My love of history and fascination for this time period mostly inspired me. And World War II was also part of stories my maternal grandparents used to tell me as a child. So I guess it was only natural for me that one day I would write a romance story set in war time England and France.
Your heroine, Liz Williams, is a female pilot in the RAF. This was highly unusual for this era. Did you research lead you to find female RAF pilots during WWII and if so, could you tell us a little about them?
I knew the RAF used female pilots during the war. It was unusual and not very well accepted by the men. But, during my research, I found that the Royal Air Force formed what was called the Woman's Auxiliary Air Force. They were a bunch of courageous women despite their difficult tasks and harsh words from their fellow male pilots. And in my book, I do show at the beginning how my heroine and her fellow female pilots are not welcomed by the men. But, I wanted to push the idea further, and show that these women were as good as any male pilot. And I loved imagining that one of them succeeded in going a bit further to fight against the enemy and join reconnaissance missions.
What do you love about writing historical novels?
I love the fact that I can go back in time and put myself in the heroine's shoes and clothes. And I love researching for my books. Every time I discover interesting things.
What has been the readers' response to your debut novel?
Until now, every person who has read my book says how much they like it. They feel the romance, love and loss felt by the main characters.
Tell us about your upcoming historical novel?
My upcoming book is called A SOLDIER'S VOW. It takes place during World War I Europe where an American female photographer meets a handsome Canadian soldier. My manuscript is in the editing process but it should be out during the winter.
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Thank you, MJ, for visiting with us! Remember to leave a comment to be put in the draw for a signed copy of FOREVER YOURS. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Good luck!
Congratulations are in order for Margaret Mallory, who follows up her successful "All the King's Men" trilogy with a brand new four-book contract with Grand Central. This new series will be set in Scotland in the early 1500s. We're all very happy for you, Margaret!
In addition, Margaret is over at the Borders blog talking about "All the King's Men" and giving away two copies of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE. Don't miss your chance!
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Early reviews are in for SCOUNDREL'S KISS, the January release from Carrie Lofty. The site Babbling About Books gave it an A- and said, "SCOUNDREL'S KISS has a near epic type feel to it in an exotic land with so many twist and turns. Carrie Lofty is a masterful storyteller who kept me hooked until the very last page. This is one much recommended romance."
Historical Tapestry said, "The era and location are not usual among historical romance or even historical fiction, and from the first pages, I was immediately swept away," and The Historical Novel Review wrote, "They are memorable for their bravery and resilience with each new trial, but even more for the power of their love. Their story was a great pleasure to read and I highly recommend SCOUNDREL'S KISS."
Through Monday, you have the chance to win a copy at The Historical Novel Review. Just stop by and leave a comment.
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Join us Sunday when Unusual Historicals will welcome MJ Smith. She'll be talking her WWII-era romance, FOREVER YOURS, and giving away an autographed copy. Don't miss it!
And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Magdalena Scott, Monica Burns, Carrie Lofty, Zoe Archer and 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...
This week on Unusual Historicals, we're welcoming author MJ Smith as she celebrates the release of her WWII-era romance, FOREVER YOURS. Join us Sunday when MJ will be here to talk about her unusual historical and give away a copy!
Europe is torn apart by World War II and a feisty and beautiful heroine, Liz, answers the call to battle as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Philip, her childhood friend and superior in the air force, is in a position of authority to stop her, but Liz is determined. Before she leaves on a dangerous reconnaissance mission, the two share a passionate night and Philip proposes, giving her his grandmother's ring.
Liz's plane goes down during her mission in enemy territory while Philip is sent to train with an elite team of paratroopers. The two discover other loves during their time apart, each thinking the other is lost forever. Will these two star-crossed lovers find each other or will a war that has destroyed so much destroy the greatest love each has ever known?
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Liz was happy and grateful for this moment with Philip. Laying her head against his chest, she felt so warm and secure in his arms. All her memories of the times spent with him flowed back. She held back the tears threatening to leave her eyes.
"Are you warmer?" Philip asked, not letting her go.
She nodded, tensing, awaiting his kiss without realizing she lifted her face in invitation.
"I've missed you so much, Liz." The words were little more than a whisper.
Disappointment washed over her as he kissed her brow then stepped back. "I've missed you too Philip." She looked into his heavenly blue eyes.
"I'm surprised seeing you here of all places." He smiled, taking her hand and sat on the bench a few feet away. No one saw them.
Indeed, she felt as though they were the only two people in the world. She felt her heart race when his warm muscular thigh brushed against hers. And he held her hand in his large one. She stared at their joined hands. Never did she feel so nervous with Philip. All this was very unknown and frightening. "Do you think we'll be fighting soon?" She asked, changing her train of thought.
"Soon. With the battle in the Atlantic, they need more ready pilots." He held her hand in his and looked at her with serious eyes as she remained silent. "Liz. Promise me you'll be careful when it's time for you to on missions. I know I can't stop you, so promise me you'll take care." Philip's tone was firm but soft.
She nodded without taking her eyes away from his. "I promise. And you do the same." She was so afraid to lose him.
Philip nodded as they sat in silence a little while longer. She wished so much Philip kissed her. But he didn't. He held her in silence. And he never said how much he missed her. It was for the best he said nothing. If he told her how he missed her or loved her, she may fall into his arms and forget her dreams. And she wasn't ready to sacrifice her chance in the Royal Air Force for more than friendship with Philip. Or was she?
She lifted her head and his eyes met hers. He stared into her eyes for a long while. And she felt herself melt on the spot. What was wrong with her? She stared at his tempting lips and wished he would kiss her. Instead, she felt his hand cup her cheek and his thumb traced her lower lip, leaving a trail of heat. He didn't kiss her but the intimate gesture sent waves of warm sensations all over her body. His eyes stared into hers with intensity. And her heart drummed in her ears. Anticipation alerted all her senses. "Liz." The low rasp in his voice sent another wave of sensations through her body. She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes for a quick moment.
Philip sat so close; she could feel his hot breath caressing her cheeks. Her heart jumped in her chest when his lips touched her cheek and the delicate skin near her ear. "Liz," he whispered again in her ear. A new sensation centered in the special place in her lower belly. She saw stars behind her eyelids and waited for Philip's next move. Will he kiss her? She didn't know. His hands kept her warm against the cool air. Indeed, she felt a bit over warm and unsure of her body. Philip never touched her in such an intimate way before. His lips lingered near her ear. And his hot breath sent shivers along her skin. She turned her head ever so slowly and met his eyes. She could see his eyes darken. He cupped her cheeks and leaned his forehead against hers. Their lips brushed together. Voices in the background brought them back to earth. Philip broke his embrace, leaving Liz breathless.
Quickly, she regained her composure before someone saw them together. She glanced at Philip and his face didn't show any trace of emotion. "I should go," she said, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. Tears threatened to leave her eyes. Before he said a word, Liz removed Philip's jacket from her shoulders and walked toward the camp.
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