This week, we're welcoming author Rosemary Morris, whose novel FAR BEYOND RUBIES is set in England's early 18th century during Queen Anne Stuart's reign. The author will offer a free copy of the book to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:
When Gervaise sees Juliana for the first time, he recognises her, but not from this lifetime…
Set in England, in 1706, during Queen Anne Stuart’s reign, Far Beyond Rubies begins when William, Baron Kemp, Juliana’s half-brother, claims she and her young sister, Henrietta, are bastards. Spirited Juliana is determined to prove the allegation is false, and that she is the rightful heiress to Riverside, a great estate.
On his way to deliver a letter to William, Gervaise Seymour sees Juliana for the first time at the grounds of her family home. The sight of her draws him back to India. When “her form changed to one he knew intimately—but not in this lifetime,” Gervaise knows he would do everything in his power to protect her.
Although Juliana and Gervaise are attracted to each other, they have not been formally introduced and assume they will never meet again. However, when Juliana flees from home, and is on her way to London, she encounters quixotic Gervaise at an inn. Circumstances force Juliana to accept his generous help. After Juliana’s life becomes irrevocably tangled with his, she discovers all is not as it seems. Yet, she cannot believe ill of him for, despite his exotic background, he behaves with scrupulous propriety, while trying to help her find evidence to prove she and her sister are legitimate
Far Above Rubies has received five star reviews, one of which is as follows:-
“Hot Hero, Great Research, Touch of the Exotic, 24 Mar 2013
**Q&A with Rosemary Morris**
Learn more about author Rosemary Morris at:
**Q&A with Rosemary Morris**
Far Beyond Rubies is set in Queen Anne’s reign. Why did you choose it?
While reading non-fiction I became interested in the life and times of Queen Anne and the Marlboroughs, in which religion and religious controversy played a significant part.
What is the inspiration for Far Beyond Rubies?
I am interested in Indian classical literature, including The Bhagavadgita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and The Mahabharat and Ramayan which rival the Odyssey and the Illiad.
Growing and cooking organic fruit, herbs and vegetables is important to me and I enjoy cooking fresh, vegetarian food. After much thought, I combined Queen Anne Stuart’s period with my interests in Far Beyond Rubies a tale of questionable claims, made by the heroine’s half-brother, and romance.
Tell us about your next novel.
The Countess and The Captain set in Queen Anne Stuart’s reign will be published on the 28th February, 2014
Captain Howard, an officer in Queen Anne’s navy, is the only gentleman to notice heart-rending pain lurk in the back of Kate, the wealthy Countess of Sinclair’s eyes? His life changes forever from the moment he meets Kate and resolves to banish her pain.
Although the air sizzles when widowed Kate, victim of an abusive marriage meets Edward Howard, a captain in Queen Anne’s navy, she has no intention of ever marrying again.
However, when Kate becomes better acquainted with the Captain she realises he is the only man who understands her grief and can help her to untangle her past.
What sparked your interest in writing?
Since childhood I have been an avid reader, and developed a particular interest in history. Blessed with curiosity and an active imagination it was inevitable that one day I would become an author.
Which components, in your opinion, make a great story?
An intriguing plot, an interesting theme, strong characters, good or bad, which the reader can identify with. Emotion, emotion and more emotion, and I do not mean only in romances, emotion can be low key but it needs to be there. Last but not least, a good pace which makes the reader wants to turn the page to find out what happens next.
How much of your writing is based on people or events familiar to you?
I mention some historical figures in my novels, but the characters in my novels are fictional, although I sometimes see a face in a crowd, a magazine or a newspaper and jot down a description, which I use in a novel. With regard to events, I read widely and visit places of historical interest to get the facts right.
Have you published others novels, and are you writing a new novel?
My Regency novels, False Pretences and Sunday’s Child, have been published. At the moment I am working on the final revision of Dear Heart, set in England during the reign of Edward II and Monday’s Child the sequel to Sunday’s Child.
Thank you, Rosemary, and best of luck with Far Beyond Rubies. Readers, please leave your comment WITH an email address for a chance to win Rosemary's novel.
Buy Far Beyond Rubies at:
