Monday, January 21, 2013

Donna Crow's "A Tincture Of Murder" and scroll to the next post for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and download of Something Beautiful



Title: A TINCTURE OF MURDER, A Lord Danvers Victorian True-Crime Mystery
Publisher: Greenbrier Books

Cover blurb: William Dove, the notorious “Leeds Poisoner” is on trial for murdering his wife, so he can’t be poisoning the fallen women at the Magdalen Asylum run by Danvers’ young priest brother. But who is? Is another madman stalking the streets of York? And what is causing the foul stench at the orphans’ school?

Lady Antonia is at her most superb in this intricate tale that weaves fact and fiction to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

1) How did this story come to you?
All of my Lord Danvers stories have an historical crime with a fictional one woven around it, so I must start with the true crime. I found my Tincture of Murder story when my research turned up the case of the poisoner William Dove in mid-Victorian York— one of my all-time favorite cities. And then I got a bonus when I found another true crime that is truly more bizarre than anything Charles Dickens wrote.

My additional inspiration was the opportunity to tell the story of the work of the Victorian slum priests who defied the strictures of society to build beautiful churches in the midst of the worst slums in order to bring beauty and a concept of heaven into poor people’s lives. And then, (gasp!) they dared to start asylums to care for fallen women and starving orphans. One of the major reasons I write history is because I believe the work of people like this shouldn’t be forgotten.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This was one of those delightful, all-too-rare times in my career when my publisher came to me for a book. When the first three titles in the Lord Danvers series: A Most Inconvenient Death, Grave Matters and To Dust You Shall Return proved to be popular with readers Ron Benrey at Greenbrier Books asked me for another in the series. I was only too happy to comply!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Because I am known for my love of English history and giving tea parties, people are surprised to learn that I was a terrible tomboy. As an only child I was my father’s son and grew up riding horses, hunting and fishing with Daddy. When I wasn’t doing girlie things with my mother, that is. I can hope that people might be surprised to learn that I’m compulsive about time and am always worried I’m not accomplishing enough fast enough— but I have a suspicion my friends might rather suspect that already.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing A Jane Austen Encounter, Book 3 in my Elizabeth and Richard Romantic Suspense Series. Elizabeth and Richard are on sabbatical in England visiting all the places Jane Austen lived. It’s an idyllic adventure— until the dead bodies start turning up.

Next thing out will be An Unholy Communion, Book 3 in my Monastery Murders. It will be released March 22 as part of Lion Hudson’s all-new Lion Fiction Line. I’m really excited to be part of this new venture.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share with your readers, K Dawn. I am so grateful to be working in such a wonderful field with such great people. Every day I tell the Lord “Thank you for letting me do what I’m doing!”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
To read more about all of my books and see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/  
I would love to have you follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

"Something Beautiful"

Something Beautiful
Lauren Milton has always followed the rules, but when she meets Antony Marcos, she discovers just how much fun it is to do her own thing. When Antony, the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, professes his love for her, her life is complete. He's her soul mate, but when she finds that he's harboring secrets, can she forgive him?

Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him?

Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
EXCERPT

He placed his hand in the small of my back, steering me around a puddle of saltwater, and I shivered even though the night air was warm. I closed my eyes. I must be dreaming. I couldn't possibly be walking down the beach with Antony Marcos.

I didn't want the moment to end, the night to end. Something deep inside of him communicated with something deep inside of me, leaving me with a feeling of safety and love that I hadn't felt in a long time. I savored the moment, taking in the moon, the stars, and the cool feel of the wet sand beneath my feet.

A woman in a dark sweat suit jogged by, her German shepherd close at her side. A toddler squealed in delight somewhere close by, but as far as I was concerned, we were the only two people in the universe.

I turned my attention back to the hunk beside me. I loved everything about Antony. I was falling fast and terrified of the damage he could do to my heart.

He paused and looked out over the water. "I love it here. I'm just so at peace near the ocean."

He pulled me into his arms, and a shiver of delight surged through me. Our eyes locked, and I wondered if he'd read my mind and somehow knew I'd give everything I owned for just one kiss. He paused as if uncertain.

I was lost in the moment. I wasn't sure how to encourage him to kiss me without seeming easy. He didn't move, merely stood there, his body rigid against mine.

When he finally moved, it wasn't as I'd planned. Antony's lips kissed my forehead and my cheeks, still denying me what I longed for, which was a kiss passionate enough to take my breath away.

I threw caution to the wind. Reaching up, I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled his head down. Once our lips met, Antony quickly took the lead. I melted into him, our heartbeats blending as his lips whispered across mine in a dance as old as eternity.

He pulled away first, leaving me breathless, but longing for more.

Interview with Barbara M. Britton and spotlight of Lioness...

We're happy to have Barbara M. Britton with us talking about her book Lioness . To learn more about her and Lioness, please read o...