My second novel, Enchantress of Paris, hit bookstore shelves yesterday. The launch event at Barnes & Noble and all the wonderful feedback from readers and reviewers have touched my heart. Have I mentioned how much I love and appreciate you, dear readers? Thank you for making my work possible!

USA Today just allowed me to write as their guest and published my article about the unsung heroines of history here.

Also today, Harper Collins is revealing the cover for our WWI anthology A Fall of Poppies. I’m pleased and humbled to be included in this anthology centered around Armistice Day with such incredible, bestselling authors as Heather Webb, Hazel Gaynor, Beatriz Williams, Jennifer Robson, Jessica Brockmole, Kate Kerrigan, Evangeline Holland, and Lauren Willig. The line about a Belgian rebel in the following blurb…that’s my story!

~ “Top voices in historical fiction deliver an intensely moving collection of short stories about loss, longing, and hope in the aftermath of World War I…

A squadron commander searches for meaning in the tattered photo of a girl he’s never met…

A Belgian rebel hides from the world, only to find herself nursing the enemy…

A young airman marries a stranger to save her honor—and prays to survive long enough to love her…

The peace treaty signed on November 11, 1918, may herald the end of the Great War but for its survivors, the smoke is only beginning to clear. Picking up the pieces of shattered lives will take courage, resilience, and trust. Within crumbled city walls and scarred souls, war’s echoes linger. But when the fighting ceases, renewal begins…and hope takes root in a fall of poppies.” ~

Without further ado, I give you…the cover & links…. [isn't it beautiful?!!]

Fall of Poppies Cover Reveal

Barnes & Noble / Amazon / IndieBound / Books-a-Million

William Morrow Trade Paperback; March 1, 2016; $14.99; ISBN: 9780062418548

Girl on the Golden Coin Pear-Themed Gift Giveaway

Girl on the Golden Coin has been on shelves for two months now. Two whole months- yet they’ve flown, full of incredible experiences. I’ve visited fabulous bookstores in Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia. Family and friends have thrown parties (yes-plural!). Friends have shown up at events everywhere. I’ve received touching congratulatory gifts. I’ve met the most amazing readers. Readers have written me sweet notes. I’ve spoken to generous hosts on both television and radio. I’ve been welcomed on the coolest book blogs on the web. I cannot thank the world enough for treating Girl on the Golden Coin so well.

It’s been amazing, and I’m feeling deeply grateful.

My publisher has sponsored several giveaways already-I can’t even count how many books they’ve given away! Plus, I’ve passed out five hundred bookmarks, hundreds of chocolate-gold-coins, and given away dozens of little prizes here and there. Why? As a way to give back…and because it’s just fun!

Today I’m doing something different. To celebrate the two-month milestone, I’m giving away this Girl on the Golden Coin pearl-themed gift box!

To enter the giveaway, sign up for my newsletter! One winner in the US will be selected May 11th.

What’s in a Girl on the Golden Coin Pearl-Themed Gift box?

An autographed copy of Girl on the Golden Coin
Seventeenth century-style pearl drop and sterling silver earrings
Peace Pearl Candle from Aroma Naturals
Jasmine Pearl Tea from the Republic of Tea
Midnight Pearl solid perfume from Oriflame
Godiva Chocolate Pearls
Chocolate Gold Coins
Custom tasseled bookmark
Custom silver charm bookmark
A Frances Stuart-style gold scarf

Oh, if you’re already on my newsletter list, no need to sign up again! The winner will be selected at random from the entire list! Good luck!

Everyone – from critique partners, writing group partners, twitter peeps, and writing instructors – seemed dismayed by my answers.

“I hardly have time to write a novel much less a blog. Blogging doesn’t really promote sales. I don’t want to. I have nothing interesting to say. I’m boring.

They were so dismayed, in fact, some insisted I would never get an agent or a publishing deal without a platform. The encouraged me. They coaxed. They rolled their eyes. When I finally agreed to have an open mind about it, it was a half-hearted shove-off. “I’ll blog when a publisher makes me.”

Well, a few short months ago I landed my first publishing deal with St. Martin’s Press. And today I begin my Great Blogging Adventure. Does this mean my words were prophetic and a publisher is finally making me?

Actually…no. No one is making me. My agent said I didn’t really need to blog. My editor hasn’t ever mentioned it. I just decided…I’m ready to start talking.

About my upcoming novel, THE DUCHESS OF RICHMOND. About food. About makeup. About history. About makeup throughout history. About historical clothes. About historical fiction. About writing. About my writing life.

One day I just woke up and realized I have a lot to say after all. The jury is still out on whether I’m interesting or boring. Join me on my new adventure and you can be the judge!