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Friday, March 4, 2011

Are Miss R2 and Miss D2 related?

Exactly four days shy of two years and three months ago, I conducted an interview with a vampire slayer.




That's right, I got to interview Miss Heidi Ashworth, author extraordinaire, about her debut Regency Romance novel, Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind--a charming little, sassy little, lovely little ditty of a book, boasting quite a remarkable kissing scene between it's main characters, Sir Anthony and Miss Delacourt.


(I still cover my eyes when I think on that kissing scene, btw.)


Not only did that kissing scene allow Miss Delacourt to speak her mind, it also afforded her the opportunity to have her day, so to speak, in the delightful sequel, Miss Delacourt Has Her Day. (Or as they say in the hood, Miss D2.)


In other words, Miss D gets married, peeps. The cover even says so:



Ah, but covers can be slippery slopes now, can't they?


Would it be a spoiler if I divulged the page on which they get married? Hows about if I told you that they get married in one of the three main sections of the book--the epilogue, the logue, or the prologue?


She's a tease, Miss Heidi, but she mentions my name in the acknowledgements, so I'm down with it. In fact, one of the most important characters in the novel, the evil mother-in-law, was inspired by, and named after, yours truly. (That's English for moi.)


You're welcome, world.


Okay, so if you don't understand the Regency Romance genre, you can get a brief background from Jami (oh how I lub Jami) over at Superfluous Miscellany. But believe me when I say you don't have to be a Jane Austen era book lover to enjoy this charming read. Sir Anthony may not be a smokin' hot vampire, but he's pretty current--even drops the Sir in this novel--and anyway, he gives splendidly thorough kisses.


(Top that, Edward!)


There are two types of people who should read Miss Heidi's Regency Romance books--those who are studying for the GRE, and those who are NOT studying for the GRE.


If you are studying for the GRE Miss Delacourt Has Her Day is a MUST READ! I counted eight GRE vocabulary words in the first five pages of the novel. FER REALS!

  • sagacious
  • presentiment
  • harbinger
  • tantamount
  • recalcitrant
  • quandry
  • nettled
  • ducal


I bet Miss Heidi could get into grad school easy. Indeed she has the most remarkable command of vocabulary on the face of the earth.


And yet she's not stuffy or hoity toity in the least. In fact, alone, these ginormous words may seem laborious, but the way she weaves them together to craft the plot and develop the characters is fascinating. Dare I say, mesmerizing.


Almost intoxicating.


She makes big words funny. And clever. And cute. And charming and witty and sassy andsweetandsaucyandspunkyand . . .


It's a quick, fun read, which immediately whisks you away into another world, and charms your socks off.


Even if you are not studying for the GRE, Miss Delacourt Has Her Day is a MUST READ. Mostly because it's a quick, fun read, which immediately whisks you away into another world, and charms your socks off.


Barbara Metzger, author of Christmas Wishes says the story is as sparkling as Champagne and as sweet as chocolate.


I'm no Barbara Metzger, but can I just say something here? To Miss Heidi? Miss Heidi, I'm so dang proud of you. You have a gift, girlfriend. And how did you publish two amazing books against all personal odds, during some pretty challenging life circumstances?


(I know this because I read her blog. (Sporadically.) Plus she emails me. (Randomly.) We're like this. (Occasionally.))


Before I sign off, allow me to share two of my favorite lines from the book:


  • Time is indeed sweet, and his uncle ate it like candy. (LUB IT!)
  • No, my love. You are the sweetest thing! Well, except when you are angry, and there are sharp things about. (Hee hee)


If you want a shot at getting your hands on this book for free, you can enter here at Good Reads anytime before March 31st.


You can also go to Dunhaven Place, Miss Heidi's blog, and enter to win a free painting of roses by Jana Parkin. (Guess what! I go out to dinner with Jana sometimes--sporadically, randomly, occasionally, when DeNae Handy is in town.) (Okay, I ate with her once at Chili's. Kazzy and Becca Wilhite were there too and Becca shared her chips and salsa with me. Eeeeee! I lub my life.)



Hey, by the way, DeNae Handy has been nominated for the Best LDS Solo Female Blogger Award. You can go vote for her here. After you buy Miss D2 here.




10 comments:

The Songer said...

Aww nice! I read the first book with a group of friends and we actually discussed what we thought would become of Miss D.... Excited to read it.

Momza said...

You keep some mighty fine company, Deb.
I'm not a Romance Novel reader, but Miss Heidi is da bomb diggity, as my yahoos say, so I'll be reading this one!
Thanks for an awesome review!

Heidi said...

Thanks Iwa and Momza! And thanks so much Deb! And I want to make it clear here, that it wasn't YOU exactly, who inspired the m-i-l, you silly! Just a situation you share that I won't spell out here. This was sooooooo much fun, as usual! I loved it! The best thing that has happened to me between last time I had a book out and this one? I have grown to know and love so many of my blog friends so much better (even while visiting less--strange, no?)

Heidi said...

"English for moi." You are such a card! (Yes,I had to come back and read this again--so good for my ego, as it is . . )

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Well, I better check it out.
I love slippery slopes and good language even though I have NEVER had the slightest desire to go to grad school.

Already voted for DeNae.
Off to check out the books.

Debra Hawkins said...

Loved this post. You are hilarious! :)

Keola said...

I'm definitely going to check this out. :)

Anonymous said...

Completely apt description of both Heids and Sir Anthony's kisses. Because both are equally delightful! (Just don't tell my hubby.)

Jami said...

Oo! You're Deborah?! You've got some gall, lady! Oh, wait. nevermind

Anyhow, I'm the faux French seamstress. You can call me Miss James. I do like me some Regency attire.

Also I really like the logue. You are indeed a wordsmith. Lub you right back!

LisAway said...

That is what I call a VERY unboring book review. And not just 'cause I love Heidi.

You're a joy, Crash, and I can't wait till I get my MD2!