Monday, October 6, 2014

Today's Special - - Theresa Romain


It's my pleasure to welcome Theresa Romain back to the blog today. I just finished reading Theresa's new book, SEASON FOR DESIRE and it's another winner from this talented author - a great way to kick off your Christmas reading season. 

For more information about Theresa and her books and to connect with her online, follow the links below.



Twitter: @TheresaRomain





Hi Theresa!  Welcome back to The Romance Dish. Congratulations on tomorrow’s release of Season for Desire, the fourth and final installment in your Holiday Pleasures series. Please tell our readers what they can expect from this book.

Thanks for the warm welcome, PJ! And thank you for hosting me today. It’s always such fun to visit The Romance Dish.

SEASON FOR DESIRE is a story about finding love where you least expect it. Our heroine, Audrina, is an earl’s daughter thrown into company with an American, Giles, on a treasure hunt for long-lost jewels. Neither of them understands the other’s world; neither wants to be in Yorkshire over Christmas. At first. (It’s a romance. You knew they’d change their tunes.) Soon enough, they see each other in a new way, and once they do, the treasure hunt leads them to understand themselves and their families in a new way too.

Audrina and Giles are complex characters, each with their own reasons for avoiding marriage. What was it about these two that convinced you they had a shot at a happy ending?

I never really know when I start writing! I just come up with characters who seem completely wrong for each other, then start figuring out what happens next. So Giles is a blunt American who’s the oldest and most responsible in his family (and yes, that includes his widower father, who’s on the journey with him). Audrina is the youngest and most rebellious of five daughters of an earl. They sound like opposites—but as I got to know their characters better, I realized they had both sacrificed their true selves for their families. They desperately want to matter to the people they care about, and this becomes a stumbling block to their romance as well. They have to learn to pursue their own dreams and be comfortable in their own skins before they find an HEA. The more they change and become stronger, the better suited they are for each other.

I really enjoyed their journey and there are so many wonderful scenes in this book. Without giving away spoilers, what's the one scene you would never cut?

I would never cut the library scene in which Giles and Audrina look through a telescope together, or the scene in a York inn’s kitchen when, snowbound over Christmas, they peel and cut apples together. These are everyday events that bond them and give them a chance to talk about what’s truly important. Not everyone falls in love because of grand gestures. Sometimes it’s the little things, like watching the moon or lining up perfectly peeled apples, that jog the big questions and the deep emotions.

I love both of those scenes and I especially love that it's the ordinary, everyday things that draw them closer together.

Our band of travelers is served a Yorkshire Christmas Pie for their Christmas meal, an interesting combination of five kinds of bird plus a rabbit.  What dishes are your holiday favorites? Do you have a traditional course that is served every year?

Isn’t that an amazing recipe? I’d love to know how many people it fed! (Readers, you can see the real-life historic recipe I used on my website at http://theresaromain.com/extras/mrs-booths-christmas-pie/ .) My family is Cajun on one side and Sicilian on the other, so when I was growing up, traditional dishes depended on which side of the family we were visiting. My mom’s family serves homemade ravioli and cuccidatis (a kind of pastry), all of which are incredibly labor-intensive to make. So in the hours before mealtime, tables are covered with flour, there’s meat filling and candied fruit everywhere—don’t mix them up!—and there are never enough rolling pins. My dad’s family would be more likely to have a potluck with a cochon de lait as the main dish–that is, the meat of a young pig, slow-smoked on a spit. Both kinds of food traditions are well-suited to huge family gatherings. Which, now that I think about it, that huge Yorkshire Christmas pie would be too. Maybe next year…

I looked up the recipe for cuccidati.  Wow, that does sound very labor intensive but also very delicious.  I think I may need to give them a try.

It’s hard for me to say good-bye to much loved characters when a series ends.  As their creator, do you feel the same sense of loss when it’s time to bid them farewell or does the anticipation of new characters on the horizon ease the parting?

A little of both, really. When I started writing SEASON FOR DESIRE, I knew some of the characters so well from previous books that their scenes flowed easily. But over the course of the series, I wrote myself into a few corners too. I couldn't change the timing of the story, or the way someone behaved, if it would be inconsistent with one of the earlier Holiday Pleasures books. A new series gives an author a chance to go down different historical rabbit holes.

When you’re not busy writing your own books, what types of books do you enjoy reading?

Romance, of course! It’s my favorite genre to read, which is why I started writing it. I like historicals and contemporaries best, though sometimes nothing will do but a romantic suspense or a time-travel romance. When I’m ready for a change of pace, I like quirky narrative nonfiction. It gives my storytelling brain a break, though sometimes it also jostles free a new idea.


I love autumn with its crisp, clear days, cool nights, deep blue sky and brilliantly colored leaves…and football.  I do love football.  Do you have a favorite season that you look forward to all year? What is it and what makes it your favorite?

My favorite seasons are autumn and early winter, before it starts to feel like it’s been cold forever. I don’t think I had such a strong preference before I wrote four holiday romances, but for the past several years I was working on a new Season book through each fall and early winter. It’s quite nice when a story’s setting matches up with the real-life weather! I did write some of SEASON FOR SCANDAL (my 2013 holiday historical) during a terrible summer heat wave, and that was tough. I had to make my characters cold when I could hardly remember what cold was like.
I also ought to admit: besides the beautiful weather, part of what I love about fall is that you can finally get eggnog again. :)



What’s next?


Thanks for asking! My next book will be out in January.SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS HEIRESS is the last in my Matchmaker trilogy, and along with the scandalous heroine it features an Anglo-Indian hero who’s got his own secrets. These two struck a lot of sparks, and their story was really fun to write. I just posted Chapter 1 on my site, if readers want a sneak peek: http://theresaromain.com/books/scandalous-heiress/

Before then, though, I’ll be back here! On November 7, I’m joining fellow holiday historical authors Valerie Bowman, Elizabeth Essex, and Carolyn Jewel here at The Romance Dish for a fun day of festive posts and reader giveaways. We’re really looking forward to it!

As are we!  Thank you for visiting with us today, Theresa. Would you like to ask our readers a question?

It’s my pleasure. Thank YOU for hosting me!

Readers, I’d love to know: what’s your favorite thing about your favorite season of the year? I have confessed my fondness for eggnog. By the end of SEASON FOR DESIRE, Giles and Audrina would probably say the chance of getting snowbound together was one of their favorite things about winter. But maybe you like spring or summer more? Do tell!

To one random commenter, I’ll give print copies of the previous Holiday Pleasures books, SEASON FOR SURRENDER and SEASON FOR SCANDAL. Open internationally.


71 comments:

  1. I like autumn best. After the heat of summer the cool change is most welcome. I love the crisp, cool air.

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    1. Me too, Mary. I love the cool, crisp days and nights.

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    2. Me three! My office is upstairs, and it gets so hot during the summer. It's a lot easier to write when the weather starts to cool off.

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  2. Spring, as plants are reborn, is the time for renewal, for new ideas and for romance to flourish.
    As the days get longer and the skies get brighter its time to try a new author ... or two.
    A new book by Theresa Romain would be seasonally perfect! :)

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    1. Q, a new book by Theresa Romain is perfect for any season! :)

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    2. You guys. :) Quantum, what a great way to think of spring. Spoken like a true fan of romance!

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  3. Even though it's hot here in Florida, I still love summertime because so many people are getting out and enjoying the beaches, pools and sporting their tans.

    I enjoyed all three of Theresa Romain's novels in this series and am very anxious to read "Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress" in January!

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    1. Hi, Connie! I do love summer, especially my summer beach time but fall is still my favorite.

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    2. Connie, maybe I would enjoy summer more if I could escape to the beach (I'm in the Midwest). That does sound lovely.

      Thanks for keeping an eye out for Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress!

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  4. I like the smell of spring, but I like the weather of early summer best. Some hot days to go swimming, but the humidity isn't up yet.

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    1. I agree about the smell of spring, Gretchen. Such an earthy aroma, filled with new life and promise.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Gretchen, are you a gardener? I don't have a green thumb at all, but there's something about spring and early summer that makes me want to plant everything from bulbs to trees.

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    3. I am not a gardener. I wish I were, because I love gardens so much, but I don't have the endurance for it! I always forget to go back and keep them weeded and watered. I am lucky to have lots of perennials that were already planted when we moved here, so I get to enjoy the hardier ones that keep coming back. I have a beautiful lilac bush that is my favorite. I smells soooo good!

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  5. I like summer best. Becuse it's warm, we don't need all that clothes and to tell you the truth - there's a river nearby my house where we swimm. Actually it's so popular, the whole country comes here for relaxation!
    I love the sun! It cheers me up.

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    1. Welcome, Irma! One of my least favorite parts of growing up in the northern U.S. was the lack of sunlight during the winter. It really does affect our moods.

      Your river sounds wonderful!

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    2. I agree with PJ--what fun to go splashing in the river! That sounds like something a historical romance character would do. :)

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  6. I love Autumn the most. It brings back childhood memories of weiner roasts, hay rides, caramel apples and jumping into piles of leaves ��. Now I enjoy sitting in sunshine, smelling the crisp air, sipping a hot tea or chocolate and reading a book. That is simply a slice of heaven ��

    One of Theresa's books would give me giddy goosebumps! Thank you for the chance!

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    1. Sounds like your childhood autumns were similar to mine, Gena. I haven't jumped into a pile of leaves in years. I miss it. ;-)

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    2. Gena, you are giving me seasonal envy. It sounds like you've got some beautiful associations with fall.

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  7. I like end of the year best because of the holidays. My sis & her family tend to come & visit then too because it's school holidays. Always nice to have family home

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    1. How fortunate you are to have family close for the holidays!

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    2. Linda, that makes a time of year really special, doesn't it? I live far from my siblings, and last year I got to see both of them around Christmas. That won't work out this year and I know we'll all be missing each other.

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  8. I like summer-July specifically.

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    1. I like July too. It brings beach time and the RWA national conference. Nothing wrong with that! :)

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    2. Yay RWA! That's where I finally got to meet PJ in person this year. What a pleasure. :) JCP, is there a special event or celebration in July that really makes you enjoy it?

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  9. Thanks, PJ and Andrea, for hosting me today! And PJ, thank you for the interview--you ask some great questions.

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    1. My pleasure, Theresa! It's always a joy to host you here at TRD!

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  10. I love Autumn for the colors and flavors, but spring is my favorite... being able to get outside after a long cold winter just makes me happy!

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    1. I agree, Rhiannon! By the end of winter I feel like I've been cold forever. A turn for the warm is always welcome.

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  11. My favorite season is fall. After a hot southern summer, I am grateful for the cooler temps. The leaves are just beginning to change here in Georgia, and I really love the fall colors. I just got through decorating my house with pumpkins and scarecrows. Fall also means college football and family gatherings to tailgate at home while watching the games on TV. Next month, even though it will still be fall, I will start my annual Christmas reading binge. I read nothing but Christmas romances leading up to the holidays. I am adding your new book to the pile!

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    1. Cheryl, thanks for adding my book to your list! I like reading Christmas romances too--probably no surprise. :) Sounds like your house is the one to visit and admire this season. Wishing your football teams lots of luck!

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  12. I love the holidays of fall and winter, but here in the northern US winter last way too long and is way too cold! So, I love late spring when the earth has turned green again and flowers bloom. There's just such a feeling of regrowth and renewal.

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    1. Judy, my sister lives in the northern US and says the old joke is very true: there are two seasons, winter and road construction. After you go through all that, I certainly understand why you are so ready for spring!

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  13. I have to go with Spring. After cold winters and shoveling and driving on icy roads, I am ready to see green and hear the birds sing and go outside without having to bundle up first. I planned both my children's births for Spring and luckily it worked lol.

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    1. Talk about making spring a season of new life and growth. :) You really get to celebrate in your family every spring, catslady!

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  14. I love summer the best, I love the sun on my face, the heat on my skin, its like a great big hug! I love going to the pool, the lake, the ocean; getting in and then laying out either relaxing and closing my eyes or reading a book. I love to go to the zoo and being outside without a need for a jacket. 75-90 degree days are great!!

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    1. Angela, I like the sound of summer the way you describe it. Where I live, summer is often over 100 degrees and it loses its pleasantness. But laying out on a beautifully warm day with a book--now, that's heaven.

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  15. I love the fall because it means cooler weather and I can bundle up in my favorite sweaters.

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    1. Yay for big cozy sweaters! I like those too, Raquel. I wrap up, but a space heater at my feet, and write write write.

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  16. I like the cool temperatures of autumn. The season always reminds me of cider, fry cakes and candy apples. I actually don't mind winter either.

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    1. Kim, I'm with you there--on the yummy foods and winter (at least, until it enters its fifth month). I'd rather have cold weather than hot.

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  17. I love Autumn--Fall colors, spicy scents, apples, baking, football, soccer (kids), etc...

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    1. That Christmas song is off target--THIS is the most wonderful time of the year!

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  18. Spring is my favorite time of the year because its like a new world coming to life, although I do enjoy the cooler tempts in the fall but its rough on my alergies. Congrats on your new release, sounds wonderful!

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    1. Quilt Lady, allergies are enough to sap anyone's enthusiasm. I hope your allergies aren't too bad this year. Thanks for the kind wishes!

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  19. I love winter- xmas, snow, snuggling up warm at home, xmas
    Xxx

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    1. Well, then my holiday romances sound like the perfect books for you, Rachael. :)

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  20. I love fall and parts of winter :) It gets subarctic temps here so, I get tired of below zero weather real quick. But the first snow is always so fun. I love having an excuse not to leave the house and snuggle with my dog under a blanket with a good book and a pumpkin spice latte. Congrats to Theresa on the new release and thanks for sharing!

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    1. Erin, you're describing my perfect day--blanket and book and pumpkin spice and all. :) I'm just missing the dog!

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  21. It's good to have you visiting, Theresa. My favorite season is spring, because I love planting and having a garden full of flowers. And, here in south Texas, spring begins in mid to late January! You winter folks remind me of my Hubby with those eggnog cravings. I'm looking forward to reading your newest.

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    1. LSUReader, thanks for stopping by! Oh my gosh, I hadn't thought of how different the seasons would be in the warmer states. Are you having fall now, or does it still feel like summer to you? (Psst...there is an LSU connection in Season for Desire! That's my parents' alma mater, and when I had to choose colors for a certain item in the story, I picked purple and gold.)

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  22. I love spring the best because it's great to see all the plants and flowers come back to life. It always lifts my spirits and it's always great to have warm weather after the terrible Canadian winters.

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    1. Lubnaa, I believe it. I've never experienced a Canadian winter, but their harshness is legendary!

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  23. I love spring, when the beautiful flowers bloom.

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    1. I need to get some more flowers blooming next spring, Robin. Do you have any suggestions for perennials?

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  24. Christmas for the decorations

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    1. There's something about the decorations that really enhances the festive mood, isn't there?

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  25. watching the kids unwrap there gifts

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    1. Oh, yes! Having a young daughter has reminded me of a lot that I used to love about the holidays, and really about all celebrations.

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  26. I love spring and fall for the weather, the wildlife, and of course the football in fall! I do love getting together with family and friends during the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Years) and of course I love all the wonderful food! My clothes don't love me lovin the food so much though when they are straining at the seams. ;-)

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    1. Glenda, we are getting to that time of year when everything looks delicious! I don't know what it is about fall and winter, but I cook and bake so much more. Maybe it's just that I like having the oven on when it's cold outside?

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  27. I love spring for that sense of newness and hope, and the anticipation of sunny days ahead :) I also like the temperate weather then... not a huge fan of extreme heat or cold ;) But I do love the fall weather and how it encourages one to curl up inside with a good book!!

    Thanks for celebrating your winter stories with us, Theresa!

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    1. Thank you, Fedora! I hope you get to curl up inside with a good book soon. :)

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  28. Thanks for an awesome day, Theresa and best wishes for SEASON FOR DESIRE!

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    1. It was so great to be here. Thank you for the chance to visit, PJ!

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  29. Fall is my favorite season and always has been. I love the crisp air, the smell of the leaves and the crunch of dried leaves underfoot as we walk in the woods. I grew up in apple country of NE NY. There is nothing better than a crisp, tart Macintosh apple fresh off the tree, except maybe a pie made from them. (We just finished one last night.)

    I checked out the Yorkshire Christmas Pie recipe. Oh, my goodness. It is tempting to try it. I don't understand why they serve it cold rather than hot. I would prefer it as a hot dish. I checked the dinner menus they listed in the book and was very surprised by the number of dishes served. I knew they had many and a variety, but the extensive list of meat dishes and few vegetables and starches was interesting. With such a rich diet, it is no wonder gout was such a problem. My husband's grandparents emigrated from Yorkshire. It would have been interesting to know if they were familiar with this dish. Is it even fixed today? We will just have to go over there and find out. (It is as good an excuse as any for a trip to England.)

    Best wishes for a successful release of SEASON FOR DESIRE. I will be looking for it and the rest of the series to read.

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  30. I love decorating the Christmas tree. I collect ornaments and it is fun to look at them each year all over again.

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  31. Cookies! I love the smell and the taste of it. :)

    Can't wait to read the book! I love the others in the series too!

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  32. My favorite thing is spending quality time with my family.
    jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

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