Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Today's Special - - Janna MacGregor


I'm delighted to welcome one of my favorite new authors today to celebrate the release of her second book, The Bride Who Got Lucky. Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.  



Welcome, Janna! It’s a pleasure to have you join us to celebrate today’s release of The Bride Who Got Lucky. I adored it!

Hi PJ! I’m so delighted that you invited me here today! Yay!! Emma and Somerton’s story was a pure joy to write. I’m glad you enjoyed it!  

What should readers expect from this second book in your The Cavensham Heiresses series?


Chronologically, The Bride Who Got Lucky starts immediately after The Bad Luck Bride.  The heroine Lady Emma Cavensham is a bibliophile and a strong believer that women should be valued as much as men in society. While other women are crazy about dresses and social calls from gentlemen, Emma wants nothing more in life than a good book. Years later, after losing her best friend, Lady Lena Aulton, under suspicious circumstances, Emma is determined to find answers. Nothing will keep the strong-willed Emma from making the suspect, Lord Aulton, answer for his crime.

However, a family friend, Nicholas St. Mauer, the reclusive Earl of Somerton, accepts the responsibility of keeping Emma out of trouble. Basically, he thwarts her every move and enjoys every single minute of it. Emma is like a breath of fresh air to Somerton who spends his days in trade with the goal of someday surpassing his estranged father’s wealth.  Emma and Somerton clash like titans while fighting their growing attraction to one another. It’s no wonder that their story possesses plenty of swoon-worthy romance as the spirited Lady melts this sexy Scrooge’s heart.


Emma has a special place she goes when she feels the need to, as she says, “seek my own counsel.” Where do you go when you need to be alone with your thoughts?

Max




Oh PJ, what a great question! I have twenty-six miles of wooded walking trails behind my house. Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, these trails are like an oasis. Deer, wild turkey, raccoons, foxes, and owls inhabit the area. When I get stuck in a story or if a character isn’t being cooperative, I find myself walking the trails trying to work out what the issues are in my stories. 











Pollie




Truthfully, whether I ‘m stuck or not, I find a daily walk with my pug, Mad Max, helps prepare me for my writing day while my other pug, Pollie, waits for me in my writing room.














Nick and Emma are both fiercely independent people who, for their own individual reasons, have been resistant to the idea of marriage. What convinced you that these two were meant for one another?






These two first appeared in The Bad Luck Bride. Both were the best friends of the couple in that story.  It was the christening scene in the epilogue of The Bad Luck Bride that really told me that these two would make a fantastic couple. By then, Somerton had already kept Emma from acquiring a rare book. When the baby Somerton was holding threw a fit during the christening, Emma had to save him-with aplomb and grace! LOL! It was the perfect set up for their story.







I love a redeemed bad boy and I’ve seen tendrils of possibility for a certain secondary character from these books. Do you have any plans for a happy ending for Lord Paul?  

Hmmm, I’m actually writing his story now. He’s a hero who has a great heart but has made some bad decisions in his life. Now, he’s determined to clean up all the messes he’s made over the years. When he comes across an estranged friend’s sister, Lady Daphne Hallworth, in need of help, he sees this as an opportunity to make amends with his friend. However, his good intentions with Daphne turn into an attraction that he can’t fight no matter the costs.

Do you have plans for any of the other secondary characters from these books? There are several I find quite intriguing.

Lord William Cavensham’s story is next. He’ll meet a duke’s daughter, Lady Theodora Ainsley, who’s in hiding from her father. I haven’t decided the next one after that. You and I discussed the series in Dallas where we attended the 2017 Buns and Roses. You gave me some great ideas, but if your readers would like to voice their opinion, I’m all for it!

Rapid Fire Q&A:

Homebody or World traveler?

World traveler first, but if I’m writing, I’m a homebody-almost a recluse like Somerton.

Apple Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice?

Apple Cinnamon-that’s why Emma loves apples, and apple tarts are Somerton’s favorite.

Heels or Sneakers?

Heels-80% of the time; Sneakers-10% of the time; Barefoot-10% of the time.

Favorite new TV show?

I just discovered Versailles. I need to watch the first season to really be caught up.

Book you’re currently reading?

I just finished the Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt. I’m sad as it’s the last full-length novel in this series—one of my favorite series of all time. I believe there’s a final novella though. Thank heavens; Eloisa James has a new series starting with Wilde in Love! I can’t wait to start reading my copy.  

Where can readers find you online?

Facebook: Janna MacGregor
Twitter: @jannamacgregor
Instagram: jannamacgregor

What’s next?

The next book in the Cavensham Heiresses series is The Luck of the Bride. This story features March Lawson who is introduced in The Bride Who Got Lucky and Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin. I’m currently working on book four in the series—it features Lord Paul Barstow, the Duke of Southart and Lady Daphne Hallworth.

Would you like to add anything else?

I’m so delighted to be here today! Thank you, PJ, for asking me to stop by The Romance Dish! You always make it so much fun. If anyone is attending the Barbara Vey Readers Weekend in April, I’ll be there. Can’t wait to meet you!

Thanks for visiting with us today, Janna! Do you want to ask our readers a question?

If you were a woman living in Regency times and boldly wanted to work outside the home, what profession would you pursue?


I have a signed copy of The Bad Luck Bride for one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post before 11:00 PM (Eastern Time), November 1, 2017. (U.S. only)


43 comments:

  1. I loved The Knickerbocker trilogy. I haven't started this series yet but can't wait.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Hi Carol! Joanna Shupe is a fabulous author and one of my favorites, too! I hope you love the Cavensham Heiresses! It's a fun series to write! Thank you for stopping by.

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    2. Sorry, forgot to answer the question. Either as a tea who owner or in a library
      Carol L

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  2. This series sounds great. I am adding to my tbr list.

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    1. Hi kmannrn! I'm so delighted you're sharing my release day with me. Happy Halloween! Thank you for the kind words. I love writing historicals set in the Regency period, and this series is a blast for me. It's fun to get lost in the Cavensham Heiresses stories!

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  3. Loved The Bride Who Got Lucky! If I wanted to work outside the home, I'd have to say I'd want some type of restaurant? Not exactly a bakery, but more along the lines of an Inn. I love to cook and make new dishes!

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    1. Welcome, Patti! I think that would be fun. I love to cook too. :)

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    2. Hi Patti! That sounds fabulous. As long as I wouldn't have to do dishes, I'd be in the kitchen with you! It's fun researching the historical foods of the time. I try to be as accurate as possible, but some of the food, I just can't stomach! Like kippers (a small salty fish) and beef tongue! Perfect menu for a Halloween feast! LOL!

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  4. Welcome, Janna! Happy Book Birthday! I'm so happy to see Emma and Somerton's story launched into the world. As I may have mentioned - a hundred or so times - I loved their story! :)

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    1. Hi PJ!!! I'm thrilled to be here celebrating not only Halloween but the release of THE BRIDE WHO GOT LUCKY! Thank you so much for your kind words about Emma and Somerton. They are a special couple and I had an absolute blast writing their story to a HEA!

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  5. Happy Celebration Janna! I enjoyed the delightful interview. I would work with horses during Regency times, in a bucolic setting and enjoy the lifestyle. Best wishes.

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    1. Hi traveler! Thank you so much for the kind words. Truly, I appreciate it! Ah, the country life! There is something appealing about escaping our hectic lifestyles and really allowing ourselves to enjoy life. I'm with you traveler! I'll be your apprentice!

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    2. That sounds so appealing, traveler!

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  6. What a captivating series and this novel sounds wonderful. What a great interview that was very interesting. My work outside the home would be a tutor.

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    1. Hi petite! Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm really excited about this book!

      An educator! I love it. The men were certainly educated well in the Regency-at least, wealthy men! The women not so much unless they had a forward thinking father or guardian. Just think that most tutors had to teach a wide variety of ages. Now, that would be a handful!

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    2. I have the feeling those tutors more than earned their salary!

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  7. Congratulations on the new release. I think I'd choose an unusual occupation for a woman - a spy. With the Regency period intersecting parts of Napoleon's rule in France, it's an interesting time for spying.

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    1. Hi Kim,

      Thank you, Kim! I love the idea of Regency spies, an unusual but interesting occupation for the woman. What kind of a spy are you thinking? I've got several books on espionage in the era! Not a lot of documents remain from that time as most were burned.

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    2. I applaud your courage in choosing to be a spy, Kim. Though I imagine it could have been a fascinating occupation, it was also no doubt very dangerous!

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  8. I always wanted to be an artist - seems that could be a possibility back then lol.

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    1. Hi catslady! I so agree. One female painter from that era is Marguerite Gerard. Apparently, she was widely honored and exhibited her works in salons throughout London! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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    2. I think that's an excellent choice, catslady. I don't have a single artistic gene in my body. *grin*

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  9. Congratulations to Janna on her new book release. If I had to work during Regency times, I might do so as a Matchmaker.

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    1. Hi Diane! Thank you so much for the well wishes! I love the idea of a matchmaker! Imagine the fun and trouble one could get into with that profession!

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    2. I agree with Janna. So much fun...and probably more than a little trouble. ;-)

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  10. Congratulations on the new book release! If I were to pursue work outside the home during Regency times, I would wish to be able to own and operate a tea room/house in a fashionable shopping area. We would serve exquisite teas and cakes and I would be up to date on all of the latest gossip about town.

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    1. Hi Lil! Thank you so much for the congrats! I'm delighted to be able to spend my special day with you all! I love the idea of a tea room. Not only would you be able to see all the fabulous fashions, but just imagine the gossip you'd be able to gather! The Midnight Cryer, my fictional gossip rag, would be coming to you for stories! Gunter's Tea Shop would face stiff competition!

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  11. I always like meeting new authors!! Many more years of writing!!!

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    1. I hope you enjoy her books as much as I have!

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    2. Happy Halloween, girlygirlhoosier52! Believe it or not, my triplets (almost 27 years old now) were born in Indpls! Hoosiers through and through! LOL! Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope I have many more books ahead of me! XO Janna

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  12. I was blessed to be able to read this book. It is terrific. And I know your next one will be as well. Thanks for the interesting interview.

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    1. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too, Annette!

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    2. Hi Annette Naish! I just returned from a celebratory dinner with my darling husband! YAY!! I'm so delighted that you enjoyed The Bad Luck Bride! It's near and dear to my heart since it's my first book! THANK YOU for taking the time to let me know! For many of us writers, we have no idea how are our stories are received! Thank you!

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  13. WOW, what a question. I would do something with books - most likely selling. Otherwise I would sell fabric. Congrats on your new release and the success of this series.

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    1. Hi Eileen! Fabulous choices! Something with books...always reminds me of Lady Emma Cavensham's passion for books! LOL! Believe it or not, I sew-not a straight line, but curtains and balloon shades are a breeze! Must be why I collect fabric! You and I could open a shop together! A-W Mercantiles has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

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  14. If I lived in Regency times I would likely own a book shop. If possible, I would help those who wanted books but couldn't afford them work out some way to come into the store and read the books they wanted. I would have helped those who wanted to learn to read or improve their reading skills. Had there been public libraries at the time, I would have worked at one.

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    1. Hi librarypat! What a fabulous career you've described! I love it! Reading is a way to better the individual and all of society! Lady Emma Cavensham would heartily approve! Thank you for stopping by!

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    1. I have a signed copy--no need to count me ;)

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    2. Hi dstoutholcomb! Perhaps you'd meet Jane Austen and become critique partners! Oh, I want to join! LOL! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  16. Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Janna!

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    1. Oh, PJ, it was my pleasure! Thank you for having me and celebrating my new release! Such delightful company! XO

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