Today's Special - - Maggie Robinson

I'm delighted to welcome Maggie Robinson back to The Romance Dish. Maggie's new book, Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third book in her Cotswold Confidential historical romance series. It's another appealing blend of likable characters, humor, and heart-tugging emotion that Janga and I both thoroughly enjoyed. For more information about Redeeming Lord Ryder, be sure to read Janga's 5-star review.






PJ: Welcome back, Maggie! It’s always a pleasure to have you visit us. I’ve had such fun reading your Cotswold Confidential stories, eagerly anticipating each new release. Will you please tell our readers what they can expect from the newest book, Redeeming Lord Ryder?

Thank you so much for having me back! Redeeming Lord Ryder was a little challenging for me—there are lots of emotional challenges for my characters too. My heroine Nicola Mayfield has a form of selective muteness. She’s been injured in a horrific train accident and comes to Puddling-on-the-Wold, a sort of secret spa, to recover. The hero Jack Ryder is there too, to try to get over his guilt and depression for being responsible for a horrific train accident. You see where this is going, don’t you? Despite the serious nature of the obstacles, the book has humor and heart, and there is still banter, even though Nicola is writing and finger spelling instead of speaking. It was a joy to give Jack and Nicola their happy ending.



Janga: Did you get hungry writing this book? (I kept wanting to snack as I read it.)

LOL. I’m always hungry. The crumbs on my keyboard could keep me alive for days. One of the conditions of a stay in the Puddling rehabilitation resort is “everything in moderation.” For most of its Guests, they’ve overindulged in all sorts of things, so the diet on offer is bland and “nutritious” until they mend their wicked ways. Consequently, poor Jack, who hasn’t been exactly forthcoming on why he’s checked himself in, is nearly starved to death, while Nicola is cosseted and built up. Once Jack discovers her pantry, the course of true love is paved with peaches.


PJ: Speaking of eating, do you have a favorite holiday treat you enjoy making…or eating?  

I used to be a big “from-scratch” cook. I made jam and syrup and pickles with my four kids, but since my husband started watching the Food Network, he’s taken over in the kitchen and I am grateful for it. I still do holidays though. I can recommend my Idiot Dip, which my kids look forward to when they come home. One block of cheap yellow cheese (paper removed please), one can of chili with beans. Layer in microwave-proof dish and heat up for about 9 minutes. Stir. Serve with Cool Ranch Doritos. I’m sure it’s very bad for you, which makes it delicious. You can add another can of chili or some salsa if you want, but why gild the lily?

Janga: Did you edit anything out of this book that you found difficult to cut?

You know, most of the time I’ve been so lucky—I’ve never had to cut chapters or long scenes or do a major re-write, except for three books, Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden (had to make it more erotic!!!), Mistress by Midnight (had to kill the flashbacks, sniff), and The Unsuitable Secretary (where I had kitchen-sinked it and had to kill the whole second half of the book!). My Kensington editor has been wonderful and I don’t cringe when I get the revision notes.

PJ: Christmas is only a few weeks away. Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

We try to celebrate on Boxing Day, so the married kids and grandchildren have plenty of time to spend with their in-laws on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Whatever day gets picked, everyone stays in matching pajamas (showers are optional), champagne is popped at breakfast, and “cocktail party” food is rolled out of the kitchen at regular intervals (hello, Idiot Dip). The grandchildren play Wii and Xbox, lots of Legos are stepped on, and some sledding down our hill might be involved.

Janga: Are you planning more Cotswold Confidential books?

I have half of book 4 written, but I’ve been lured away by a super-secret-project. Fingers crossed. It’s a departure for me that I’m very excited about, but I don’t want to jinx it.








Rapid Fire Q&A:
Homebody or World traveler?

Both. When I’m home, I’m barefoot in a bathing suit and relaxed. I love to garden in the summer and sit on the dock in the sun (we live on a lake). But my husband and I travel several times a year. We’re going on a cruise in January and then spending some time in New Orleans. Let the good times roll.

Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?

Several years ago, we bought a pre-lit artificial tree that I’ve actually fallen in love with. No more cursing, tangled strings of lights, or pouring tree water on the wood floor instead of in the tree stand. I put fresh pine boughs on the mantel and in vases to keep that nature vibe.

Favorite holiday song?

Silent Night

Snowy cold or tropical beach?

Oh, we live in Maine. I’ve had enough of snowy cold. We usually try to get away for a little bit to warmer climes somewhere between January and April. I’ve loved renting cottages in England in early spring (which is much earlier than here) and exploring the countryside.

Eggnog: yes or no?

Yes, with or without alcohol. And fruitcake too! I’m very old-fashioned. ;)

Book you’re currently reading?

I’ve downloaded the Ruth Galloway Norfolk coast-set contemporary mystery series by Elly Griffiths, and am now on Book 3, The House at Sea’s End. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who keeps getting mixed up in murders, and is a very untraditional heroine.

PJ: Where can readers find you online?

Website: www.maggierobinson.net
Facebook: (personal, where I post pictures of my adorable grandchildren!) https://www.facebook.com/maggie.robinson.165
Facebook: author page https://www.facebook.com/MaggieRobinsonBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieLRobinson

PJ: Would you like to add anything else?

Please sign up for my occasional newsletter! http://maggierobinson.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=ce659a0c7e53bf8ef7cd81df1&id=991d2d8103 I’m kicking off January with a great contest. 

And today I’ll give away a download or print copy of the first book in the Cotswold Confidential series, Schooling the Viscount (an Amazon best romance of the month), or any book from my backlist. 

Where would you like to go to “get away from it all?” All I can say is that there’d better be good food, LOL.