Something for Jane Austen Fans

There's been an early Christmas present of sorts in my inbox--a contract from White Rose Publishing for my novella, Christmas With Miss Austen, as part of their 2011 Holiday Extravaganza.


I've been a diehard Austen fan since my early teens when I first read Sense and Sensibility, my all-time favorite romance book (though her other stories definitely place somewhere in the top 20).

The now much-battered and beloved copy was a Christmas present shortly before a freak ice storm cut our electricity for 12 very long days. Days in which Trivial Pursuit board games and some spotty radio reception were the only other activity besides shivering under a quilt (ugh).

But luckily, I had Miss Austen's book to break up the monotony, and I pretty much devoured the tale with its surprising plot twists and love triangles. I would read it right up until the light faded (which always seemed to come at a suspenseful part in true cliffhanger fashion).

I've been lucky enough to visit Miss Austen's home in Chawton...

And to see England's historic Bath district, a place that either appears or is referenced in most of her stories. So Christmas With Miss Austen is really my way of saying thanks to this favorite author for her unforgettable stories and characters, and the many hours of entertainment they've given me.

What about you? Are there any Austen fans reading this post--and if so, what's your favorite of her books?

New Indie Release for Romantic Comedy Fans

For those who enjoyed my novella, The Wedding Caper, I've just released a longer (107) page story with a slightly zanier edge to it. Called, Late to the Wedding, it's a road trip romance in the spirit of such films as Leap Year and Only You. Here's a quick blurb:

Evelyn Chase has just discovered her ex-fiancé still loves her–five days before his wedding to someone else!

It seems like fate to Evelyn when she finds the misplaced letter with Jared’s romantic confession. True, it was written four months ago, but could his heart have changed so drastically in so little time? Desperate to know, she packs a bag and plans to bridge the five states between them.

But a series of cosmic misadventures leaves her no other choice for her cross country journey than a gypsy cab driver who’s willing to take her the distance for a hefty fee. Sardonic, arrogant Brian Stoker is the last person likely to sympathize with a quest for last chance love. But he may be her only hope as a chain of obstacles and adventures threaten to become a detour from her destiny.

Will Evelyn be late to the wedding–or will she have a romantic rendezvous in time for a happy ending?

You can check out its Amazon page here, and read a special excerpt from the Sneaky Peeks section of this blog. Happy reading!