Seasons greetings!
It’s snowing here, in my corner of the world. The flakes are dissolving as soon as they land, but it’s my guess that Mother Nature is giving us a head’s-up.
“Winter is right around the corner,” she’s telling us in her melodic sing-song.
“But what about the snow on Halloween?” I ask, thinking about my measly 20 trick-or-treaters and all the leftover Hershey’s with Almonds at the back of the snack cabinet.
She flits her fingers in the air with nonchalance. “Oh, that was just an answer to a challenge. Father Time didn’t think I could or would. But I showed him, didn’t I?”
I nod, but my attention drifts back to the snack cabinet. The tall, dark and delicious Hershey bar gives me a nod and a slow grin…
“And besides,” MN continues, “I practically gave you a week of summer afterward. Sometimes a woman just has to answer a challenge with a bit of flair, wouldn’t you agree? Much like your heroine in your new release.”
My attention snaps back to her as I surreptitiously crinkle the wrapper in my hand and thumb melted milk chocolate from the corner of my mouth. “Exactly. When Verity Hartley tells her snooty neighbor that she’s engaged to a duke, she’s only picking up the gauntlet laid at her feet. She never imagines that the duke in question will ever hear about one, tiny–insignificant, really–little lie.”
“Oh, but he does, indeed. And I just love what he does about it,” MN cackles.
I blush. “Thank you. I hope the readers feel the same.”
“Well, with winter right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for everyone to grab a copy of IT HAD TO BE A DUKE and snuggle into a warm, cozy chair.”
“Now that you put it that way, I guess it is the perfect time for everyone to grab a copy of IT HAD TO BE A DUKE. It’s available this Tuesday, November 28th, wherever books are sold.”
“Splendid!” she claps in a burst of snow flurries. “Well, best be off. I plan to challenge Father Time into slowing things down until the end of the year. But it would be just like him to speed things up, wouldn’t it?”
“Then, perhaps, you shouldn’t–”
“Be sure to offer your readers the links to IT HAD TO BE A DUKE. Toodle loo, dear.” And suddenly she’s gone.
I’m left staring out the window, my chocolate scented breath fogging up the glass. And, since I know that it’s never a good idea to disappoint Mother Nature, I’ve added the links for IT HAD TO BE A DUKE below.
I’m wishing everyone a fun, safe and joyful holiday season!
Warm wishes and happy reading,
Viv |