Welcome to My Official Web Page!

Welcome to My Official Web Page!

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Secret History Cover Reveal!

I've been sitting on this for what feels like forever, but it's finally time for the big cover reveal of The Secret History

(Think of this as an early Christmas present. Now you can't say I didn't get you anything.)

And so, without further ado...




*swoon* 

When I first saw this I pretty much grinned like an idiot for the rest of the day. I absolutely love it! And I think Theodora would approve of sharing the space with the Hagia Sophia and the Ravenna mosaics.

(And now for the shameless plug--feel free to add The Secret History to your shelf on Goodreads if you haven't already!)

Merry Christmas everyone! May your holidays be filled with happiness, peace, and wonderful memories!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Live and Love





 Like so many, I have no words to express my sorrow at Friday's tragedy in Connecticut. I read the stories and stare at pictures of angelic faces through bleary eyes, and ask, "Why?"

There are no answers. Instead, there are only families bereft as the holidays approach. I cannot fathom their pain, and wish it was possible to turn back time, to give them another day, even another hour with the loved ones they have lost.

Shelli Johannes Welles and Miral Sattar have organized a week-long auction at Publishing Hearts Connecticut to help the families and victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. A variety of agents, editors, and authors have donated an impressive list of books, critiques, cover art, and much more to raise money for the Newtown Youth & Family Services. 

I'm donating a 50 page manuscript critique and an ARC of The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora. 

There's so little we can do, except to send our thoughts and prayers to those grieving families, hug our loved ones a little tighter, and appreciate the precious moments of everyday life. 

Live and love. After all, those are really the only things that matter.  

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Historical Holiday Blog Hop Giveaway!


The marvelous Amy at Passages to the Past is hosting what may be my all-time favorite blog hop. A whole slew of bloggers are offering up historical fiction giveaways, and Amy has compiled some terribly drool-worthy grand prize packages.

*wipes drool off chin*

Oh yeah, and one of the packages just might include a signed ARC of THE SECRET HISTORY: A NOVEL OF EMPRESS THEODORA! My first ARC giveaway! Go enter now--this post will still be here when you get back!

I had to join in the fun so to celebrate I'm giving away one brand-new mass market copy of Kate Quinn's MISTRESS OF ROME. Aside from Diana Gabaldon, I can't think of any other historical novels that have been so popular to make a mass market printing. (And yes, I'm sure there are some, but I've been grading research papers so my brain could pass for a bowl of shredded wheat right now. Blecch).



I so love this book. A mass market printing makes for more people reading one of my favorite novels about ancient history, and that makes me beyond happy. 

In order to enter, just leave your name in the comment section below. The contest is open internationally and runs until 11:59PM Alaska Standard Time on Sunday, December 17th.

Good luck! 

(Also, I asked my daughter to pick a number between one and eight for THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY giveaway and she chose lucky number 7. Julie Dao, your book is on its way! Hurray!) 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Emperor's Conspiracy Giveaway!

My agent-sister, Michelle Diener, is celebrating the release of her third novel, THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY!  


Can I tell you how much I love that cover?  

Rather than just throw around cyber-confetti, I thought it might be fun to offer a copy of her book to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment below and you'll be automatically entered--I'll announce the winter next Sunday!

Synopsis from the publisher: Chance led to Charlotte Raven’s transformation from chimney sweep to wealthy, educated noblewoman, but she still walks a delicate tightrope between two worlds, unable to turn her back on the ruthless crime lord who was once her childhood protector.

When Lord Edward Durnham is tapped to solve the mystery of England’s rapidly disappearing gold, his search leads him to the stews of London, and Charlotte becomes his intriguing guide to the city’s dark, forbidding underworld. But as her involvement brings Charlotte to the attention of men who have no qualms about who they hurt, and as Edward forges a grudging alliance with the dangerous ghosts of Charlotte’s former life, she faces a choice: to continue living in limbo, or to close the door on the past and risk her heart and her happiness on an unpredictable future.