Interview & giveaway with Amanda Forester

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

Thanks for inviting me to share with you today.  I am excited to announce the release of my newest Regency novel, Midsummer Bride.  I took a chance with this book and wrote an unconventional heroine – an American heiress who is more interested in scientific experiments than finding a husband.  I see a little of myself in her and hope even science nerds can find love!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have always had stories floating around I my head, but I never thought of actually being a writer until a friend gave me a copy of a historical romance novel.  When I read the story, it resonated with the stories I had in my head such that I wanted to try writing one myself.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Because I also have a day job and a family it’s hard to say I have a “typical” writing day.  Most of my writing happens when everyone else is in bed!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is going back every day and continuing to slog along, even when I have no idea where I am going.  The best part about writing is getting to watch the characters that have been running around my brain come alive on the page.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Midsummer Bride was just released last week and is my second in the Marriage Mart trilogy (but you can read the books in any order!)  Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her aristocratic uncle is desperate to get her off his hands and is offering a king’s ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title. In contrast, Harriet’s interests lie in science, returning to America, and avoiding matrimony, until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. When Thornton is falsely accused of being a traitor, Harriet must use her knowledge of chemistry to find the real culprit and spark true romance.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I grew interested in writing an American heroine when I discovered how English ships of this time were patrolling the newly formed American waters, seizing American vessels, and since American citizenship was not recognized, impressing American sailors into service for the Royal Navy. And all this was legal under British law!  Of course the Americans felt differently about this and it was one of the reasons for the War of 1812.  Anyway, I began to wonder what would happen to an American heiress who gets caught up in one of these raids and is taken back to England, hence Midsummer Bride.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I am currently finishing Winter Wedding, which completes the trilogy and the story of Miss Penelope Rose, marriage matchmaker, and the Duke of Marchford, marriage avoider, who are featured prominently in all three Marriage Mart books (Wedding in Springtime, Midsummer Bride, and Winter Wedding).

Who are some of your favorite authors?

There are so many I can hardly count, but I know Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer definitely drew me into writing in the Regency period.  I especially enjoy books with a lively plot and a dose of humor!

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

We all stand on the shoulders of the authors who have come before us, particularly those pioneers of historical romance who have established the genre. However, when I write I tend to look inward at my own stories and characters. It is tremendously rewarding to see the characters who have inhabited my brain come alive on the page.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

Ok, this is fun!  I have randomly opened to page 180.

“Legend has it the faeries and other fey creatures come out to play on Midsummer’s Night Eve. So for centuries people have been building bonfires to keep away unwanted spirits intent on causing mischief,” said Thornton.

“Like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” asked Harriet.

“Precisely. Best to keep out of the forest lest that mischievous sprite Puck give ye a love potion.”

“Disastrous! I shall stay away!” She wondered how she could arrange a meeting with this Puck. Might be useful to have a love potion.

Thornton smiled. “Aye, beware the faeries.”

If he knew what she was thinking he would do well to beware of her.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Christmas novellas.  I’m crazy about them!  I love reading short holiday themed stories around the holidays.  Now if I could just finish my work in progress!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for inviting me.  I hope a little Midsummer Bride will warm your hearts this holiday season!    I love to hear from readers so come visit me at my website, facebook, or twitter.

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Love is one experiment this scientist hasn’t tested…

Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her uncle is desperate to get her off his hands and is offering a king’s ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title.

To avoid marriage, Harriet swears off all men, until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. But when Thornton is falsely accused of being a traitor, Harriet must use her knowledge of chemistry to find the real culprit and spark true romance.