Oh, I have Alba on my mind ... Victoria Roberts joins us today to celebrate the release of MY HIGHLAND SPY, Book 1 in her new series Highland Spies:
This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.
But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.
If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.
But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.
If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?
“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.”
—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master
“Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.”
—RT Book Reviews
—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master
“Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.”
—RT Book Reviews
I asked Victoria ... what makes a successful spy-turned-governess?
Thank you so much for having me today at the SOS Aloha blog. Although I’ve never been to Hawaii, it is a place that is definitely on my bucket list.
I think what makes Lady Ravenna Walsingham successful at what she does is the fact that she longs to follow in her father’s footsteps. You see…her father, Lord Francis Walsingham, had been Queen Elizabeth’s principal secretary until his death. Little did anyone know that her sire had also been the queen’s spy. Given that Ravenna’s father had handled all of the royal correspondence and had determined the agenda of the council meetings, he had been a very influential man in his time.
But now it’s Ravenna’s time to shine.
Ravenna is a spy for King James and the Crown, the same as her father had been under Queen Elizabeth’s reign. When Ravenna was old enough to show an interest in political matters, her father had educated and conditioned her to one day take his place. She certainly lives in a man’s world, but that’s why she’s so proficient at doing what she does—a mere woman is the last thing anyone would expect.
Family is important to Ravenna but so is king and country. Under the guidance of her Uncle Walter, Ravenna is sent to the Scottish Highlands under the guise of a governess. She’s determined to fulfill her duty and obligations—well, only if a certain brawny Highland laird doesn’t continue to muddle her thoughts.
How far would you go for something you believe in?
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| Costumed guides at Linlithgow Palace |
Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty one years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Visit her at victoriarobertsauthor.com.
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Goodreads: link
Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of MY HIGHLAND SPY to one randomly selected commenter in the US and Canada. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about spywork - could you be a spy?
2. Comments are open through Satruday, September 6, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 7.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
I don't think I can. I can't keep a secret.
ReplyDeleteLovely cover BTW!
Hi May. I don't blame you. I know it's very difficult, especially when you just feel the need to blurt out said secret.
DeleteLOL... nope... can't keep a secret and I'm very clumsy :) thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a great reminder, Erin. I've been known to drop things when I get very nervous.
DeleteI love reading about it but I'd make a terrible one - I can't lie for the life of me lol.
ReplyDeleteYep, I have trouble keeping a straight face.
Deletemaybe not
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteProbably not. Not sure I have the nerves for it.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably do a lot of stammering too, Jane.
DeleteSpies have always intrigued me. However, I would be quite scared to be one, as knowing my luck, I would be found out and murdered.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I agree. I would always be petrified that I'd be found out. The threat of torture doesn't sound like fun to me.
DeleteOf course I could be a spy. It would be an adventure like no other.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. If someone had my back...maybe.
DeleteHa! I've been a spy of sorts all my life. Older siblings get to spy on the younger and then report ;) I didn't like but it came with the job LOL
ReplyDeleteJoannaM
Joanna, that's very true. Although as kids, my sister, cousins and I used to spy on the adults all the time.
DeleteI don't think so,I don't like to take chances.
ReplyDeleteBetter safe than sorry, Danielle. I agree.
DeleteCould I be a spy? Probably, But I then would probably have to pay attention to gossip and I don't do well with gossip. I loved the book. A great book.
ReplyDeleteAww... Thanks, Kimi. I think that I'd have trouble fitting in where I didn't belong.
DeleteNo, I couldn't be a spy. I can't keep a secret and I stick out like a sore thumb. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI think that's the majority of us, Cathy.
DeleteCould I be a spy? ...HEAVENS NO! I can't keep a secret, can't lie worth a darn, can't act and am NOT subtle at all. Besides that I have a horrible memory and can't remember conversations well. I take great notes though but that might not be a good thing in spy work either, lol. I LOVE reading about it though *hint, hint*. Thanks for the giveaway and all the fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like reading about spies, and I hope you love the new series. Thanks for stopping by.
Deletei think i would be a better spy than governess - i love the intrigue - i can keep many secrets i do not gossip but I am not opposed to listening to it.
ReplyDeleteThat's the best kind of spy, Vickie!
DeleteI could not. I get very nervous.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Debby. Perhaps if someone trained us...
Deletethink I could be a spy, to keep secrets, but I would probably get anxious and nervious.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. I agree. I think only a chosen few could master spy craft.
DeleteI don't think I could ever be a spy, because I'm not very observant.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have the nerves to be a spy. You would have to be cool under pressure.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a good poker face--not sure I could be a spy. I can keep a secret.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably be a terrible spy because I'd be too impatient to get the answers I was looking for.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that I would make a very good spy because I have to use one of those four point canes, so no tiptoeing around for me. On second thought, who would expect a grandmother like me hobbling around. Maybe I can graduate to one of those sword walking sticks. En Garde!
ReplyDeleteNope, I would make a horrible spy. Then again since I would be so bad at it they wouldn't suspect me.
ReplyDeleteI could never be a spy. For one thing, I cannot lie well. I am also a bit on the shy side and am definitely a bit clumsy. LOL.... nope, I would not make a good spy.
ReplyDelete