Aloha to Jennifer Delamere and A BRIDE FOR THE SEASON

Jennifer Delamere joins us for a cozy chat to celebrate A BRIDE FOR THE SEASON:

The youngest child of a Navy pilot and a journalist, Jennifer acquired a love of adventure and an excitement for learning that continues to this day. She's lived in three countries and traveled throughout the U.S. An avid reader of classics and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books. She resides with her husband in North Carolina --where, when not writing or dreaming up romantic adventures for her characters, she can be found fantasizing about her next ski trip or European vacation.

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Kim:  What do the lyrics from Anchors Aweigh mean to you?

Jennifer:  It’s a rousing song, isn’t it? I love the last line: “Faith, courage, service true, with honor over all!” My dad was a Naval officer, and I know he gave his best in many different capacities. I’m proud of his service.

Kim:  What draws you to Victorian England?

Jennifer:  I love the energy and the industry of the Victorians, particularly in the period of 1850-1870. People often think of the Victorians as stodgy and repressed. But in the early part of Victoria’s reign, a better description is energetic, inquiring, and multi-talented. Those years saw the widespread development of railways, steamships, the telegraph, and photography. I love being able to include these “new” inventions in my books! In A Bride for the Season, a mutual fascination with photography plays a fun role in bringing James and Lucinda together.

Kim:  Congrats on your Maggie. Where is she now?

Jennifer:  Thank you! It was a thrill to win, to be sure. The Maggie award is actually a lovely sterling silver medallion with a magnolia flower on it. I enjoy wearing it often!

A BRIDE FOR THE SEASON

London's most scandalous bachelor has finally gone too far. Caught in a situation that was innocent but too compromising, James Simpson is forced to admit that he must do the honorable thing and marry the lady. Unfortunately, marriage alone will not be enough to appease her father. He won't agree to a dowry unless James can find a suitable husband for the lady's elder sister-the shy and awkward Lucinda Cardington.

Lucinda doesn't care that she is close to being "on the shelf"; she has more serious pursuits in mind. She enjoys the friendship she and James share over their love of photography, but she leaves dreams of romance to silly young ladies like her sister. James does manage to find a match for Lucinda, and his efforts to get them together are about to succeed...until James comes to the distressing realization that he doesn't want Lucinda in anyone's arms but his own.

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Forever is sponsoring a giveaway at this link.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Fleet Week, Jennifer Delamere, and A LADY MOST LOVELY

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.

Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.

On Sunday, the US Navy celebrates its 238th birthday. Let's kick off Fleet Week with Navy brat-turned-romance author Jennifer Delamere. She, too, is celebrating the release of A LADY MOST LOVELY, Book 2 of The Love's Grace Trilogy. 

A Heart of Gold

Socialite Margaret Vaughn is the wealthiest heiress in London—or so everybody thinks. Saddled with debts left by her father, she agrees to marry a rich man who can save her family’s estate. But when her fiancé turns out to be just another poor social climber, Margaret faces financial ruin—and social humiliation. Just when she thinks all is lost, she finds an unlikely savior in Tom Poole . . 

After amassing a fortune in the gold fields of Australia and surviving a harrowing shipwreck, Tom Poole is the toast of London society. Yet despite his new found fame, he’s never forgotten his own humble beginnings. When he learns of Margaret’s plight, he offers her financial assistance—but his interest is not strictly business. This rugged adventurer now seeks a different kind of gold. Although many men pursue Margaret’s hand because of her beauty and lands, can Tom convince her it’s her heart he’s after?

Kim: Can you share a favorite memory/place/experience from your life as a Navy brat?

Jennifer: First, I’d like to thank you for having me on your blog today! My thanks and gratitude goes out to everyone who serves in the military, along with their families.

When I was eight years old we spent a summer in Panama. My brothers and I spent every day at the pool, and I have loved swimming ever since. We also toured the canal locks and took a scenic train ride through the jungle. Our furnished rental home had a bookcase with a large collection of Nancy Drew mysteries. That’s how I discovered Nancy Drew, and that summer I’m pretty sure I devoured them all. My dad and several of his Navy buddies were into folk music, and sometimes they would come over to our house in the evenings for “jam” sessions. I can remember falling asleep to the sounds of great music coming from the living room. It was, in all, a wonderful summer.

The USS John Stennis renders honors to the
USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Kim: What did you learn from fans and even the publishing industry after your first book, AN HEIRESS AT HEART?

Jennifer: I’ve learned that fans can be super awesome! I’ve gotten some lovely feedback from people who have enjoyed my books. When those first reviews went up on GoodReads and Amazon, it was a surreal feeling (in a good way) to see people discussing the characters that had been in my head for so long. From publishing I’ve learned how to work faster and write better. I hope to keep improving in both those categories.

Kim: The cover for your new release, A LADY MOST LOVELY, is stunning. What inspired the story?

Jennifer: Thank you—I’m thrilled with the fabulous book covers I’ve gotten from my publisher, Grand Central! A Lady Most Lovely is a follow-up to An Heiress at Heart, although each book stands alone as a complete story. I love “marriage of convenience” plotlines, and I found it worked well for telling Tom and Margaret’s story. When doing research for A Lady Most Lovely, I came across an amazing tidbit about a shipwreck off the southern coast of Australia in the 1800s. A racehorse aboard that ship survived by swimming seven miles to the shore. That’s how the story of Tom Poole and his stallion was born.

Kim: What’s next for Jennifer Delamere?

Jennifer: I’m finishing the final book in this trilogy, which will be out next year. The hero is James Simpson, a lighthearted and lovable rogue whom readers will know from the first two books. James thinks he is a confirmed bachelor. No one will be more surprised than he is at the woman who finally steals his heart! Thanks to James, the book will have plenty of humor. I think readers will enjoy this wrap-up to the series.

The Mighty Mo stands guard over the
USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

Mahalo, Jennifer, for joining us at SOS Aloha! I am giving away a Navy tote bag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about the sea - do you like to sail/cruise? Do you like water sports? Do you know anyone in the Navy?

2. This giveaway is open to all readers.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Jennifer and her books, including an excerpt, check out her website at jenniferdelamere.com.