Blog Tour: The Paris Connection by Cerella Sechrist

Today it is my great pleasure to introduce you to a lovely new contemporary romance set in The City of Light. 

Presenting:

 Sparks are flying in the city of light…
Emma Brooks, single mom and managing director at the leading recruiting firm in Paris, was against their merger with an American company from the start. Not only was her firm losing its autonomy, she was losing her well-deserved promotion to Cole Dorset – a handsome, arrogant interloper from New York!
How did Cole’s ex-girlfriend’s dream of moving to Paris become his nightmare? Now he’s got to find his way in a new country, and the woman showing him the ropes wants to string him up by one. But as he gets to know Emma and her daughter, he realizes Paris may have more to offer than he thought…

Releases March 1, 2014 from Harlequin Heartwarming

E-book available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Cerella Sechrist lives in York, Pennsylvania with two precocious pugs, Darcy and Charlotte, named after Jane Austen literary characters. She has won various competitions and a scholarship for her writing, which include devotionals, full-length plays, and novels. She divides her time between working in the office of her family's construction business and as a barista to support her reading habit and coffee addiction. Her novels exhibit her love for both the written word and food in fiction. You can find her online at her website www.cerellasechrist.com where she pens Literary Fare, a food-themed blog for readers. You can also connect with Cerella on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Now for my book review:

The opening lines of The Paris Connection brought back vivid memories of the one time my husband and I risked our lives by driving our little British car on the streets of Paris. “Crazy” is a mild term to describe the experience! So I could easily identify with Emma’s late arrival at the airport to pick up her new boss, Cole Dorset. And the conflict between these two was clear from their first meeting.

The Paris Connection is a sweet genre romance novel that reminded me pleasantly of the clean Harlequin novels I devoured as a teen back in the 1970’s. The delightful setting, crisply-drawn characters, a clear threat to the heroine’s professional reputation, the honorable hero, a charming little girl—all these successfully draw the reader into the story and make for a quick and enjoyable romance read. The story kept me turning pages; I finished it in one day.

I have not read the first book in this series, yet I never felt lost or confused; this story easily stands on its own. If you enjoy romance novels and literary getaways to exotic places, be sure to pick up a copy of The Paris Connection!

Here is The Paris Connection tour passport stamp for today (You will need this for the travel giveaway):

And here are the two EXCITING giveaways offered by Cerella Sechrist, open to US and Canada only:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't these look amazing? I am so excited about this book tour! Be sure to pick up a copy of The Paris Connection for yourself, and tell your friends about these fantastic giveaways!

To join the rest of the book tour and learn more about The Paris Connection, visit these stops:

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, March 2^nd

·         Introduction to the tour at Seasons of Humility

Monday, March 3^rd

·         Interview & review at The Curried Nut

·         Review at Kathryn Cooper Writers

·         Review at Reviews by Molly

Tuesday, March 4^th

·         Interview & spotlight at Vonnie’s Reading Corner

·         Review at Wandering the Pages

Wednesday, March 5^th

·         Interview & review at The Overweight Bookshelf

·         Review at Books, Cats, and Whimsy

·         Review at Bluerose’s Heart

Thursday, March 6^th

·         Interview & review at i blog 4 books

·         Review at Christian Novels

Friday, March 7^th

·         Interview & review at Black ’n Gold Girl’s Book Spot

·         Special feature at Edgy Inspirational Romance

Saturday, March 8^th

·         Conclusion of the tour at Seasons of Humility

*Blog Tour Home: http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/p/the-paris-connection-blog-tour.html

Happy Reading!

Jill

Upcoming blog tour

Just to give everyone a heads-up  . . .

Amber Stokes is hosting an amazing blog tour for a sweet contemporary romance set in Paris, starting tomorrow! I will be posting a review and some rafflecopters for two marvelous giveaways on Wednesday, but you might want to follow the tour from its beginning.

Check out this lovely blog button, and please share it with your romance-loving friends:

 http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/p/the-paris-connection-blog-tour.html

And be sure to visit my blog next Wednesday!

See you then. :-)

Review of Shadow Hand

Yes, I am reviewing my daughter's novel. Because I can.

Confession: I have previously read this novel several times, in many drafts, yet I still cried at the end after reading it in its published form! This is truly a beautiful story, filled with wonder, laughter, thrills, chills, a touch of horror, and boundless grace.

It would be difficult to write a synopsis without unintentional spoilers, so I will simply mention favorite bits.

For one, I adore Foxbrush. :-) He is essentially the same character we met in Veiled Rose and Moonblood, and yet here we see him through different eyes. And we watch him grow through his trials, often in rather amusing ways.

Daylily is an intricate character who reminds me of women I have known: reserved, artificial, difficult to like, yet fascinatingly complex. Her journey through this novel is both horrifying and compelling, for she is almost too real for a fictitious character. The symbolism of the red wolf is deep.

Imraldera, who has always been the ideal heroine, makes a mistake in this book--which humanizes her and makes her even more lovable. And Eanrin. *dreamy sigh* Nidawi the Everblooming is both hilarious and terrifying! I have never seen anything like her in fiction, that's for sure. Many other fascinating fey creatures make an appearance, adding to the story's fantastical ambiance.

Lionheart finally begins to prove his courage, and Felix . . . is very much himself. So much fun to see characters from the early books as well as a few from more recent tales!

I have only the highest respect for this author, who labors diligently at her craft and improves with every book she writes. Her coaching while I polished my upcoming novel made all the difference, and as an editor she zeroes in on flaws and weaknesses like a laser beam. She encouraged me to stretch myself and to grow beyond what I thought I could do! And I know from long experience that she puts her own work through the same grilling in pursuit of excellence. Following her example is a challenge for lazy me. *grin*

I am so blessed to be her mother! After all, I get to gloat about reading her manuscripts before anyone else sees them. And I got to be the inspiration for a key character with forgetfulness issues. I am not altogether certain how I feel about this. ;-)

I pray that God will use this novel to touch lives with His love, grace, and purpose. Following His paths is often confusing and frustrating, for He is never obliged to explain Himself. Our part, like Lionheart's, is to trust and obey even when no obvious path is laid before us. Our part, like Daylily's, is to be real, to reveal our imperfections in order to better display God's grace and strength through our weaknesses. Our part, like the baroness's, is to love simply and without reservation. I could go on and on, but I believe I shall stop here.

Read the story yourself and see what God might reveal to you!

French Revolution Novel #3

And, at long last, my thoughts on the third of the novels that indirectly inspired my own attempt at bringing events of that terrible time to life on the written page.

May I present:

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

One of my favorite books of all time, this classic novel is easily the most famous novelized version of the French Revolution. Writing historical novels was as difficult in Dickens’s time as it is now, quite possibly more so, for every version of a historical event will differ slightly in details, in political leaning, and sometimes even in major points like dates, times, participants, and outcome—all of which causes confusion and consternation for a novelist who desires to write with any modicum of authenticity.

Charles Dickens wrote his novel in the late 1850’s, which was almost as distant in time from the scenes he portrayed as is a novel written now about World War II. He was obliged to rely on written histories for his factual events, and apparently he was accused of stealing his basic plot and dramatic closing scenes from certain plays that were produced and running while Dickens’s book was being serialized. Interesting.

In reviewing and making any criticism, direct or implied, of the writings of other authors, I realize that I open myself to similar criticisms. Not that accusations won’t come anyway, because all of us armchair historians love to believe ourselves more knowledgeable than others! In researching my novel, I used a few of the same sources Dickens used, including Thomas Carlyle’s History of the French Revolution, and scenes depicting imprisonment during the September Massacres from Beaumarchais. Much of this information was easily accessed, for Carlyle’s complete work is available to read on the Internet, and facts from many sources, including Beaumarchais, have been compiled into an excellent work, The Days of the French Revolution, by Christopher Hibbert.

But I digress—this is supposed to be my thoughts regarding Dickens’ novel! Sorry about that. I will write another post on the research and development of mine.

A Tale of Two Cities is so beautifully written! Dickens was a master of omniscient narrative, which he uses to riveting effect in this novel. This is one of his shorter works, yet his descriptions and dramatic narrative absolutely live on the page. He focuses largely on the plight of the lowest classes in both England and France, and his depictions of the elite vs. the peasants are quite well balanced, in my opinion.

This not a flawless novel, of course. I agree with critics who find Lucy Manette and Charles Darnay rather dull as our main protagonists. They are ideals rather than characters. And the villains, including the marquis and Madame Defarge, are almost entirely evil. Yet Dickens always sprinkles his novels with memorable characters amid the symbolic cardboard cutouts. Sydney Carton is one of my favorite literary anti-heroes. His redemption is not a miraculous transformation from worthless drunkard into superhero; he is a tormented man who makes a heroic sacrifice for the sake of the people he loves and honors most. Doctor Manette is another fascinating character with good and evil wrestling for dominance.

Jerry Cruncher and his son and Miss Pross provide comedy relief, although the subject matter of this novel did not allow for much comedy. And Jerry Cruncher is comical partly for his very dreadfulness—he is abusive and crooked, yet his complete lack of self-awareness is played up for laughs. The scene of his son running from an imaginary horror is truly funny.

Several years ago, I read A Tale of Two Cities aloud to my youngest son—we often started each home-school day with a chapter from a novel. We both cracked up over the amusing scenes and tensed with dread over both the dramatic and the horrifying scenes . . . and I will NEVER live down my collapse into sobs while trying to read the most famous scene of all. *sigh* Ça suffit (Suffice it to say), I will never attempt to read this novel aloud for a book-on-tape.

This novel is a must-read for any lover of literature or student of history. And after you have read it, be sure to check out the classic movie adaption starring Ronald Coleman. *fluttery sigh*

French Revolution Book #2

The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Baroness Orczy

Do you know, I never realized until the other day that the Baroness wrote an entire series of novels and shorts about her Scarlet Pimpernel. I don't believe they were in print back when I first read this book, but they are back in print now.

I believe I first read this novel after watching the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour movie version of the story, and my high opinion of the novel was definitely flavored by the superb acting of Anthony Andrews. Interestingly enough, he patterned his Sir Percy after that of Leslie Howard--the similarity is striking!

The above movie features the marvelous Leslie Howard in the role, with Merle Oberon as Marguerite St. Just.

And this one features Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour in the same roles.

You can no-doubt guess that I am a long-time fan of this classic story line: The swash-buckling hero concealing his true identity behind that of a dull or foppish alter ego. It has popped up in various forms in novels, television, comic books, and movies. I grew up loving Tyrone Power in the movie version of The Mark of Zorro (although I have never read the novel). I am a fan of Batman, Superman, and other super-heroes in the Sir Percy mold. I wrote my own version of this story line more than ten years ago and won two major CBA awards with it!

Now, on to the Book Review:

I hope I don't step on any toes with this review, but I must be entirely honest. As I said at the beginning of this post, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel the first time I read it as a young woman with a taste for adventure and romance. I entirely understand its appeal!

However, time, maturity, and historical study have dimmed its glow in my eyes. The author writes cleverly, particularly when one takes into account that English was not her first language, yet she wrote all of her novels in English! (The author's life alone is a fascinating tale, by the way.) She wrote in a style popular around the turn of the twentieth century, which is to say, melodrama to the max! Her descriptions are colorful, her characters are extremes, and the Paris she depicts is thrilling.

However, her attention to historical detail is sadly lacking. The novel opens in September 1792 with aristocrats being guillotined by the hundreds every day. Years ago, when I researched for a novella set during the Revolution, I was surprised to learn that the Reign of Terror did not begin until a year later. Thousands of people were killed in September of 1792, but few were guillotined. The entire novel is set in the wrong year for the events depicted to have occurred.

Another problem for me involves Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart., himself. He is described as unusually tall and massively built, with broad shoulders. (Consider this: Would a man with that build easily pass himself off as a woman? as a shriveled old man? It works well enough in the above movie versions because neither actor fits the author's description of our hero!) He is also unusually good-looking or would have been had he not maintained an affected expression (his disguise). He is a man without flaw--gorgeous, brilliant, athletic, clever, etc. Yet he leaps to the conclusion that his wife, whom he adores, has committed an evil act. Does he seriously question her on the subject? Um.

And Marguerite, who is exquisitely beautiful beyond the lot of mortals (okay, I am exaggerating, but not by much), and is also brilliant and clever--does she penetrate her adored husband's flimsy disguise and confide in him when she gets herself into trouble? I won't give away spoilers, but you can imagine where this leads.

Therein lies the problem with this entire story line--including in my own novel, mind you. The plot rests almost exclusively on stupidity and poor communication. Yes, these mistakes are explained within the novel (in all its various versions), yet the author has to stretch a reader's credulity to make it work. (How dumb WAS Lois Lane?)

All these critiques notwithstanding, I still enjoy The Scarlet Pimpernel and recommend it for escape reading! Just don't base your understanding of history on it. Sir Percy Blakeney is an enduring character of modern popular fiction.

For a truly classic novel based on the French Revolution, check back for my review next week! You can probably guess which book is #3, but I will pretend to be mysterious because melodrama is fun!

The Scarlet Pimpernel movies are good fun too--several versions are available for viewing on YouTube and on Netflix, including the two I mentioned above.

Enjoy!

Distractions

Yes indeed, I have finished rewrites on the third draft of my story, but this triumph involved the overcoming of serious, even say momentous obstacles and distractions.

Such as this one:

Am I alone in hating the way my voice sounds on a video? Myles is usually willing to do all the talking, but never when a camera is involved. And yes, I was wearing my pajamas and robe while working--the costume is part of the genius.

And isn't he the cutest? I know the fangs are goofy, but I love them.

I do need to write my second book review, but it has been so long since I've read the second book that I need to, well, re-view it.

Have a great weekend, one and all!

French Revolution Novel, #1

Hello, faithful believers who have held out hope that I might return someday to the blogging world! Your optimism has proven worthy, for here I am. I hope it also proves to be worth the wait!

I promise to explain my absence in greater detail one of these days, but here is the short version: a major rewrite undertaken during the holiday season and a slow recovery from illness. Bleah.

Enough of that and on to the fun stuff!

I have mentioned three of my favorite novels set during the French Revolution, all of which have inspired me as an author at some time or other. You have probably read or at least heard of all three of these books, but I will write my thoughts on them anyway!

The first ranks among my favorite novels, and I own the complete works of this author on my Nook (haven't yet read them all, but I fully intend to!). I introduce to you the amazing and marvelous . . .

Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini

Description, taken from Goodreads:

Once he was André-Louis Moreau, a lawyer raised by nobility, unconcerned with the growing discontent among France’s lower class—until his best friend is mercilessly struck down by a member of the aristocracy. Now, he is Scaramouche. Speaking out against the unjust French Government, he takes refuge with a nomadic band of acting improvisers where he assumes the role of Scaramouche the Clown—a comic figure with a very serious message...

Set during the French Revolution, this novel of swashbuckling romance is also a thought-provoking commentary on class, inequality, and the individual’s role in society—a story that has become Rafael Sabatini’s enduring legacy.

Jill's thoughts:

Have many of you read this story? If you enjoy adventurous historical fiction and a dashing hero, you will adore this book just like I do. André-Louis is in many ways the standard “unlikely hero” character. He is, in many ways, too good to be true, and yet Sabatini wrote him with such dash and style that I love him anyway.

When the story opens, André-Louis is a young man with very little ambition. A tragic encounter lights a fire beneath him, and he becomes a political activist, an ardent Republican, at a time when such views are dangerous. He discovers that he possesses the gift of oratory, but its rash use places his life in danger. Revenge is his driving motivation.

So he goes into hiding among a company of traveling actors. And he discovers that he possesses a gift for acting and for writing plays, adding into them a bit of political satire that again puts his life in danger. The book's title is taken from the character André plays on stage, the boastful Scaramouche. He falls madly in love with a fellow player and intends to marry her. Once again, his "nemesis" strikes, but when André-Louis seeks revenge, his enemy escapes.

His cover is blown, so he goes into hiding in a fencing academy, and (surprise!) after plenty of practice he becomes the greatest fencer alive. In order to pursue his goal of revenge, he becomes a deputy in the Assembly, but once again his attempt at revenge is thwarted.

All this brilliant achievement, yet he cannot seem to kill his enemy! Read the story to discover the layered reasons for André's frustration, jealousy, and failures--and fall more in love with him than ever!

This story ends in August of 1792, before the worst blood-baths in Paris begin, but the danger to our hero and other characters is very real. Plenty of heart-pounding action and suspense here!

Rating: Includes swearing, many violent deaths, and off-scene sexual implications. However, our hero is a moral and upstanding young man.

Try it! You won't be sorry.