Take Five with Caroline Linden!
| By Anna Campbell | 01.31.09 |
Hi, it’s Anna Campbell here. And I’m delighted to introduce an author who’s new to Avon if not new to discerning historical romance readers. Caroline Linden’s latest Regency historical release is A VIEW TO A KISS and you can find out all about it at Caroline’s website. www.carolinelinden.com
ANNA: Caroline, your newest book is the deliciously titled A VIEW TO A KISS which is out in February. Can you tell us something about this story?
CAROLINE: But of course! It’s about a very well-bred young lady and the mysterious, fascinating man she meets on a dark balcony, but can never seem to run into again…because he’s a spy, working undercover to protect a number of prominent politicians, including her father. One reviewer described it as a cross between Jane Austen and James Bond, but it’s also a twist on Romeo and Juliet. Harry Sinclair is smitten at first sight by the lovely Lady Mariah Dunmore, the only daughter of the earl of Doncaster. Harry’s problem is that he’s not only a commoner and way beneath Mariah’s notice, he’s also a spy–and when he first sees her, he’s in disguise as an elderly gentleman. But a chance meeting on a dark balcony offers him the chance to talk to her as himself without revealing himself, and by the time he slips away into the night, Mariah is utterly entranced. The only way Harry can see her after that is by climbing through her window at night, a secret courtship that makes Mariah even more determined to find him, any way she can…
ANNA: Sounds great! What draws you to the Regency period?
CAROLINE: Mr. Darcy. Do I have to explain more than that?
ANNA: Nah, I think I get it! What was your favorite book when you were 12?
CAROLINE: I think it was GONE WITH THE WIND, although no doubt at least two thirds of it went right over my head. But I adored the costumes in the movie and was sure that if I had been Scarlett, I would have shoved Ashley Wilkes off a balcony the moment Rhett Butler showed up. Because even then I knew he was baaaad.
ANNA: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
CAROLINE: A cat, because I love to sleep in warm, cozy places, I love having my hair brushed, and I would really like to have someone feed me three times a day when all I’d have to do was yowl a little. (Perhaps you can guess that my cat is a spoiled little creature)
ANNA: Describe your ideal holiday location.
CAROLINE: There are waiters, and busboys, and pool boys, and babysitters, and a personal masseuse. Also, low-calorie desserts and a 24 hour open bar. And my husband and I have the place all to ourselves. And it is WARM.
ANNA: What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
CAROLINE: Finishing! No, no, wait: opening the big box of brand new, sweet-smelling books with my name on the cover in shiny gold letters. No, no, wait: signing books and getting to meet fans. No, no, wait: going to conferences and meeting awesome authors like Anna Campbell in the bar. No, no, wait: none of those have much to do with writing, do they? OK, the best part is that moment when the whole plot falls into place, when the characters finally show themselves (to me, at least), when I realize there is in fact enough story there for a whole book, and I know just what to write.
ANNA: Ha, I know just how you feel! Thanks so much, Caroline! And good luck with the book – I love stories based on class conflict and this one sounds like an absolute doozey!
January 31st, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Great interview! Caroline, I was introduced to your books when I won a copy of WHAT A GENTLEMAN WANTS during the CFF Fundraiser. That was all it took to hook me. A VIEW TO A KISS is in my tbr stash and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Oh, and your holiday sounds perfect!
~PJ
January 31st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I can’t wait to read this book — and I’m not just saying that because I adore Caroline. It sounds fabulous, and I love, love, love the cover!
February 1st, 2009 at 1:49 am
I am really looking forward to reading this book I haven’t read one of yours yet Caroline but I have ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive Rendezvous tell me it should be here in about 10 to 14 days
Great interview Ladies
Have Fun
Helen
February 1st, 2009 at 2:18 am
I think this is such an intriguing premise for a story. I’m really looking forward to reading it too. Especially now my girl PJ has recommended it
PJ only recommends the BEST stuff! Helen, I see you’ve been convinced too! And isn’t that a lovely romantic cover?
February 1st, 2009 at 10:15 am
Thanks, everyone! I hope you enjoy the book. I remember your name from the CFF fundraise, PJ–you earned that prize!
But Kathryn, your cover is also verra, verra fine.
February 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
Great interview! And as you can tell from my review, I LOVED this book!
February 5th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
This book sounds good.
February 6th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hi i have all your books and they are great. WHAT A GENTLEMAN WANTS, is my favorite so far. Look forward to reading this one.
May 30th, 2010 at 12:38 am
I genuinely enjoyed reading through this post.Many thanks.