Original Cast Members of Sapphire & Gold

Sapphire and Gold

Your book is a movie.  Who is your dream cast? 

That's the topic this month over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way.  I'm over there today sharing my original cast for my Colonial America historical romance, Sapphire and Gold, as well as who I might cast today.


If you have time, I hope you'll pop over and share your thoughts on the subject.

Guest blogging at Starla Kaye's Today

I'm guest blogging at Starla Kaye's today.  And I'm hosting a contest to win a free copy of Sapphire and Gold.  I'll hope you'll pop over and join the fun.

New Review for Sapphire and Gold!

I am so tickled by this lovely 5 star review by J.M. Rhine on Amazon.com, which I discovered this morning:


Okay, I'll admit it, I love stories that also include a great dog, and this one has exactly that in Max--but Sapphire and Gold is the whole package when it comes to reading pleasure. The author builds her setting and characters with a sharp eye toward detail, but never makes the reader feel like the story has moved in a bunch of research. The characters are finely honed, and written to let their personal stories (and inner turmoil) unfurl with an easy precision that informs and intrigues a reader. Alexandra, or Lexi, is a terrifically sympathetic heroine, and one readers will root for without hesitation. Derek has enough alpha male in his veins to catch reader attention, but the author is quick to show flashes of his sympathetic sides so a reader sees there's more to this ship captain than meets the eye. And don't even get me started on the villain--an excellent choice.


Nothing is easy, the story stays complex and compelling. Nothing remains easy for the characters, but their strength, integrity, and intelligence keeps a reader interested in knowing what will come next. And writing kudos to the author on the fine setting, and ability to put me smack in the middle of Colonial America. Just a treat to read. 

Starla Kaye Is Interviewing Me Today

Today I'm a guest of Starla Kaye's.  I'm also giving away a prize.  To be eligible to win the prize all you have to do is leave a comment.  I hope to see you there!

Colonial America as a Setting

Today I'm at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way sharing tidbits about the setting of my novel, Sapphire and Gold. I hope you'll pop over for a visit.

New Review!

Sapphire and Gold received a 5 diamond review from Starly Kaye at Got Erotic Romance!

“Alexandra’s mine and mine alone!...no one will thwart my wedding…The underlying menace in Bartholomew’s tone sent chills slithering down Alexandra’s spine.” I was hooked from this point on and had to know about this unwanted wedding, about this evil-sounding man.

Alexandra Whittaker isn’t who she thought she was. The news comes out of the blue and changes her world and her life. Fleeing from the horrors she overheard, her life becomes even more complicated when she is rescued while fleeing by a dashing Sea Captain.

Derek Tremaine has felt guilt for years after losing a small girl left in his care. He has never stopped searching for her. While searching in Philadelphia for more possible answers, he saves an unconscious woman in the river. Her resemblance to the mother of the missing girl startles him even as he is drawn to her, and he helps her hunt for answers to her life. The journey they go on together isn’t easy, nor is getting along. But they grow together and their romance grows steadily as well.

The characters are very well developed, the backgrounds complex, the obstacles and conflicts enough to pull the reader through the story. Overall, this was an excellent read.

Tickled Pink

Brande from Book Junkie just gave Sapphire and Gold a fabulous review. Here are a couple of snippets:

Let me say this here and now, Penny Rader wrote one heck of a good book in Sapphire and Gold, completely engaging with a sexy and sensual historical tale of love, regret and a villain you will love to hate.

and

Penny Rader has created a sexy historical romance that is rich in depth and literally transported me into the 18th century. If you are looking for a suspenseful read that is filled with romance that will draw you and keep your turning the pages, then look no further.

To read her entire review, please go to http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-sapphire-and-gold-by-penny-rader.html

Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way

Today is my turn to blog over at Bits & Bytes: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/02/until.html

I hope you'll join me! I'm posting an excerpt of one of my favorite scenes from Sapphire and Gold.

If you're interested in writing and haven't had a chance to check out the blog, please do. It's chock full of great info.

Christmas Romance

While the entire story of Sapphire and Gold isn't centered around Christmas, there are several scenes that take place during the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg. Here's an excerpt of one:

Alexandra stood at the staircase landing’s large multi-paned window, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. She waited and worried. Waited for Derek’s schooner to appear at the plantation’s wharf. Worried about his reaction to her confession.

She placed her hand on her abdomen and wondered if she would look different to him. Within weeks her condition would be apparent to all. Would he turn away from her in disgust? She wouldn’t be able to bear it.

“Alexandra?”

She leaned over the balustrade looped with spruce garlands. “Yes, Mother?”

Laurel stood at the foot of the stairs. “Our guests are arriving.”

“I’ll join you in the ballroom in a few minutes.” With a heavy sigh, she cast one more longing glance out the window then gathered the folds of her burgundy velvet skirt and descended the stairs in slow, unhurried steps. Her brow knitted in concern. Derek had said he would be there. Something terrible must have happened.

“Why, wherever could your husband be, sister dear?”

Alexandra turned to see Jillian emerge from the shadows of the hall. The jubilant expression in the younger woman’s dark gaze put her on guard.

“Do you suppose he has tired of you already?” Jillian shook her head and clucked her tongue. “I can see why. You look a bit dreadful. I fear that color doesn’t suit you. Did you do your own hair? Your secret’s safe with me. I shan’t tell anyone.”

Alexandra resisted the urge to smooth her hair. The slight movement would only serve to reward her sister’s desire for revenge. Instead, she stood confident. Derek had often remarked he liked her hair unbound and he had chosen her dress himself. “I won’t fight with you. Nothing you can say will spoil this day for me.” With quiet dignity, she walked past the younger woman.

“I do believe the purpose of this ball is to celebrate your marriage. Won’t that be a trifle difficult without your roving husband?”

Alexandra’s footsteps faltered for but a moment at the venom in her sister’s voice. Then she squared her shoulders and continued on her way, struggling to shut out the echo of Jillian’s mocking laughter.

“Derek has not left me,” she whispered. “He will come back. He must.” She lifted her chin a notch and entered the ballroom.

Festive splendor greeted her. Christmas finery decked the large room and brought a hint of a smile to her troubled heart. The fragrance of pine and bayberry mingled in the air. Garlands of box and bay added touches of gaiety. Sprigs of holly had been tucked behind the mirrors. In one corner, fiddlers played a romantic ballad that tugged at her already fragile emotions.

She forced back the sudden onslaught of weepiness and moved forward to greet her guests. Many of the prominent planters of the area accompanied their wives in wishing Alexandra well with her marriage and asking after Derek. After each congratulatory offer, the scorching heat of Jillian’s triumphant gaze bored through her back.

Where are you, Derek? Behind her she heard the doors open. The curtains fluttered, then a hush fell over the room.

She turned. There stood Derek.

Dizzying joy swept through her Her husband caught her up against his lean, muscled form. “I claim the right of kissing the fair maiden standing beneath the kissing ball.” He lowered his mouth to hers and stole her breath.

Alexandra entwined her arms around his neck and reveled in the sweet sensations. “I thought you’d never arrive.”

He pressed a final kiss to the tip of her nose. “I always keep my promises. Don’t you know that by now?”

A lump in her throat thickened her speech. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you.” A frown gathered on her forehead and she gave his chest a sharp poke. “Where have you been?”

His eyes alight with a merry twinkle, Derek turned and signaled to a house servant. Within seconds, Polly Taylor and the children swarmed around her, talking and hugging all at once.

The children had come. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she pulled them close, touching each and every one of them to assure herself they were really there. She looked up. Derek stood outside the circle of children, his grin wide. “Is this the pressing matter you had to attend to?”

He nodded. “You are pleased with your Christmas gift?”

“Pleased? I’m more than pleased. It was more than I dared to dream for.” No wonder she loved him so.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sapphire-and-gold-p-1287.html

~~~~~

One of my favorite Christmas movies is While You Were Sleeping. (Love the leaning scene.) One of my favorite Christmas books is A Season for Miracles by Marilyn Pappano, which is the first book in her awesome Bethlehem series. Do you have a favorite Christmas story or movie?

New Reviews!

I found two reviews of Sapphire and Gold. I hope you check them out!

From Long and Short Reviews:

This was a unique historical for me as I’ve never read one prior that was partially set on a ship without having had pirates in it. In addition to that aspect, it was loaded with action, suspense, and a bit of mystery, a little bit of everything to keep your interest alive. The romance between Derek and Alexandra was rocky at times, but as in life, when a couple overcomes so many obstacles, the love – and steamy, sexy love scenes – are so much stronger and better. An excellent, richly told read! (Rating: 4.5 out of 5)

Read the entire review at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/sapphire-and-gold-by-penny-rader.html

From the Readin' Something Crazy blog:

Very well-written and intriguing. Love a story that has a bit of mystery mixed in with the romance. And while I really wanted to smack Lexie at times, I did truly understand why she was so insecure and stubborn. Her world was shattered by one overheard conversation changing everything she once thought true and right about her life. Thankfully, for her sake, she does grow and overcome her insecurities, thanks to Derek Tremaine.

All in all, a really good historical read that I would highly recommend to anyone. This is the first historical novel that I’ve read that takes place at least partially on a ship. And get this… it has nothing to do with pirates. LOL

Read the entire review at http://readinsomethingcrazy.blogspot.com/2009/09/sapphire-and-gold-penny-rader.html

Trio of Local Romance Authors to Sign Books

My first booksigning is almost here!

When: Saturday, August 22, 2009, from noon until 3 p.m.

Where: Waldenbooks in Towne West Square, Wichita, Kansas.

I'll be signing copies of my debut historical romance, Sapphire and Gold. Two friends will join me: Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense author Patricia Davids, who'll be signing her newest release, Speed Trap, and Harlequin American author Roxann Delaney, who'll be signing her newest release, The Rodeo Rider.

Please stop by and chat with us! We'll have chocolate!!

I'm Blogging at Helen's Heroes!

Today I'm blogging at Helen's Heroes blog. I do hope you'll stop by http://helensheroes.blogspot.com/2009/06/mondays-hero-derek-from-sapphire-and.html and leave a comment.

I'm blogging about Derek Tremaine. He's the hero of my new release, Sapphire and Gold. Here's a peek at him ---------------->

Sapphire and Gold's Official Release is Today!

It's finally here! Today is the official release date for my first sale, Sapphire and Gold! I am sooo excited! I do hope you will enjoy Derek and Alexandra's story.

If you would like to buy it as a digital book, go to http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sapphire-and-gold-p-1287.html?zenid=85aed8cdffbd4fe81cd86e275443e608.

Sapphire and Gold is also available in paperback through:

• bn.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sapphire-And-Gold/Penny-Rader/e/9781601544759/?itm=2


• amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Gold-Penny-Rader/dp/1601544758/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246028033&sr=8-1.

Here's a blurb and an excerpt of the story.

Blurb

In 1752 Philadelphia, Alexandra Whittaker overhears the man who has raised her--and intends to marry her--admit to kidnapping her. She then uncovers a locket containing a portrait of herself as a child. Confused and frightened, she flees, heading for Williamsburg, Virginia, the place inscribed on the back of the locket. On her way out of Philadelphia, she stumbles across a bear and ends up in the river.

Sea Captain Derek Tremaine is guilt-ridden over the disappearance of a small girl left in his care as a youth. Always searching for her, he hears she may be alive and travels to Philadelphia where he discovers an unconscious young woman in the river. She bears a strong resemblance to the mother of the missing girl who has haunted his dreams. He is drawn to assist and protect her as she sails with him to Williamsburg in her hunt for answers about her life. But will the truth give them peace and allow their growing love for one another to blossom? Or will it drive them apart?

Excerpt

The last vestiges of pain ebbed. She opened her eyes and thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of concern cross his handsome features. Her fingers felt along the bandage on her brow. "What happened to me?"

"You fell into the river and hit your head. Max and I pulled you out."

"Max?"

"My dog. Come, Max."

The Newfoundland eased his large frame between his master and Alexandra. She gasped in surprise--he outweighed her by at least three stone! She tried to sit up.

The man assisted her. "Easy now, lest you cause yourself further injury. Mayhap you should lie still." Impatience crept into his voice again.

She winced at his mild rebuke and lowered her gaze, only to realize she was clad in her bed gown. "Sir, has a woman been caring for me?"

"Nay." Amusement glittered in his eyes. "Women are not allowed on vessels. They bring bad luck."

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she forced herself to continue. "I'm--" She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'm not wearing my pink dress."

"Aye, that is true." He nodded, his expression unfathomable.

Sapphire and Gold Is Available In Print!

I am soooo stoked! I just checked bn.com and Amazon.com. Sapphire and Gold is already showing as available! (The official release date is June 26, 2009.) I gotta get some copies ordered so I can hold it my hands because I don't think it will really be real until then.

In case you want to order a paperback copy, here's the link for bn.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=sapphire+and+gold&box=sapphire%20and%20gol&pos=-1

And here's the link for Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Gold-Penny-Rader/dp/1601544758/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244642204&sr=1-3

One Year and Two Days

Exactly one year and two days ago I received "the call." Actually, it was "the email." The Wild Rose Press wanted to contract my historical romance, Sapphire and Gold. I just about fell out of my chair. I work for an accounting firm and we were hot and heavy into tax season. I was just taking a quick peek at my email and saw the title of my book in the subject line. Of course, I had to read it.

After I danced around my office, I had a horrible thought: what if it was an April Fool's joke? Feeling like a fool, I emailed my editor and asked her straight out if it was a joke. Nope. She loved my book and had totally forgotten what day it was.

So, after a couple rounds of edits and proofreading, my release day is approaching. Sapphire and Gold will be published on June 26, 2009. Once I get past the current tax season I will figure out how to post my beautiful cover here, as well as the blurb and an excerpt or two. If you are curious and want to see the cover now, you can find it on my website. I promise to get some content onto my site...after tax season.