Today I'm very happy to welcome back to Books to Brighten your Mood author Robyn DeHart in celebration of her newest release with Penguin, The Secret of Mia Danvers, the first book in the author's newest Historical Romance series. The Secret of Mia Danvers is a book full of mystery and of course, romance! So let's welcome Robyn and don't forget to check at the end of the post for the contest details.
- Hello Robyn and welcome to Books to Brighten your Mood. Could you please tell us a bit more about your newest release, The Secrets of Mia Danvers?
Thanks so much for having me! Here’s the blurb I used in my synopsis:
In the fall of 1888 a murderer terrorized the Whitechapel area in London, horribly mutilating prostitutes and leaving their blood-drenched bodies out to be found, taunting the police and paralyzing the poverty-stricken people with fear. In taunting letters to the police and the newspapers, he called himself Jack the Ripper. Then as quickly as he appeared, he vanished from the news, his reign of terror apparently at an end. Six months later another girl's body was found, but this time in prestigious Mayfair, and this time there was a witness.
- Your heroine Mia has lost her sight at a really young age. Where there any challenges you encountered while writing this novel because of that fact?
Oh yes, so many challenges. I don’t think I ever realized how much of a visual writer I am. But writing in Mia’s point of view I was forced to “see” the scenes through her other senses. It was a fascinating journey, but quite difficult too. It was also very important to me that Mia not be bitter or feel the victim, I wanted her to be a strong woman who had made her way in the world in spite of or perhaps because of her “disability.”
- What is that certain quality that made Alex fall in love with Mia?
I think it was definitely her resourcefulness and the fact that she doesn’t question her ability to do things.
- Could you please give us a short physical description of your two main characters, Mia and Alex?
I can do better than that! I can share the pictures I used as my inspiration. It’s very important to me that before I start writing a book I find what I call the character’s “essence” in a picture, it’s not the actor/actress, but the specific image that really speaks to me. So here are Mia and Alex.
- What are your future plans? What should we expect from you after The
Well, the Dangerous Liaisons series is planned as a trilogy, but the third book hasn’t yet been contracted so for now you can expect the sequel to Mia Danvers in November, The Temptations of Anna Jacobs.
Before that, in August, you’ll see the 3rd book in my Forbidden Love trilogy, A Little Bit Scandalous, it follows A Little Bit Wicked and A Little Bit Sinful. And I have even more books contracted for 2014!
- Is there any author who influenced your work?
Of course! I was a reader first and I think my work has been influenced most by Amanda Quick. It wasn’t intentional, but I don’t seem to be able to write an historical romance without subplots, so I’ll stick with the suspense and adventure and hope readers will go along with me.
- When not reading or writing how do you like spending your free time?
Well, I’m a mom to two little girls (currently 2 & 4) and they keep me very busy. So in the midst of potty training and dealing with tantrums, I write to get my pages done. Then every once in a blue moon, I find some reading time. I also love to hang out with my husband, we do most of our together time in front of the TV these days, but there are worst ways to spend time than snuggling on the couch watching Person of Interest.
- What’s your guilty pleasure?
Well, speaking of watching TV with my hubby, we are totally hooked on Pretty Little Liars. It’s inexplicable, really because the show is full of unlikeable characters and convoluted plot twists, yet we can’t seem to look away.
- What is your favorite genre to read and could you please share with us some of your favorite novels?
My first love will always be historical romance and I’ll read anything that Suzanne Enoch, Teresa Medeiros and Amanda Quick write, they’re my go-to authors when I want to sink into a great historical. But I read a lot of romantic suspense; I like gritty police procedurals like the JD Robb books and Allison Brennan’s first several trilogies. I also like some urban fantasy, Jim Butcher and Kalayna Price. And I think I might need a 12-step program for Kristan Higgins’ books…
- Which place in the world are you dying to visit?
Oh man, I’d be happy at the Embassy Suites in my hometown at the moment. Mommy could use a break! But I don’t guess that’s what you’re asking. I love the beach more than any place else on earth, it’s the place that centers me the most, the waves, the sand…. That being said I’ve only been to England once and it was before I started writing seriously and I would so love to go back now that I know what I write. It would be a totally different experience.
- Thank you Robyn for stopping by today!
Thanks again for having me!
About Robyn:
A life-long love of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her writing to be "comical and sexy" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader's Crown nominee. Robyn lives in Texas with her brainy husband, two precocious little girls and two spoiled cats. You can find Robyn on-line at her website or at one of her group blogs, the Jaunty Quills or Peanut Butter on the Keyboard.
Visit Robyn
Author: Robyn DeHart
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June 18th 2013
Publisher: Intermix
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
A lone witness finds her protector…
Since losing her sight in a childhood accident, Mia Danvers has resided in a small cottage on the vast Carrington estate. Thought to be dead, Mia lives a life of virtual seclusion—until one night, while walking home, she happens upon a horrendous crime.
Alex Foster, Eighth Duke of Carrington, lives according to society’s expectations for him. He’s never met the woman who lives in the cottage at the edge of his property. But when she arrives at his door in the pouring rain terrified and claiming she has witnessed a murder, she seizes his attention.
Mia is determined to help the authorities track down the culprit, even though the only person willing to accept her aid is the handsome, arrogant duke. Working closely together proves difficult as Mia’s beauty and independence tempts Alex to ignore convention and follow his desire. But what neither of them know is that this murderer has struck before in Whitechapel, taunting the British press only to vanish—a ruthless killer who knows that Mia is the only living witness to his crime…
~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robyn DeHart will be giving away winner's choice of the following: Amazon Paperwhite, Nook Glow or a $120 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Open to US residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for posting this interview. It was very entertaining and now i CERTAINLY want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the interview. I hope you love the book.
DeleteI wonder if you thought of covering your eyes and living a day in Mia's shoes to know how to describe what it felt like? That would be difficult with two little girls but...hmmmm it would be interesting, and great research.
ReplyDeleteLOL that would be difficult with my kiddos. But there were plenty of times while writing that I would close my eyes to try to put myself better in her shoes. It certainly made me more aware of my other senses.
DeleteRobyn – I read a little of your book on Amazon and immediately fell in love with Mia! She;s such a strong character which I love! I can’t even begin to imagine how she survived her mother sending her away from home with her governess to live in a cottage on the Duke of Carrington’s property ad since I didn’t read the entire chapter was wondering when she found out that he was the “new” Duke?
ReplyDeleteI loved your Legend Hunters series but wondered if it was your choice of your publishers to wait and print it after the Legend Hunters series was released?
I enjoyed the interview, thank you.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
I haven't read any of your books but the book does sound interesting to read. Thanks for the interview.
ReplyDeleteI love your books and really enjoyed your interview. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletekscathyATyahooDOTcom
Hello again, Robyn! Hope you're having fun on this new blog tour. I love that you are thinking of Fee from Burn Notice to star as Mia if this story goes to the screen (fingers crossed)--that's great! I adore Fee and she is as strong as Mia is in your story. God choice on your part. Continue to enjoy what you and I'm hoping you get your much-desired beach vacation. jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview and a glimpse of your vision of what the lead characters look like.
ReplyDeleteI love those character images. My question is... How or what made you decide to write historicals?
ReplyDelete