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2nd Annual BRITISH BLOOMS & BOOKS GIVEAWAY

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Hello, gentle reader, and welcome to the second annual British Blooms and Books giveaway! This week, we’d like to celebrate the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. After enjoying this post, please visit each of the other five authors’ blogs (links provided below) and, after reading, follow one simple instruction and then leave a comment on each blog. You’ll be entered to win a fabulous, British Blooms and Books prize. (US winners only, please, due to shipping the petit fours.) Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by!

A Tempting Gift of Roses by Julie Klassen

In The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, flowers play a small but significant role in the lives of a few different characters. In the following scene, a distant cousin who inherited Rachel Ashford’s former home–and with it her mother’s garden—visits the girls’ school where Rachel is now living, bringing a bouquet of her mother’s favorite peach-colored roses:

Nicholas Ashford was well dressed in deep blue frock coat, striped waistcoat, trousers, and a beaver hat atop his head. In one hand, he held a rustic bouquet of roses. Peach roses.

Her smile came naturally then. “Hello, Mr. Ashford.”

“Miss Ashford.” He bowed over the flowers, and she curtsied.

Around her, the schoolgirls buzzed with a rush of whispered curiosity.

Mr. Ashford cleared his throat. “I thought you might be in a drawing room or parlour. I did not realize you would be out here, with all of these . . . pupils.”

What had he meant to say—witnesses? Eavesdroppers? Either of those descriptors would have been perfectly accurate.

“Yes, supervising the girls out-of-doors is one way I can help,” Rachel explained. “Though I am afraid I am not very good at their games. I have never been athletic.”

“Well, there are more important qualities.”

His shy, admiring gaze rested on her, and she felt her face heat. 

He looked down, and suddenly seemed to remember the bouquet in his hand. “I wanted to bring you these. I said I would, and I am a man of my word.”

And that was worth a great deal, as she had learned.

“I hope I chose the right ones,” he said. “I thought it would be easy—gather a bunch and off we go, but I’m afraid the arrangement leaves much to be desired.”

True, some of the roses were already bowing their heads, and the stems were uneven.

“Never mind,” she said. “It was very thoughtful of you. And no doubt the Miss Groves have a vase I can use to—”

“A vase!” With his free hand, he smacked his temple. “You don’t have one. Of course you don’t. What an idiot; I should have thought of that. I shall bring you another bouquet. A better one. In a Thornvale vase, which you must keep, and . . .”

She pressed his arm to halt his self-reproach. “Mr. Ashford. Nicholas. It is all right, I promise you.”

At her touch and the sound of his given name on her lips, he fell silent and held her gaze a bit too earnestly for comfort.

She tentatively held out her hands. “May I?”

“Oh. Of course.” He thrust the roses forward and relinquished them at last, and only then did she notice the cloth strip bandages around three fingers and thin red scratches on the backs of his hands.

“Oh, dear,” she murmured.

He looked down at them as well. “I know. I should have worn gloves. Again, I misjudged the thorny endeavor.”

She smiled at his little joke. “Does it hurt?”

He shook his head. “It was well worth it, if you are pleased….”

Rachel likes the thoughtful young man who has asked to court her. She knows marrying him would save her from a life of poor spinsterhood and allow her to move back into her former home. She wonders if she should agree to his proposal before her own bloom fades. If only her heart didn’t still miss someone else…

I hope whoever wins a copy of the novel will enjoy it, along with 5 other novels set in England:

Please sign up for my email list, and comment below to be entered to win. (If you are already on my list, simply comment below. Either way, be sure your name is included in your comment.)

Giveaway Rules:

One grand prize winner who comments on each of the six authors’ blogs and agrees to the one boldfaced condition posted at the end of each post by 5/27/17 will win a signed copy of each of the books plus delivery of six English hat petit fours to enjoy to enjoy while you read.

(Photo from Divine Delights)

Name will be drawn via random.org.

Melanie Dickerson’s Post

Melanie Dobson’s Post 

Carrie Turansky’s Post 

Roseanna White’s Post

Sanda Byrd’s Post

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Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Comments

  1. Sounds like a fantastic story, I hope to get a chance to read it 🙂
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

  3. I have signed up for your newsletter and I love the bit you shared from your book. I’d love to read it! 😀
    ~Sabrina Templin

  4. I LOVE READING ABOUT THAT ERA.
    IT ALWAYS SOUNDS SO RELAXED AND A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE
    KEEP WRITING MORW

  9. I love your books Julie! Great excerpt. I am already a newsletter subscriber. Thanks for the chance to win!

  12. Sounds like a winner to me!!! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

  17. Signed up for your newsletter. Love your books and I’m looking forward to starting this series. 🙂

  20. Subscribed and a fan. Cover art is one of the initial things to draw me in to a story or author. Your cover art is also so beautiful!

    Thank you for the chance to win. 🙂

    Good luck, ladies!

    ~Cheryl Hart

  26. I love your books Julie! I am already a newsletter subscriber. Thanks for the chance to win!

  27. I like that there is just enough mystery to wonder if this earnest young man will be the one to sweep her off of her feet.

  28. I have this checked out from the library right now! Can’t wait to start it!

  30. I have this book in my TBR pile…I love your reads! I’m signed up for your newsletter. Rachael Merritt

  34. Already on your email list. Just wanted to sign up for the contest. Enjoy your books.

  35. I am already on your email list. Thank you for the chance. I adore flowers and have many different types in my front and back yards. Today, in fact, I have big, white lilies blooming in the back yard. Very lovely!

  36. I’ve subscribed. My sister has read all but your newest release and I think you’re her favorite author. I’m looking forward to reading your books!

  37. I’ve subscribed to your newsletter. I have your book on my wish list. I’d love to win it. Thanks for the giveaway!

  39. love your books. I am still reading the innkeeper at ivy hill. what a wonderful book.

  40. Looking forward to you newest Ivy Hill book out in December I really enjoyed part one and am anxious to see what happens with the characters in the next book.

  41. I am an avid reader and love almost all genres…but have a particular fondness for historical fiction…and especially if they have a bit of romance tossed in!!! I have been wanting your latest book and would love to win it…but if not, I will definitely buy a copy!!

  43. I’m a subscriber! Thank you for sharing such a sweet scene from your book. Those roses in the photo are absolutely gorgeous! If someone brought me a bouquet of them, I certainly wouldn’t mind!

  46. Thanx for the giveaway!!! I am looking forward to reading your book. I am subscribed as j4hibdon.

  47. I’ve joined up with your blog so I can see what works you are doing, and always what you are doing overseas.
    I know that you are having a competition and I can’t enter due to me being overseas. Do any of the authors send prizes overseas?

  51. I love your books, and am a big fan of historical fiction. It was such fun meeting you in January! I am subscribed to your newsletter and FB page. Thank you for being a part of this fun giveaway!

  52. Julie you know I am your number one fan and have been since your first book….I have read them all. And love each one…
    I am a subscriber ..!!!

  53. I would live to win a copy of each of the 6 books. I would rather read or quilt any day than do housework.

  55. I’m already a subscriber. Thanks for this awesome giveaway! These books look amazing and I love all the authors!!
    ~Megan

  58. I’ve read many of your books and loved them all. I can’t wait to read your latest! (I’m signed up for your newsletters!)

  59. I’ve already read your book – in fact, I’ve read all of your books.
    Anxiously awaiting the next one. These are keepers!!!

  63. I have read all of your books and enjoyed them immensely! I can’t wait to read what’s been going on in Ivy Hill!

  64. Julie,
    I love your books and look forward to each new addition. My local library carries quite a few of your novels so I always enjoy re-reading them. They’re just as entrancing every read. Thank you!
    -Sara Johns
    Subscribed to your newsletter.

  66. It sounds like a wonderful story and I love all of your books. I have already signed up for your newsletter

  67. I’m a subscriber. Thanks for the giveaway–I have not yet read any of the Ivy Hill novels.

  70. I’ve read most of your books, and enjoy them. I am now signed up for your newsletter, as well. thanks for doing this giveaway!

  71. I subscribed to your newsletter. I love this giveaway. Thank you so much for doing this giveaway.

  72. I receive your newsletter and thank you for a wonderful giveaway.

  75. Thank you! I just signed up for your emails and look forward to hearing more from you.

  77. Your book sounds great! Can’t wait to read it. I signed up for your newsletter. Thank you for the fun giveaway.

  79. I have read the Innkeeper of Ivy Hill and would love a signed copy. I can’t wait until part 2 comes out. All these books look interesting, but you are by far my favorite author. I have every one of your books so far, and love them all! Thank you so much for this opportunity. Best wishes always!

  83. Oh Julie, I love it! To go with the sensible and loving mate, or the one who captures your heart and thoughts? Forever the conundrum!

  86. So happy you are writing a series, and the book covers are so beautiful!!!! Would love a signed copy 😊Thanks, Phyllis Horn

  87. I’m looking forward to another great read! I’ll toss my name into the giveaway 🙂 thanks

  91. Thank you for this offer! I love the historical fiction genre and look forward to reading your books.

  93. Subscribed to newsletter. Would like the chance to read this wonderful story.

  95. I do believe this is one of my favorite parts of the book. He was so unsure of himself and so very sweet. How could Rachel not like him?

  97. I love all books based in England and the properness of that time period! Just wonderful reading!

  99. I am already a subscriber. I love your books and always look at other authors and books you recommend! 🙂 Can’t wait for the next Ivy Hill book to be released!!

  103. Love your books and looking forward to the next one! Teresa Henderson

  104. I LOVED The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. I told my friend about it and she read it and loved it too!! I love it when that happens.
    What a wonderful giveaway opportunity.

  109. So enjoy the historical Christian books! Already signed up for the newsletters. So many great authors in this genre. What blessing!

  110. This sounds like a wonderful book!! Your books are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with the world.

  111. What an exciting contest! Love stories set in England always seem to be magical. Is it the time period, the gardens or grand houses? Maybe it is the maidens and gentlemen? Whatever it is, reading them sends me to those lovely places in those magical times.

  116. Registered and waiting! One of my favorite books is The Silent Governess. Looking forward to reading your new releases.

  117. This was the first book I’ve read of yours and I loved it! Can’t wait to read more!!

  119. I have already read this book as well and am looking forward to the next in the series. I’d love to have my own copy. Thank you for writing great books.

  120. Love your books! Looking forward to reading this one. And I am now signed up for your emails.

  121. I ok forward to every Julie Klassen adventure with eager anticipation of a satisfying story well told.

  122. Nicholas sounds very sweet! It’s been a while since I’ve read any of your books, this new series sounds good.

  123. Roses are my favorite flower, especially the pastel ones! The picture on your cover makes me just want to jump in and join the characters. I love English cottages. I look forward to reading this one! Blessings, Leslie S.Lowe

  124. I already subscribe to your newsletter, but did it again just in case. 🙂 I LOVE your books and would be thrilled to win.

  125. I love this scene, my favorite part was his scratched fingers. I am subscribed to your newsletter. Thanks!

  127. I signed up for your emails. I enjoy your books and am looking forward to reading this one. The cover is lovely.

  129. I just signed up for your newsletter! The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill had been on my to-read list for awhile now. I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for participating in this giveaway!

  131. The Inn looks so sweet…a place I would love to spend many hours there…reading of course. And the picture of roses in your post are my favorite color. I can’t wait to read your books!

  132. The excerpt sounds Intriguing. I would enjoy reading it. I did subscribe and thank you

  139. One of my favorite authors!Can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out!

  140. I have a few of your books that I got at the library book sale and a new one that I won on Good Reads (Lady Maybe). The books look great.

  142. This book seems like a lovely story to read and I have added it to my TBR pile for summer reading.

  144. I tried to sign up for your newsletter, I hope it went thru. Your book sounds really good.

  147. Oh my, what a delightful suitor. Can feel his fluster! but I am not surprised as your stories come to life, Julie. I am eager to read this, and am subscribed. Thank you for the British Blooms and Books Giveaway. Delight!
    Blessings,
    Mary Kay Moody

  148. All of these books look so interesting; I would have a difficult time deciding which one to read first if I was the winner. I’ve read all of your books except for the Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. I’m going to have knee replacement in a couple of weeks (my 2nd time around for the same knee) so having all these books would surely help to keep me occupied. Keeping my fingers crossed.

  150. Oh, it’s too bad that Rachel has feelings for someone else. I am liking Nicholas. Thanks for the peek at your novel Julie and thanks for the giveaway.

  151. I did subscribe to your newsletter. The excerpt above makes me want to read the rest of yours and dive into the others! You seem like a very talented writer. Many thanks for your part in this giveaway!

  152. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill sounds like a charming novel, which I would love to read. I subscribed to your blog.

  153. I so want to read this book. Better head to my library quickly. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Signed up for your newsletter. Rebecca Tellez

  155. I am already a subscriber. I enjoy your books so much! Thank you. It would be wonderful to win this contest!

  156. Eeek! I love your books and the others look amazing too! I cannot wait to read your newest book. I need to make an amazon purchase! Haha. I am subscribed so that I can keep up with your latest news.

    Thank you,

    Alivia

  160. I subscribed! And I love this new series. The characters and plot are so riveting!

  162. I have just subscribed! I absolutely love The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill and can’t wait until the sequel comes out in December!

  163. I enjoyed the excerpt from The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill – the book cover is lush and beautiful! Thank you for participating in this generous giveaway.

  170. I’ve been waiting to read this book for some time. So excited it’s out!

  172. thanks for the giveaway! Very excited to have some new books to search for!

  174. E-mail subscriber. I love all your books and have gotten other family members into them as well, including my grandmother!

  175. One of the few plants I don’t have in my garden/yard is a rose bush. I think peach roses are so beautiful! I may have to rectify that this spring. I’m definitely already a subscriber!

  176. I’ve signed up as an email subscriber and look forward to hearing more about your upcoming novels.

  177. I have truly enjoyed all of your books and look forward to all of your Tales From Ivy Hill.
    I think I am already signed up for your newsletter, but just in case I was not, I have just done so.

  179. Hi Julie and fellow Minnesotan!
    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I have most of your books as I love Jane Austen and Brit lit!

  180. Your book sounds very interesting. I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks.

  181. I have read 3 of your books and have this on “want to read.” Thank you. 🙂 Have a great Memorial Weekend

  185. Beverly Lewis got me to love reading….and then I decided to venture out and see if I could find more authors to love, and your book was the one I picked up!!! and i canes out your books down!!! and that just encouraged me to find more authors and more books!! and now I can say I am in love with reading!!! thanks for being an inspiration and transporting me to different worlds!!!!

  188. Just signed up for the newsletter. Can’t believe I hadn’t done so before. Would love to read this book. Heard so much about it.

  194. Subscribed! I’m normally not smiling a couple paragraphs in. how did you do that?

  196. Hi Julie! I’ve read most of your books and love them all. I am currently reading The Painters Daughter. My favorite is The Tutors Daughter. I can’t believe I wasn’t on your email list until now. 😄

  199. Sounds like a very good story and I can’t wait to read it! I’ve signed up to receive your newsletters.

  201. I signed up, and I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂

    CutePolarBear

  202. I hope I made the giveaway in time, I had a difficult time in locating where to post, then trying to prove am not a robot only to find that I needed to recover my webpage…glad I tried again.

  203. Our winner is Tammy Cordery. Thanks to everyone who entered! I enjoyed reading your comments and appreciate your interest in my books and those of my sister Anglophiles.

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