“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
(Proverbs 13:12, NASB95)
Back in October, I shared with Inspired by Life and Fiction readers about the historical series I’ve wanted to write since 2010. Well, at last, at last, the first book in the series is almost here. The official release date is Monday, May 22. But if you can keep a secret 😉, the non-Kindle ebook and Amazon paperback are already available due to some hiccups on my part plus the vagaries of publishing.
To Enchant a Lady’s Heart is set in Victorian England. It’s the love story between Adam, the illegitimate son of an earl, and Eliza, the gentlewoman who is supposed to marry his half-brother if only her heart didn’t want something more than a title. This novella has a second purpose besides the romance (which I happen to adore). It introduces three other characters, and their stories will be told in three full-length novels, coming in 2023 and 2024.
Here’s the series blurb:
The British Are Coming series begins with a novella set in Victorian England where readers meet Adam Faulkner, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Hooke, and Eliza Southwick, the gentlewoman he loves. It continues with novels set in America in the mid-1890s featuring Sebastian Whitcombe, heir to the Earl of Hooke; his younger sister, Lady Amanda Whitcombe; and his tradesman friend, Roger Bernhardt. They have come to the American West—Sebastian for a last adventure before taking himself a wife, Amanda to experience some of the thrills she witnessed as a child in London at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, and Roger to paint the beauty of Yellowstone before taking over the family business in London. Adventure and romance abound!
Seeing To Enchant a Lady’s Heart release is a desire fulfilled (see the Proverb above). So much so I’m just a little bit giddy.
I think I shared the beautiful chapter pages in the paperback (available on Amazon and B&N). But just in case, here it is again:
And I cannot wait to get to share the audiobook version. I spent a lot of time last fall, listening to narrators of books with British characters. I already had a couple of favorite narrators from audiobooks by other authors, stories set in England in both Regency and Victorian time periods, and one of those favorites, Ann Marie Gideon, narrated To Enchant a Lady’s Heart. Much to my delight.
As I frequently share, I don’t have favorites among my own books. Each was written for a reason. Some are sweet love stories. Some make readers cry. Some are more gritty, dealing with tough life issues. Some make a reader smile or even laugh. All represent a lesson or lessons that God has taught me or is teaching me. They come from my heart, and I know readers will have their own favorites for their own reasons.
When it came to writing To Enchant a Lady’s Heart, I found real joy in the Victorian England setting. My last story set entirely in England was released in the general romance market in 1992. That’s a long time! So going there in my story was like visiting an old friend.
Thanks for celebrating this book birthday with me a few days early. And if you read the book—in ebook, paperback, or audio—I hope you’ll find it enchanting.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Tamera Alexander says
Congrats, Robin! So happy for you and—since I know what a treat this story is—I’m eager for readers to dive in. Celebrating with you!
Robin Lee Hatcher says
Thanks, friend.
Becky Wade says
Congrats on this release, Robin! And I LOVE listening to audiobooks set in England and narrated by British men and women. I’m convinced their wonderful accent increases the enjoyment of an audiobook by 30%. 🙂
Robin Lee Hatcher says
Thanks, Becky. And I’m with you on audiobooks with British narrators. Guess I would add Irish and Aussies to that 30% increased enjoyment. LOL!
Betty Strohecker says
Congratulations! I will order this!
Robin Lee Hatcher says
Thanks, Betty. Hope you enjoy!
Angie says
Such a lovely book, Robin! and that same verse–about the hope fulfilled being a tree of life–is the same verse I claimed when we were waiting to adopt kids. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” I love that! Congratulations on your new release!
Robin Lee Hatcher says
Thanks much, Angie!