This exciting regency steampunk adventure, THE EMPEROR'S AERONAUT, begins in 1819 Truro, located in Cornwall, England with Loveday Penhale holding a hammer! She is a spicy lady who uses her intelligence and doesn’t allow society to dictate who she should be. Her interactions are genuine and laughable as she meets each challenging person and the social rules of her day—with courage. Her creativity with things steam-powered or cogs and pulleys is fascinating.

Captain Arthur Trevelyan of Gwynn Place, Cornwall suffers an injury that had drastically altered his life, but not his worth. He must find a way to believe that. The man is a marvel of strength and determination and I enjoyed seeing how he pressed on and overcame difficult circumstances even though hampered by injury. His handsome face and wealth make him quite the catch but does he want to be caught?

Celeste Blanchard is a young lady who enjoyed educational opportunities that were unique for this time period in Paris, France. Her mother is a disgraced Air Minister, and her deceased father sparked love of flight and ballooning in her when she was a child. Napoleon is Napoleon--his expectation for Celeste to marry an undesirable stoked strength in her character, and she will not allow herself to submit. I love how every bit of her security unravels as she tries to succeed.   

Emory Thorndyke, of Trevithick Steam Works, is hard working, compassionate, and extremely passionate about making steam engines work safely. If Loveday is right, the man doesn’t think women should work in a man’s world. Still this man has a some twists and turns concerning people’s opinion of him.

This novel was given to me for an honest review. It is my first Steampunk adventure to read—ever. I’m ready to plunge into book 2 for my heart is in a great hurry to enjoy those pages. This sweetly romantic and cleverly written story holds twists and turns written with the most delightful voice. Well done Shelley Adina and R.E. Scott—these novel pages reveal a match well made between writers. My hope is that you two continue to invent and create even more amazing characters and plots that twist my worry into a knot like you did with THE EMPEROR’S AERONAUT!
 
QUESTIONS FOR SHELLEY ADINA AND R.E. SCOTT:
Curiosity got the better of me, and I had to look and see if there was a Truro in Cornwall, England! How did you find this quaint place? Have either of you visited this real location (in our time period, of course.)
 
Regina: Some readers may be familiar with Truro, as it was featured in the Poldark series. We chose it in part because that’s where Richard Trevithick, England’s inventor of the steam engine, practiced his craft.
 
Shelley: My best friend is from Truro, and I’ve visited there. The visual connections and sense of familiarity that Poldark might create in readers’ minds only add to our world-building of a steampunk version of this 12th-century town.
 
Who came up with Prinnypunk? What a clever intro to your story. 
 
Regina: That was Shelley’s brilliant idea! Prinny was the affectionate name for the Prince Regent during the Regency period.
 
Shelley: And the “punk” part is the subversive nature of women daring to pursue their potential as inventors and engineers in a time when such a thing was unheard of in polite society.
 
Since you wrote this novel together, did one of you write Loveday scenes and the other Celeste into the story? Did you decide how the whole story would go before your words hit the ink on the pages? This just fascinates me! 
 
Shelley: We spent a lot of time talking over all our choices in the mechanics of writing, since we live a thousand miles apart! In some partnerships, one author writes a draft, and the other revises it. There’s the James Patterson method where one writes a detailed synopsis that the other turns into a novel. But with our very full writing schedules, it seemed to make the most sense for each of us to take a heroine and write her chapters turn about. So once we’d agreed on a synopsis, I wrote scenes from the point of view of Loveday and Arthur…
 
Regina: …and I wrote the scenes from the point of view of Celeste and Emory.
 
Shelley: And it appears that our voices blend so well that people can’t tell who wrote which!
 
What are your favorite qualities about Loveday, Arthur, Celeste, and Emory? 
 
Shelley: For Loveday, her mind fascinates me. She doesn’t see a piece of furniture like a chest of drawers, for instance—she sees what it could do if only this or that bit of engineering could be applied. For Arthur, I love his nobility. Not in a snobby sense, but in his sense of justice and fair play. And, of course, his ability to see past society’s conventions to the nature of Loveday’s and Celeste’s talent.
 
Regina: For Celeste, I love her determination. When she sets her sights on a goal, she achieves it, one way or the other! For Emory, I like his matter-of-fact nature. He takes things at face value and takes people at their word. So, even when some thought Celeste a spy, he accepted her claim otherwise.
 
Is there anything you would like to share about your story with your readers?
 
Shelley: Readers have already sussed out that Loveday and Arthur are the great-grandparents of the heroine of my 22-book Magnificent Devices series. I hope they enjoy the Easter eggs I’ve planted! If a reader hasn’t been introduced to that world, they can enjoy ours for its own sake—we have such fun in it!
 
Regina: I can’t wait for readers to dive into book 2!
 
Do you have any maps, drawings, or historical facts you would like to share about this story?
 
Regina & Shelley
We have a Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins/the-regents-devices-steampunk-adventure/ where readers can see some inventions, clothing, and other pictures that inspired our stories.
 
Where do you want to meet your readers concerning social media?

Website: https://www.reginascott.com
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Website: www.shelleyadina.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnificentdevices/
Twitter: @shelleyadina
 
 

Seattle, Washington, 1876


Ada Williamson has perfect intentions to soften the blow of her sister’s rejection of the mail-order bride proposal from Thomas Rankin. So, taking a trip to Seattle, Washington, to tell him that her sister jilted him, in the gentlest of terms, seems like the logical decision—until she sees the flowers and warm welcome. The crowd of men at the docks call his name—giving him unwelcome advice. She steps onto the wooden planks covered with crimson carpet as she leaves the boat to meet him. Thomas has spared no expense but he hushes the crowd with a look. She must tell him the sad and embarrassing news, but he mistakes her for her beautiful sister, Melinda. The overwhelming greeting locked her lips tight. How could she shame him in front of his neighbors? After all, she knew how that felt.

Thomas “Scout” Rankin has made his way in life because of the goldfields. He is wealthy and looking for a bride. The woman who wrote the letters to him seems perfect, but he wants her to be sure that she really wants him. His family history is enough to give anyone pause. He wants to take this relationship slowly and see if this could be a perfect match for him and his extraordinary mail-order bride. Something is off in the middle of feeling oh-so-right.

This tale shows the importance of those who are often passed by. These characters may be everyday people to the world, but the world can not contain their spirit. Challenges stimulate a response from these hardy personalities in interesting and entertaining ways. THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE entertained me and kept me turning pages. Many previous characters from the FRONTIER BACHELORS series appeared in a way that supported this story wonderfully well. Each remembered character made me smile and reminisce about some of my favorite stories written by Regina Scott.

THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE was given to me for an honest review, and I have done so. My but this story resonated and entertained! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Yes, this is a story that I’m eager and excited to recommend! 

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA
 
Who was the trickiest character to write in THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE?
Thomas! I knew his character, because he had been in the previous series as a good friend of the main family. I knew how he’d grown. But I receive letters from readers frequently, begging to know when his story will be told, and I knew there were a lot of expectations riding on this book! I think—I hope—I did him justice!

What is the favorite flaw that you created in your hero?
His vulnerability. I don’t personally see that a flaw, but I imagine it would have been for him, especially in a time and place where men were expected to be rugged and above such things as doubts and disappointments. Thomas has had to carry a heavy burden with the reputation of his despicable father hanging over him. He had to learn to respect himself.

Was it amazing for you to revisit the characters you originally wrote in your FRONTIER BACHELORS series?
Absolutely! I went back and reread my own books, which is something I rarely do. Then I wove in little moments with some of my favorite characters, showing the changes in their lives too.

What message about THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE do you wish to share with our readers here today?
Never forget—no matter what you’ve done and who you think you are, there is a Father in heaven who loves you!

Do you have a favorite social media for your readers to visit so that they can get to know you?
I’d love to have you follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott.

Do you have any fun info on your website that would be of particular interest to those in love with THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE?
I started a page for Washington State pioneer legends, including a couple of real-life characters readers may recognize from the book. You can find it here: http://www.reginascott.com/pioneerlegends.html.

Ciara O’Rourke, the main character in the next book in this series, seems like she will have an interesting story to tell.  (I can hardly wait for the next book!) How did you come up with her name?
Ciara first appeared in Instant Frontier Family, when she and her younger brother, Aiden, traveled from New York to meet their older sister, Maddie, who is Seattle’s premiere baker. Maddie and her father immigrated from Ireland after the Potato Famine, though Ciara and Aiden were born in the U.S. With her having an Irish background, I went looking for an Irish name that fit in the time period. In my head, I heard See-AIR-a, but a friend with Irish family tells me it would have been pronounced something closer to Sharra. Either way, it fit her!

When will book 2 be published—not like I’m impatient or anything!   
I hope every reader is as eager! Her Frontier Sweethearts is available for preorder now and, if all goes to plan, will be out October 17, 2022.

​Thank you, Regina, for another wonderful interview! Blessigns!

The back one-liner about this story is, Uncover the Story Behind A One-Hundred-Year-Old Bookish Love Note, and so I did, and I hope that you will also.

August, 1915 Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina & Present Day, Biltmore Village, North Carolina and a touch of The Lake District, England

Oh, yes, this is a delicious tale that is actually two entwining stories, which diverge into one satisfying ending. The present-day characters, Clara Blackwell, Robbie Claflin, Julian Claflin, and Maxwell Weston, the 1915 characters, Sadie Blackwell, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Oliver Camden and Victorian Camden, and more supporting characters were delightful or challenging in their own ways.

So much is woven into this story that can be related to by so many. Struggle, sacrifice, compassion, and overcoming are experienced by these characters in an inspiring way. The connections between these tales are perfectly moving, emotionally engaging, and entertaining. The struggles and courage of these characters touched my heart, and I have a stinking suspicion that if you give this story and Pepper Basham a chance, you will be moved too!
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Of course, I will not tell you every juicy detail in Clara and Sadie’s unfolding tales. I would never invade the pleasure of your journey through these pages. Some stories you just wish someone would make a movie of it. This is one of those stories!
 

Susie’s book is so affirming—uplifting. Words are definitely powerful, and we can add to the burdens or offer strength to others with the weight of our spoken words. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. What life and encouragement we bring to others and ourselves when we truly look at the wisdom of God’s Word, the Bible.

This book shares a special focus on relationships with the Lord and for mothers and children. I feel encouraged and grateful for the example that this book provides, and the selected scriptures are perfect for the blessings that Susie shares!
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I highly recommend this book for mothers and their children. Every book that Susie has written that I’ve had the pleasure to read has touched my heart and spirit in positive and uplifting ways. Her books have caused me to want to come up higher in my relationship with God and others in the most affirming and joyful way! I smile to think of how her readers are being strengthened in God and their walk toward Him! ​

When I purchased this novel, I paid a “super saver” price, and for once, I wished I’d paid the original price. And I have Scottish in me, so that is saying something! The adventure here was wonderfully spun around a precious heroine and hero. Amelia Balfour has skill, courage, and a really huge heart. A fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is offered to Amelia, but at the same time, a request from her recently deceased father directs her path to a new direction. A direction that will affect more lives than she can imagine. Amelia’s brother had challenges and a boatload of character that made him a most beloved personality for me.

Graham Lambert is a surgeon looking for the opportunity to grow and make a living while benefiting suffering people needing medical attention. He has found a doctor that he admires, and he has read in medical journals that this is a doctor who thinks out of the box. His hopes are high to join in partnership and have the real freedom to provide modern care to people. He is a hero to be admired, and yet has a lot to work through to become the hero this story needs.

This is a tale of sacrifice, decisions on who to trust, courage to move forward—when making the most stressful decisions a person can make. Every bit of LOST IN DARKNESS is wrapped up in the anxiety of the unknown and adorned by adding historical writer, Mary Godwin, who —in this story—is inspired to write about the character, Frankenstein.

I absolutely enjoyed this story and give you the green light to pursue its pages! Well done Michelle Griep. LOST IN DARKNESS is a unique, entertaining, and inspiring story that I’m so glad that I didn’t miss! 
​

Lady Calantha Dryden, daughter of the duke of Wey, is a special soul in book 2 of The Wedding Vow Series, NEVER COURT A COUNT. Her invisibility is a special touch to this character’s personality. Instead of the not standing out being a deterrent that piles on insecurity and victim mentality, this character exudes a natural charm, adding benefit to those she loves.

Frederick Archambault, Count Montalban, or Fritz as he wishes to be called, is the brother of Crown Prince Otto Leopold of the Batavarian Court. He is quite the heroic man. A man of duty and action and loyalty, with a secret vulnerability of his own.

I enjoyed Fortune the cat’s involvement in this historical romance. Regina’s various characters and plot twists kept my interest the whole way through. This novel has the endearing quality that makes this reader feel as though she has spent time with an old friend. Callie’s story has that home time feel. This is clean fiction that is well written and memorable!

This novel has that wonderful quality of bringing up loved characters from earlier novels. If you like books that have those cameo mentions or visits you will love NEVER COURT A COUNT.
 
QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

How did you happen to develop Callie’s invisibility—not being noticed in a crowd—being the character’s strength? I love that you did that!
All four of the young ladies in The Wedding Vow series were children in a previous series, Fortune’s Brides. As a girl, Callie heard everything and tended to blurt out the stories at the worst possible moment. She’s also the middle child of three, and middle children often have a hard time differentiating themselves in the family and can feel overlooked. How would a child like that grow into a young lady thrust into the Regency social scene? She’d have lots of expectations, being the daughter of a duke. How would she rise to meet them, or struggle to meet them? Thus, Callie’s adult character was formed.

You add such layers to your characters. Was it difficult to come up with Fritz’s vulnerability since he is such a strong and dependable man?

Fritz, as Prince Otto Leopold of Batavaria’s twin brother, started making his presence known as I wrote the previous book in The Wedding Vow series, Never Pursue a Prince. I find my characters talk to me as I write my first draft, sometimes doing things that surprise me. Fritz reacted in ways I didn’t expect for a fellow who had led the Imperial Guard and fought in the Napoleonic Wars. I dug a little deeper and realized he was suffering from what we might call PTSD today. Why? He finally confessed to the answer, which promptly went into the books. Yes, my characters may start out having secrets from me, but in the end, they don’t have secrets from readers!

You’re weaving in the difficulties and tensions of royalty and higher-class England structures seems to ring true. Did make up those tensions or did you do a hefty amount of research? 😊 (Reader, if you have never visited Regina’s website, and you love history, I encourage you to do so post-haste!)
​
Well, you know, I can’t help researching! I love it almost more than the writing! 😉 The difficulties and tensions were definitely there, both on the macro level in the reapportioning of Europe following the Napoleonic Wars and on the micro level with families expecting sons and daughters to make advantageous marriages. It makes for a heady time to set a story!

What would you like to share about how you chose to write Callie’s story—how her invisibility applies to so many?

As someone who felt that invisibility as a child, I’ve been surprised how the trait resonates. It seems many of us feel alone or isolated at times, and this pandemic hasn’t helped. Like Callie, we all need someone who sees our best traits and honors us for them. And we need to remember there’s Someone to whom we will never be invisible.
What is your next novel in this series going to be about? 

Callie’s youngest sister, Belle, was the one who instigated their vow: that Larissa (their oldest sister), Callie, Belle, and their best friend, Petunia Bateman, would see each other wed by harvest. With Larissa and Callie engaged, Belle’s determined that it should be Petunia’s turn, and she knows the perfect man—charming, handsome, and an excellent rider, which is a big deal in her family. But is he the perfect man for Petunia, or Belle? Look for Never Romance a Rogue in June.

Where can readers find you? What social media is your favorite?

Readers can find me the following places. I will admit a fondness for Pinterest, although I can also be regularly found at a Facebook Group for lovers of sweet (low-heat) Regency romances, Lady Catherine’s Salon at https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyCatherinesSalon.
Website: www.reginascott.com         
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/authorreginascott       
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/reginascott
Newsletter signup form: https://subscribe.reginascott.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/regina-scott

 Middlebury, Indiana

This contemporary novel is where Amish and Englisch unite to make this a hugely delightful story. Vannetta has a fresh and lovely storyline that bloomed into three novels. MURDER SIMPLY BREWED is the first in the AN AMISH VILLAGE MYSTERY series.

Since murder is in the mix, danger is lingering around the bend. Sergeant Gordon isn’t seeming to find the murderer. Amber Bowman and Hannah’s curiosity and need to find the murderer pull them together in a story that has twists and turns and surprises! But will they find the murderer--I'm not telling!

Vannetta uses an actual town, but all fictional characters. I enjoyed learning more about Amish society and their interactions with the Englisch. This book has that small town inviting feel to it with interesting characters throughout. I've purchased these books for gifts and so far everyone has liked them! 

This is a story with mystery, character and heart! I highly recommended this story and the series.
 

1755 York, Virginia

This story is profound, A HEART ADRIFT, is memorable without question. Laura’s stunningly written tale swept this reader into the foam-tipped tides of a fresh story. Her unique grasp of the depth of human nature—both good and bad punctuate the story, making it dance on the pages, peeling away time so that we mere readers may glimpse the struggles of the 1700s, so remarkably relatable and relevant today. Such as prejudice, pandemic, and corruption of a few powerful men.

Esmée Shaw’s heart had been wounded by love a decade ago. The kind of love weighted with regret that is uncommon, irreplaceable, and which molds her life and future as skillfully as she does chocolate recipes. She has settled in as York’s Chocolatier in her father’s shop. Such a busy town where ships lay anchor and distribute their wares. And sailors remind her of a man she knew, loved, and lost.

Captain Henri Lennox gave his whole heart to the black-haired girl with stunning green eyes. But he was a sailor who couldn’t stay ashore. Adventures and duties awaited his skillful attention. And his return may cost the one he loves dearly more pain. The French threat approaches, and the government needs his sailing skills to defend them.  

Esmée and Henri’s story touches the beauty of generosity and dives into the pits of human greed and corruption. This is a story bolstered by their courage and fully ladened with opportunities for their growth and sacrifice.
​
Laura’s brilliant language, intrigue, and details make this story shine—which makes this possibly her best novel yet. Laura reaches the peak of storytelling only to climb up into the clouds and deliver a full-bodied adventure that stays with the reader and inspires courage for today.      
 
I asked Laura if I could share her grandmother's hot chocolate recipe. She had posted it on FaceBook previously. Laura graciously agreed and so dear reader I place it here for your enjoyment! 

Laura F. Frantz's Grandmother's Hot Chocolate Recipe

1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon cocoa
2 teaspoons sugar
Pinch salt
1 cup milk
Splash vanilla

The key is letting the first 4 ingredients simmer a couple of minutes before adding the milk & vanilla. Organic ingredients are best.
 
Well, there you have it. This is a lovely novel to sit and read and enjoy some of Laura's grandmother's hot chocolate! Blessings on your day!

​Chelsea Palace, London, England, May 1825

While the Duke of Wey is out of town, his daughters are in for an unforgettable season. And they were only looking for husbands! Lady Larissa’s former goal, to marry a prince, is announced at Chelsea Palace by her sister Belle in the presence of Callie, Tuny, Petunia Bateman, and their chaperone, Aunt Meredith, along with several gossips. Still, Lady Larissa knows how to handle tale-bearers—with elegance, grace, and class. Once these ladies meet King Frederick of Batavaria, and his two unmarried sons, Crown Prince Otto, and Frederick Archambault, life, as usual, begins to change.
 
The prince and his family are being followed and hindered by mysterious and possibly dangerous opponents. While this family tries to discover who is throating their efforts for gaining back their country, sparks fly between Lady Larissa and Leo. But the prince and the leader of the Imperial Guard are identical twins and very difficult to tell apart.
 
What I enjoyed about Book 1 of NEVER PURSUE A PRINCE is that the interesting and fun characters brought me into their tale and walked me around their 1825 limitations in the face of danger and challenges and expectations that are hard to meet. What I found particularly entertaining was what the ladies saw with their eyes sometimes proved to not be reality.

Regina shines in this lovely tale of conspiracy, and mystery and romance. She plucked my heartstrings, and I hope that you will give this very talented and inspired writer a chance!
I was given this novel for an honest evaluation and so you have it, reader—I recommend NEVER PURSUE A PRINCE, this author, and I’d love to hear what you think when you read some of Regina’s stories. 

This 40-day prayer journal did something amazing in my heart! These encouraging true stories are opening me where I’ve felt a bit narrower. I’m working my way through this more than a journal on prayer—which is awesome all by itself. Each day has a call to trust or believe or share community and so much more. Each day ends with a brief journal and prayer section for the reader to stop. Breathe and seize the moment of inspiration and invitation to know Him better. Allowing ourselves to be still and know that He is Lord over us if we pause and let Him lead.

As I read through these remarkable and specific days, there is a beautiful lifting and settling of my heart. Amy poured out her heart about her experiences as she encountered challenges and listened to Him in the middle of very different circumstances. So like our own lives, and always inspiring us to step higher and catch the view from these daily mountain tops! As I just wrote that last sentence, I glanced at Amy’s cover and noticed the mountains! How about that! 

And yes, I smiled!

Splendid encouragement from a lovely-hearted young woman of God. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review, and there you have it. Looks like I’ve opened my heart to you, dear reader! If you are searching to know the Lord and deepen your prayer perspective, then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this prayer journey of a journal! 

Questions for Amy:

Right now, which chapter in your prayer journal speaks to you and why?
Chapter 1, Believe In Miracles speaks to me right now. In my family right now we are believing for God to bring healing, restoration, new doors of opportunity and to do the impossible in our lives! ​

What do you like to drink or snack on when your write?
When I’m writing I try to focus more on drinks...like water, coffee, hot herbal tea, sparkling water (LaCroix Limoncello my favorite). For snacks, I grab fruit or chips & salsa. Very challenging to eat those while typing!   :)

Where do you like to write and dream with the Lord?
Lately, I’ve been getting up in the wee hours of the morning I’m going in the basement. Thankfully it is finished so it’s very cozy. It’s a great space to pray and hear from God and I’m not waking anyone up. During the day I like to go out on my patio and dream, journal, pray and hear from Him. 
 
Do you journal a lot? When did you start that?
​I do journal quite a bit. I actually journal out a lot of my prayers or write to God about challenges I’m facing. Sometimes, I write prayers of gratitude & record answered prayers. I also write out scriptures that speak to me about what me and my family are going through. I often insert our names into the Scriptures and pray them over my family & situation. 

I started journaling years ago when I first became a Christian - almost 30 years ago! Yikes!  :0
 
Do you have another book in the works? What can you tell us about it?
I have not started writing another book yet. I have thought about writing a book for special needs families. I want to write about our son Ashton’s Noonan Syndrome
and include the various areas he is affected. I also have a couple of other ideas in the works that I am praying over. 

What ministry for the Lord grips your heart right now?
Lately, the biggest things on my heart as far as ministry go are families and youth. I just see how modern-day society and all of its challenges are weighing heavy on families and on our young people. I am seeking God about ways I can be a part of the solution & help encourage & inspire Moms, Dads & their children living at home. 
 
Do you think your reader's voice matters when they leave a review on Amazon and other social media? Why?
I really think every voice matters. Whether you are are leaving a review on Amazon, another platform or sharing your story in any capacity, I think your voice matters and your story should be told. I think we should all find freedom & boldness to speak and share our faith openly too. This world needs the hope found in Jesus!
 
How do you want your readers to find you?
My readers can find me on my website at www.amyjoob.com, on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/AmyRobnikJoob, Instagram at @amyjoob1, or YouTube (Amy Joob). 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhv00G4l8bFgmBK7Y0OA6w/
https://www.instagram.com/amyjoob1/
email  amyjoob@yahoo.com