SIGNET RING E-NEWSLETTER
VOL. 4 NO. 2/3 ~ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2005
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. FEBRUARY AND MARCH RELEASES
2. EXCITING AUTHOR NEWS!
3. AUTHOR APPEARANCES
4. AWARD NOMINATIONS
5. AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: MARGARET EVANS PORTER
6. COMING IN APRIL
7. CONTEST NEWS
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NEW IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH!!!
The Signet & Onyx Romance authors are pleased to announce their
February and March releases.


NEW IN FEBRUARY

DARE ME
Cherry Adair, Julie Elizabeth Leto, Jill Shalvis
Exquisite passion becomes the most dangerous risk of all in this sizzling
trio of novellas from three national best-selling masters of seductive
suspense.
In Cherry Adair's Playing for Keeps, a woman's daring and bravery has
earned her a death warrant from vengeful adversaries. Her ex-husband is the
only man who can save her. If she lets him get close enough. But can he win
back her trust in time to save her life?
In Jill Shalvis's Nothing to Lose, a beautiful antiques dealer is persuaded
to find her missing ex-husband. An offer of a cool million is
irresistible…and so is the stranger who puts it on the table. But what
forbidden secret-and illicit passion-is she about to discover?
In Julie Elizabeth Leto's Dare to Desire, a secret agent's life-and-death
mission hinges on the delicious blackmail scheme of her hot-blooded former
lover. He'll give her any information she needs, if she'll surrender to him
the one thing he still desires…
Signet (Eclipse)
ISBN: 0451214374
$6.99

DIAMOND DREAMS
Sandra Heath
Bound by Destiny
Miss Ellie Rutherford has endured one tragedy after another. The deaths of
her parents, along with the loss of the family fortune, leave her unsure of
her future. Her only saving graces are her uncle, a pottery owner who gives
her a home in Wales, and the mysterious stranger who steals a kiss-and her
heart….
Athan, Lord Griffin, is so taken by the uncanny resemblance between Ellie
and the portrait of a lady hanging in his home, he is compelled to kiss
her. And though Athan is betrothed to another out of obligation, duty plays
no role when it comes to fate…or to love. But neither he nor Ellie can
guess that Athan's impulsive action will lead to an adventure in exotic St.
Petersburg that will bring passion-and destiny-to brilliant light.
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214498
$5.99

MY LADY FAIRE
Emily Hendrickson
Guardian of Love
At twenty-seven, the beautiful widow Claudia, Lady Fairfax has her hands
full caring for her precocious stepson, Edward. The last thing she needs is
Viscount Noel Clifford, Lord Hawke, interfering. Her intimidating,
infuriating neighbor may share guardianship of Edward-but what could a
handsome, carefree bachelor know about raising a child, pray tell? It was
no matter that Edward adored him. She would never submit to his charm.
Never. Not even if it means that her heart will burst with longing…
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214587
$4.99

WHEN YOU GO AWAY
Jessica Barksdale Inclan
National best-selling author
"An author to watch."-New York Times best-selling author Kristin Hannah
What happens when a mother of three, abandoned by her husband, one day
reaches the breaking point and does the unthinkable-simply gets in her car
and drives away?
For Peri Mackenzie, that day comes months after her husband leaves, robbing
her of all financial and emotional support. Months after she started caring
for her severely disabled daughter and her two teenage children with no
help from anyone. While thirteen-year-old Carly does her best to handle
laundry and her little sister's complicated medical routine,
fifteen-year-old Ryan is too resentful to pretend that things are okay. It
is their estranged grandfather, Carl-determined to make up for his own
parenting failures in the past-who reaches out in unexpected ways. And it
is Peri's return-and her fierce determination to win back the right to be
their mother-that begins a healing process through which all their lives
are made new.
"Luminescent writing…by far Inclán's most daring novel." Booklist
"Muted, poignant drama with an immensely appealing depth, plain grace-and
echoes of Inclán's Her Daughter's Eyes." Kirkus Reviews
"A powerful novel." Contra Costa Times
NAL Accent
ISBN: 0451214609
$6.99

A KNIGHT LIKE NO OTHER
Jocelyn Kelley
For one lady of St. Jude's Abbey, honor is seductive.
In twelfth-century England, St. Jude's Abbey is no ordinary sanctuary of
prayer and ritual. Established by Eleanor of Aquitaine it trains young
women in the knightly arts, as well as martial arts from the East. In times
of trouble, these formidable women are called upon to protect the royal
family and England. Avisa de Vere is one such woman…
Even behind the abbey walls, Avisa has heard of the conflict between the
king and the Archbishop of Canterbury. And the queen has commanded her to
keep her majesty's cherished godson, Christian Lovell, from entering the fray.
When Christian "rescues" a damsel in distress on his way to Canterbury, he
has no idea the fair-haired beauty was sent to protect him. He has never
before known a woman who carries her own broadsword. And when Avisa asks
him to help rescue her sister, he has no choice but to follow her.
Avisa soon learns Christian is a knight of great honor and courage--and
finds herself weak at his touch. Desire is a battle she was not taught to
fight-and the wisest course may be surrender....
"Fast, fresh, and fun!" Mary Jo Putney
"Historical romance at its best!" May McGoldrick, author of Dreams of Destiny
"Lively and entertaining!" Margaret Evans Porter, author of Kissing A Stranger
Signet (Eclipse)
ISBN: 0451214382
$6.50

THE ART OF UNDRESSING
Stephanie Lehmann
Ginger Levine really doesn't want to turn into her mother.
Ginger's mother, Coco, used to be an exotic dancer. Now she makes her
living selling sex toys and teaching classes like "The Fine Art of
Striptease." A straitlaced, self- respecting twenty-five-year-old, aspiring
pastry chef Ginger has no desire to follow in her mother's high-heeled
footsteps. She's too busy trying to convince her sadistic French cooking
school instructor of her talents in the kitchen.
When Ginger gets sweet on a fellow student, she finds herself ill-equipped
in the art of seduction. But a reputation as "just one of the guys"
convinces Ginger there are more ways to a man's heart than through his
stomach…or his mind. And suddenly she's looking for some motherly advice on
how to reveal herself to the man she loves…
"Stephanie Lehmann is funnier, smarter, sharper, more insightful, and a lot
more honest than your ideal best friend." Pamela Redmond Satran, author of
Babes in Captivity
"Stephanie Lehmann is brilliant." Cathy Yardley, author of L.A. Woman
NAL Trade
ISBN: 0451214110
$12.95

LADY LARKSPUR DECLINES
Sharon Sobel
Performance of a lifetime
Jilted by her fiancé, Lady Larkspur finds herself in a very vulnerable
position. As the only unattached daughter of a peer, she is in danger of
becoming an old maid at twenty-four. Until her father arranges a marriage
behind her back-to a man thrice her age.
Desperate to avoid a loveless marriage, the headstrong Lady Larkspur
pretends she is ill-and unsuitable to become a wife. But her swoons and
fevers don't fool Benedict Queensman, the physician who is charged with her
care. He immediately sees Lark's "decline" as artifice, yet whisks her off
to Brighton in hopes that the sea air can revive her. But the last thing
Ben wants is to cure the woman who has won his heart-just to lose her to
another….
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214595
$4.99

GOOD HOPE ROAD
Lisa Wingate
In a time of crisis, two women come together-and set off down a road of hope...
Twenty-year-old Jenilee Lane, whose dreams are as narrow as the sky is
wide, doesn't imagine any good could come out of the tornado that has
ripped across the Missouri farmland where she makes her home. But some
inner spark compels her to take action. To rescue her elderly neighbor
Eudora Gibson from the cellar in which she's been trapped. To make her way
to the nearby town of Poetry, where the townspeople have begun to gather in
the only building left standing. To collect from the devastated landscape
fragments of life that lie strewn about in the tornado's wake: letters,
photographs, and mementos that might mean something to people who have lost
everything.
Eudora Gibson didn't think Jenilee had it in her. But the girl she's hardly
noticed for years is now surprising her- stepping forward with a bravery
that inspires Eudora to face her own bitter past. Brought close by tragedy,
the two will learn lessons about the resilience of the human spirit and the
ties that make a community strong. And together, they will travel to a
place that once lay beyond their dreams.
Accent
ISBN: 0451214676
$12.95
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

STILL AVAILABLE

A MOST UNSUITABLE MAN
Jo Beverley
Jo Beverley's magnificent Georgian novels have made her one of today's most
beloved storytellers. Now, the New York Times best-selling author presents
a new novel set in the scintillating, dangerous Malloren world….
Damaris Myddleton never expected to inherit a vast fortune- but she's ready
to use it to buy the most eligible title in England. When disappointed by a
marquess, she simply sets her sights higher, on a duke. But then there's
plain Mr. Fitzroger, the dashing but penniless adventurer who first saves
her from social disaster, and then saves her life.
Now, trapped in mystery, danger, and forbidden intimacy, Damaris fights not
to surrender her freedom and her heart to a most unsuitable man…
Signet
ISBN: 0451214234
$6.99

THE LADY AND THE CIT
Blair Bancroft
Ms. Bancroft has…the potential to be another Mary Jo Putney or Mary
Balogh." -Romantic Times
A Practical Pairing
Miss Aurelia Trevor is in mourning-not for any person, but for her beloved
Pevensey Park. Her conniving uncle and his loathsome son have claimed
lordship over the estate which should rightly be hers, if not for the fact
that she was an unmarried woman too young to inherit her beloved lands.
What she desperately needs is a husband of convenience....
Thomas Lanning is an icon of London commerce, with a reputation as hard as
his countenance. When Aurelia offers her hand, he sees an opportunity to
advance himself. With the foundation of marriage and acreage, he could rise
to prominence-all the way to a desired seat in Parliament. But the city
husband and country wife soon discover a common ground that they had never
even considered-true love...
Signet Regency
ISBN: 0451214323
$4.99

ELIZABETH'S RAKE
Emily Hendrickson
Upon leaving London, beautiful Elizabeth Dancy thinks that she has finally
escaped the amorous attentions of Lord Leighton. Surely the most notorious
and irresistible rake in the realm would never abandon the pleasures of
city life to follow her to the Surrey countryside. But Elizabeth has never
been more wrong: the heartbreakingly handsome lord has arrived in Surrey,
eager to woo and win her this Valentine's Day. Now there's nowhere for
Elizabeth to flee except into the most dangerous place of all-the arms of love…
Signet Regency
ISBN: 0451214315
$6.99

THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN
Anna Jeffrey
"A writer who is bound for superstardom." -USA Today Best-selling Author
Katherine Sutcliffe
Izzabelle Rondeau has always been good at running away from her problems.
This time she's running to Callister, Idaho-a place she once called home.
She's determined to start over as a horse trainer, make up for lost time
with her daughter, and rid her life of men, especially cowboys. That is
until the local sheriff arrives at her door, a man she hasn't seen since
she left the town some eighteen years ago…
John Thomas Bradshaw, Jr., a rodeo champion turned sheriff, has his own
troubles. His wife left him, taking their two sons with her. But when his
high school crush comes strutting back into town with a spark in her eyes
to match her unruly, fiery hair, he jumps at the chance to get to know her
all over again. Soon this welcome distraction reveals more than just a
shared love for horses. An all- consuming passion that neither can deny is
developing-but can two wounded hearts learn to love again?
Signet Eclipse
ISBN: 0451213882
$6.50

ACROSS A WILD SEA
Sasha Lord
"A powerful, highly romantic adventure with marvelous mystical
overtones...brimming with fascinating characters, a legend of grand
proportions, and magical animals." -Romantic Times (4½ stars)
He is Xanthier O'Bannon-cast out Scotsman, marauding sea captain, feared by
all. He has lost his land and birthright-and has nothing left but pride and
a lust for revenge. She is Alannah-a blind, ethereal beauty with an uncanny
affinity for the horses that roam wild across the island she calls home.
Raised by a strong woman, Alannah has known nothing but peace in her soul....
But when a violent storm casts Xanthier ashore, Alannah innocently
surrenders to an untamed desire. And Xanthier makes a promise to protect
her-never suspecting how that simple vow will transform his life…
Signet Eclipse
ISBN: 0451213874
$6.50

THE DUEL
Barbara Metzger
From the award-winning author of A Perfect Gentleman and Wedded Bliss
comes an enchanting tale about an imperfect earl and the picture perfect
woman who teaches him that love is always worth fighting for…
If only he could go back in time. Then Ian, the Earl of Marden, would not
have dueled, and he would not have hit an innocent bystander-a sickly lad,
no less. And he certainly would never have brought the boy's sister, Athena
Renslow, to stay at his house without a chaperone.
Now, on top of it all, the nineteen-year-old beauty is under the mistaken
impression that Ian is the gentle hero who rescued her brother-instead of
the rogue who practically killed him…
Unable to find her a respectable duenna, Ian resolves to do the honorable
thing. But Athena won't let the wealthy, handsome bachelor sacrifice
everything by marrying a country nobody, despite the urgings of both their
families-and the desire of both their hearts…
Signet Eclipse
ISBN: 0451213890
$6.50

'TIL MORNING LIGHT
(Gracelin O'Malley Trilogy)
Ann Moore
She's a long way from Ireland-but Gracelin O'Malley still has a long way to
go to reach home...
She crossed an ocean and then a continent to escape the suffering of
famine-torn Ireland. Now, haunted by loss, but determined to build a new
life in the new world, Gracelin O'Malley traverses the country with her
young children to accept a San Francisco sea captain's practical proposal
of marriage. But when she arrives, he is not there…
The City of Gold is awash with emigrant gangs, disillusioned soldiers,
professional gamblers and ruthless opportunists; it is no place for widows
and children. When a prominent doctor offers her work in his household,
Grace accepts, only to become embroiled in blackmail and betrayal at the
hands of his troubled sister. As past catches up to present, Grace
discovers that the city harbors one man she'd thought lost to her-and their
reunion sets in motion a series of events that affects the future of
everyone around them. But as Grace prepares to wed, there is one last ghost
to face.
NAL Accent
ISBN: 0451214048
$13.95

LEAVING IRELAND
Ann Moore
A young mother leaves her homeland-and begins life anew...
Hoping for a better future, Gracelin O'Malley sets sail from her beloved
Ireland to a world unlike anything she's ever known. After surviving the
treacherous passage, she delights in finding her brother Sean, already much
changed by Manhattan's strange ways. Grace takes a job in a saloon, coping
with the starkness of immigrant life-and the horrors of the Irish tenement
district.
Haunted by the choice she made to leave her infant son behind in County
Cork, Grace finds solace in the friendship of a runaway slave, a woman who
has also made unspeakable decisions. As Grace struggles to adapt to her new
home, she reunites with a man she once misjudged. With his help, she finds
the courage to take a stand against the corruption and injustice around
her-but her bravery threatens the very people she has sworn to protect…
Accent
ISBN: 0451214269
$7.99

A LADY OF TALENT
Evelyn Richardson
Portrait of Perfection
Sebastian, Earl of Charrington, was betrothed to a most suitable match, but
it was another woman who claimed his heart. Fortunately for everyone,
especially his fiancée, the lady in question was just a beauty in a
painting-a woman he didn't even think existed in real life. But then
Sebastian commissioned the artist of his favorite work to paint a portrait
of his wife-to-be. And was shocked to discover that the painting was a
self-portrait-and that the hired artist in front of him was none other than
the hazel- eyed woman who haunted his dreams…
Signet Regency
ISBN: 0451210093
$4.99

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AUTHOR NEWS
Catherine Anderson's MY SUNSHINE has enjoyed several weeks on the New York
Times Best Seller list, reaching the #10 spot.

Katie McAlister's A HARD DAY'S KNIGHT has secured a place on both the
Waldenbooks and USA Today lists.

In celebration of Dorothy McFalls' upcoming debut Signet Regency, THE
MARRIAGE LIST, and its availability for pre-order, Dorothy is running a
"Bribe to Buy My Book" contest on her website: www.dorothymcfalls.com. On
February 28, 2005, one lucky subscriber to her email list will win a $10
gift certificate from Amazon.com!

Margaret Evans Porter is giving away a gold and diamond heart pendant and
autographed items in her website contest. Visit
http://members.aol.com/MargEvaPor/ to enter and to read about her upcoming
release, a special double edition of DANGEROUS DIVERSIONS and TOAST OF THE
TOWN (Signet, May 2005).

Lisa Wingate was thrilled to hear that her January Accent book, THE
LANGUAGE OF SYCAMORES received a Top Pick from Romantic times in mainstream
fiction. Equally exciting was the news that GOOD HOPE ROAD (Accent 2003
release) won the Salt Lake County (Utah) Library System's Reader's Choice
Award in a contest that included 26 titles and 3740 votes. Good news to
start the new year!

Jill Winters latest novel, RASPBERRY CRUSH, made #7 on Book Sense's
Valentine's Day Top Ten List! Called a "novel of love, sex, mystery, and
laughter," RASPBERRY CRUSH earned the Blether Gold Award, and 5 coffee cups
from the Book Review Café (which is their
highest rating, as well as Jill's daily intake!) Stop by
http://www.jillwinters.com for details about JUST PEACHY, which will hit
bookstores in May!

DARE ME, out now, a romantic suspense anthology was picked up by Doubleday
and Rhapsody Book Club. Go to Jill Shalvis' website for more info on this
book, and her other releases. Also, visit her new blog and win
books! http://jillshalvis.com

Lydia Joyce is pleased to announce that her April book, THE VEIL OF THE
NIGHT, received at Top Pick from Romantic Times. "With her debut erotic
romance, Joyce joins the ranks of the best." Be sure that you don't miss
Lydia's tape for Meet The Author, where she discusses the inspiration for
her new take on the Gothic! See the video
here: http://www.meettheauthor.com/bookbites/561.html

Patti Callahan Henry invites readers to visit www.patticallahanhenry.com to
find updates, excerpts and fantastic new contests!

Jocelyn Kelley is delighted that her web site is up. Visit her at
www.jocelynkelley.com

Don't forget to stop in and see Megan Frampton's new web site at
www.meganframpton.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
AUTHOR APPEARANCES
Check to see if one of the NAL authors is coming to an event near you.

Jocelyn Kelley will be signing books at the Let Your Imagination Take
Flight conference in Natick, MA on April 2 at Crowne Plaza Hotel. She also
will be participating in a writing workshop at Tatnuck's Booksellers in
Westborough, MA on April 23 10 am-1 pm.

Lauren Royal will be signing books Saturday, April 2 at the Bakersfield
Highland Games, held at Stramler Park in Bakersfield, California. For more
information, visit the "Appearances" page at www.LaurenRoyal.com. And while
you're there, take a moment to enter Lauren's contest to celebrate the
upcoming July release of her new historical, LOST IN TEMPTATION. The prize
is a cameo in a sterling silver pendant!

In advance of the publication of DANGEROUS DIVERSIONS & ROAD TO RUIN in a
special double issue, Margaret Evans Porter is giving away a gold and
diamond pendant with chain.
http://members.aol.com/MargEvaPor/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
AWARDS
The Historical Romance Club has announced the following nominations for NAL
Authors.
UNDONE by Virginia Henley was nominated in four categories:
l. Historical Romance Of The Year
2.Celtic Romance of the Year
3.Bravest Heroine of the Year - Elizabeth Gunning
4.Most Valiant Hero of the Year - John Campbell

FORBIDDEN MAGIC by Jo Beverley was nominated in two categories:
l. Regency Romance of the Year
2. Gallant Rogue of the Year
(Note: Jo's FORBIDDEN MAGIC will be released in August 2005)

THE IRON ROSE by Marsha Canham was nominated for Medieval Romance of the Year.

Pat Rouse's Romance Top Picks of 2004:
Catherine Anderson BLUE SKIES
Jerri Corgiat SING ME HOME
Sasha Lord UNDER A WILD SKY

Allison Lane won the 2005 career achievement award from Romantic Times for
her many Regency romances.

Sophia's pleased to announce her debut book "A Secret Passion" was named
Best Debut Romance of the Year by Romance Readers Anonymous. Visit
www.sophianash.com to read excerpts and enter a contest featuring jewels
fit for a duchess!

Lisa Wingate had double good news last month, when her September, 2004
book, LONE STAR CAFÉ was nominated by RT Bookclub's Reviewer's Choice Award
in the Best Contemporary category. Shortly afterward, she was thrilled to
receive a call from an AP reporter telling her she was one of nine national
winners of the 2004 Civies award, an award given by Americans for Greater
Civility, to recognize public figures who promote greater kindness and
civility in American Life. Needless to say, February was a happy month at
the Wingate house!

Mary Jo Putney announces that A KISS OF FATE (Ballantine) has won the
Romantic Times award for Best Historical Paranormal Romance.

Congratulations to our nominated and winning authors!!!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT on MARGARET EVANS PORTER

Margaret Evans Porter is the award-winning author of a dozen Regency and
historical novels, as well as nonfiction, travel articles, and poetry. She
studied British history in England, trained as an actress, and later worked
as a producer for film and television. She spends part of the year in
Britain, Ireland, or France, and most of it in New England, where she lives
beside a woodland pond with her husband, two dogs, and a variety of
interesting wildlife. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, photography,
and wonderful restaurants. Information about her novels and activities can
be found at her website, http://members.aol.com/MargEvaPor/

Margaret's upcoming release is DANGEROUS DIVERSIONS and TOAST OF THE TOWN,
Signet Books, May 2005. These popular novels, reissued as a special double
edition, earned recognition for their author as a "delightfully fresh and
unique voice in a most demanding genre," who "weaves history and romance
into a complex and realistic story." [Romantic Times]

*Learn more about Margaret Evans Porter in our exclusive interview!
Q. How long have you been writing?
A. Forever! Ever since I could hold a crayon, I scribbled stories. In 4th
grade, I wrote and edited and published the class newspaper--clearly I was
destined for a creative writing and journalism career! At some point in
college I turned professional--in other words, got paid for it.

Q. How did you become interested in writing (and especially in writing
romance)?
A. My early interest in writing was apparently congenital. I was raised in
a household crammed with books, among relatives and friends who were
writers. Being a writer never seemed that weird to me.

As a kid, I wrote the same stuff I was reading--horse stories, ballet
stories, history stories--and there was always a boy-girl relationship in
the plot somewhere. By the time I graduated to more grown-up tales--JANE
EYRE, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and Anya Seton's and Georgette Heyer's
novels--my interest in romance as an element of fiction was deeply
ingrained. Shortly after I was married (and thus in a very romantic frame
of mind!), I followed the path my favorite authors had already walked, and
started writing a romance.

Q. What was your first book? How does your latest work differ from it?
A. Because I was first published in nonfiction, my first book was about the
emerging cable news industry. My first published romance was HEIRESS OF
ARDARA, a Regency set in Ireland, released in hardcover. My later works
were only slightly different: historical fiction, set primarily in late
Georgian England. My current work is very different indeed, yet in a
significant way connected to what I've done before. That's all I can say
right now, because I'm not really talking about it yet!

Q. What was the biggest mistake you made when you first began writing?
A. Assuming it would always be so easy, and that I'd always be in complete
control! I just plunged in, and had a wonderful time. Without the burden of
deadlines, or editor expectations, or contract requirements, or anything else.

Q. Which of your characters is your favorite, and why?
A. Probably it's Flora Campion in TOAST OF THE TOWN, being reissued by
Signet in May, 2005 (in a double issue with DANGEROUS DIVERSIONS). Before I
settled down to writing full-time, I was an actress. Some aspects of that
character are autobiographical, but in subtle ways known only to me!
Q. Which book, if any, was the most difficult for you to write, and why?
A. Inevitably, it's the one I'm working on. Why? Because it isn't finished yet!

Q. What do you consider key elements of a great story?
A. Protagonists who stir the reader's empathy and respect, an engaging and
well-crafted plot, a background and setting vital to the action, conflict
that is seemingly insurmountable, and a satisfying ending.

Q. What is your favorite romance novel of all time? And your favorite novel
of any genre?
A. Impossible choice--I have a huge keeper shelf, dating from my teen
years, and nowadays so many of my friends are romance authors! Because the
love story is quite profound, I'd have to say that KATHERINE, by Anya
Seton, was the novel that influenced me the most. My favorite novel of all
time is A CHANCE TO SIT DOWN, by Meredith Daneman, closely followed by
Nancy Mitford's THE PURSUIT OF LOVE.

Q. Are there some trends you hope to see in romance in the next few years?
A. First, as a reader of historicals, I long for the range of settings and
historical periods to expand. For British-set historicals, I especially
like Restoration and Victorian books, and hope Phillipa Gregory's success
in the mainstream marketplace means more Tudor-era historicals will come
along. Having settled in New England, I crave historical romance fiction
using this much-neglected region.

Second, "faction"--whether it's fictional biography, or intensely
"historical" historical fiction--is already a trend in the mainstream.
Romance novels, by incorporating these elements, and others, might expand
its audience.

Third, I'd like to see historical romance open up the way contemporary
romance fiction has under the influence of Chick Lit: anything goes! (Well,
almost.)

Q. What is the best part about being a writer? The most frustrating?
A. Too many "best parts" to name . . . although having a licence to "make
stuff up" is at the top of the list. The most frustrating thing is having
more ideas than I have time to turn into novels!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

COMING IN APRIL...

THE WINTER DUKE
Louise Bergin
"A major new Regency writer."-The Dallas Morning News
A lesson in love
After a failed London season, Miss Lydia Grenville returns to the country
with a little hope of finding a love match. She seeks solace in her
sketching, often sneaking out of her house to draw in the woods surrounding
nearby Winterbourne Castle.
But a man soon disrupts her peace-a rumpled scholar who she assumes is the
secretary to the new Duke of Winterbourne. His playful intelligence
captivates Lydia's heart. Destined to marry a noble, Lydia knows her
attraction to the secretary is quite hopeless-and meeting him unaccompanied
in the woods quite scandalous. But nothing can prepare her for the
deception that soon comes to light-and changes everything…
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214722
$4.99

WALKING WITH HER DAUGHTER
Jessica Barksdale Inclan
Praised for her "daring" (Booklist) and "poignant" (Dorothea Benton Frank)
novels, Jessica Barksdale Inclán, acclaimed author of One Small Thing,
delivers a powerful story of a woman's journey through heartbreak and hope…
Jenna Thomas never thought such tragedy could touch her. A
forty-five-year-old professor, she devoted herself to her beautiful
daughter, Sofie, and anticipated the bright future ahead for her only
child. But just as Sofie began to experience the joys of young womanhood,
her life was cut short in a matter of seconds…
Now, not only must Jenna survive the grief that threatens to consume her,
she must also come to terms with her relationship with her ex-husband and a
newfound attraction to a younger colleague. And when events again take an
unexpected turn, Jenna is blessed with another chance to correct the
mistakes of the past, open her heart more fully, and embrace the fragility
and miracle of life made new…
NAL Accent
ISBN: 0451214153
$12.95

THE VEIL OF NIGHT
Lydia Joyce
"A stunning debut . . . absolutely riveting." -Lisa Kleypas
In darkness, he awaits her. . .
Byron Stratford, Duke of Raeburn, walks in shadow. Spoken of only in
whispers, he lives alone in his crumbling manor, a cold, enigmatic recluse.
Rarely appearing by the light of day, he moves as a wraith in the night,
answering to no man. He cares little for those who dwell outside-and does
not abide the intrusion of others, lest they discover his secret
shame...This is the sinister man Lady Victoria Wakefield must confront if
she is to save herself from her family's ruin. Little does she suspect that
she will emerge from her journey into that night as his shining sun- or
that the passion that radiates between them will be their only defense
against the true darkness threatening to destroy them both...
"The next great romance author has arrived, and her name is Lydia Joyce.
The Veil Of Night is a stunning debut from a young writer who possesses
remarkable maturity and style. Every page is charged with sensual energy
and confident grace. It is a gorgeous, complex, absolutely riveting novel.
If there is only one new author you will try this year, it must be Lydia
Joyce." -Lisa Kleypas
"Anyone who has ached for the Gothics of the past shouldn't miss this
book!" Karen Harbaugh, author of Dark Enchantment
Signet (Eclipse)
ISBN: 0451214838
$6.99

CELIA'S GRAND PASSION and LUCY IN DISGUISE
Lynn Kerstan
Two Delightful Regencies at One Delightful Price!
Together for the first time in one volume, the stories of an irresistible
pair of brothers and the two equally captivating women who fall under their
spell
Celia's Grand Passion No man in England could match Lord Kendal's cool
elegance or his peerless diplomatic skills-or his untouchable heart.
Undaunted, Lady Celia Greer, an exuberant young widow, has vowed to melt
his icy demeanor. If ever there was a gentleman worth saving from his own
cold prison, it was Kendal. And if ever there was a woman for the job…'twas
she!
Lucy in Disguise Miss Lucy Preston soon rues the day she rescued a wounded
smuggler from the quicksand of a Lancashire beach. For Christopher Valliant
proves himself an infuriatingly curious rascal, quickly seeing through her
disguise and that of her companion, a frightened young lady running from
danger. What's more, he's determined to help the fair damsels despite
Lucy's stubborn opposition-motivated by nothing less than pure, glorious love…
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214986
Paperback

LORD WILL & HER GRACE
Sophia Nash
Lord Will's amorous appetite has landed him in hot water again. Fleeing
from a furious family intent on securing the notorious rake for their
daughter, the Marquis of Granville's youngest son finds quiet refuge in
Burnham-by- the-Sea. Assuming the guise of a harmless dandy, William is as
far away from London scandal as he can get-or so he believes until he
crosses paths with an audacious outcast who might just be the solution to
all his other pressing needs...
Miss Sophie Somerset's gauche behavior at this season's balls has made her
quite the topic of the gossip columns. Alarmed by suitors interested only
in her future inheritance, she must nevertheless marry a proper aristocrat
or lose the title and the fortune. Lord Will discomposes her mind and her
heart with his lessons in flirtation to help her succeed. But little does
this future duchess know she trifles with the devil in disguise...
Signet (Regency)
ISBN: 0451214730
$4.99

RIVER OF FIRE
Mary Jo Putney
New York Times Best-selling Author
Dear Reader, I love when my books are reissued so new readers can discover
them, and I've always had a particular fondness for River of Fire because
of the contradictions in the hero's nature. Rebel, soldier, hero and spy,
Kenneth Wilding was known as the Demon Warrior for his matchless abilities.
Then he returns from the Napoleonic wars to an empty title and a ravaged
estate.
A stranger offers a devil's bargain: financial salvation in return for
Kenneth's special subversive skills. Reluctantly Kenneth enters the
household of England's greatest artist to unmask a terrible crime. But he
also discovers something infinitely more dangerous: a tantalizing new way
of life, and an irresistible woman. After scandal destroys her trust and
her reputation, tempestuous Rebecca Seaton withdraws to an attic studio and
buries herself in her work. Then Kenneth Wilding sweeps into her life,
dazzling her senses with his pirate's face and poet's soul.
Amidst danger and betrayal, Kenneth and Rebecca grow and change, finding
the best in themselves and in their partners. Only after braving their
river of fire can Kenneth and Rebecca find the joy and peace of lasting
love. Happy reading always- Mary Jo Putney
"Putney offers a strong romantic relationship, good writing and memorable
characters, and a portrayal of the London art world filled with jealousy
and passion." Publishers Weekly
"Intense and emotional…A great read." Under The Covers
Signet (Regency) - reprint
ISBN: 0451214641
$7.50

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TREASURE HUNT CONTEST THIS MONTH!

Laura Ethridge was the winner in our February contest, winning books
by various Signet and Onyx authors. Congratulations Laura!

We've begun a new Treasure Hunt Contest for the month of April. This month
the prize
is autographed books by Signet and Onyx authors Lauren Royal, Susannah
Carleton, Jessica Barksdale Inclan, Jo Beverley, Lisa Wingate, Sasha Lord
and Anna Jeffrey!

This contest ends April 30, 2005
Don't miss your chance to win this wonderful contest! Go to
http://signetnal.home.att.net today and enter!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE SIGNET RING E-NEWSLETTER EDITED BY
JOCELYN KELLEY (A Knight Like No Other - Now Available!)
JACLYN REDING (The Second Chance - Coming Soon!)

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT COMPILED BY
SUSANNAH CARLETON (A Rake's Redemption- Now Available!)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]