Interview and Giveaway with author Jean Hart Stewart

I would like to welcome to Book Junkie today, author Jean Hart Stewart, she is making her rounds on her virtual tour for her newest release: a historical romance entitled For Love is New. So please give Jean a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!

If someone were writing a story about Jean Hart Stewart what would your blurb say?

This one’s almost too easy. One of the luckiest people in this world.

Tell us a little about your newest release For Love is New that isn't in the blurb?
This book finally accomplished what I’ve long wanted, to write a historical that reflected the period accurately. Did research off and on for several years for this one, and am so pleased to see it published.

What was your favorite scene to write in For Love is New?
The ending of course. Christian and Juliet had been through hell, to the point even I wondered if they’d ever have a happy ending. When they finally did it was so wonderful to know they were finally together.

Do you usually cast your characters (a mental picture) before or after you have started writing? Does it help inspire you and take the story in a different direction?
Not usually, but in this book Christian was definitely Colin Firth. That stiff British upper lip was essential for Christian, and my image of Colin never let me down. Not the usual for me though.

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Not really, my heroines are always smarter, braver and prettier than I am. I really can’t come up to their standards/

Do you ever run into someone who says, YOU WRITE WHAT !!” ?
Definitely, and mostly with an disbelieving look. Even my kids give me that look once in a while. I think my erotic scenes are especially hard for them to take.

The house is on fire and you only have time to grab one book …… which do you take with you?
No question, Pride and Prejudice. I can and have read that over and over.

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
The sadism scenes in For Love is New were hard for me. Eroticism I understand, sadism I just don’t.

Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about youThis is a toughie. I’m pretty darned normal. Love opera, does that count?

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
 http://www.jeanhartstewart.com/, Twitter, Facebook, My Space. Do write me,anytime.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Oh lordy, I’d like to ask them so much. Wish they’d go on line and tell me what they really like in romance fiction. Character, emotion, plot????? What makes you buy a book? Cover, blurb, word of mouth, price? I could go on and on, but will exert a little self-control her and stop. Just comment asking if the readers have any questions for me, OK? Love being interviewed, and enjoy feedback and getting to know a reader.

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Lord Christian Cherne, recently invalided out of the Penninsular Army, is looking forward to the pleasures of London. He has one duty to discharge before he searches for a mistress. He must offer his protection to Lady Juliet Sloan. Paul Sloan was killed in battle, leaving Christian a horrifying letter of his sadistic treatment at the hands of Roger Gullis. To his dismay, Christian finds Gullis sitting in Lady Juliet’s parlor when he comes to call. All his plans must now concentrate on keeping Juliet safe. Christian further suspects Gullis of being a traitor and his fears for Juliet increase.

Juliet is attracted, but suspicious of which man is the traitor. As attraction between Juliet and Christian grows, Gullis turns cruelly vengeful.

Will Juliet and Christian be able to thwart Gullis’ plans to help bring Napoleon back to power, even as he finds wicked retribution for his rejection by the two lovers he has come to hate?

EXCERPT:

As Christian threw her up on her horse, and then mounted himself, Juliet looked for Boney. He was sitting by Maggie and made no move to come with them.

“Let’s go, Boney,” said Christian. To everyone’s amazement, the dog didn’t budge. In fact he moved even closer to the small girl.

“Well,” said Christian, “that’s a surprise.”

Maggie gave the dog an embarrassed push, but he stayed by her side.

Christian laughed. “If you can stand his company, I’d be delighted, Miss Maggie. We’ve been wondering where to house him.”

Southworth looked as if he were about to have a fit of apoplexy. “Maggie, that’s his lordship’s dog.

Tell him to go along with his master. I’ve taught you better than this.”

Before she could answer Christian cut in. “It looks to me as if Maggie and I might share the ownership, Southworth. You can’t direct affection, you know. I think it’s a wonderful solution, if he isn’t too much of a pest. My mother thinks he’s much too big

for the house.”

Southworth, still embarrassed, looked first at the girl, who was reluctantly taking her arms from about Boney, and then at his lordship’s wide smile.

“Let me know if he gets to be too much of a bother,” Christian said and rode off, still grinning.

Boney watched Juliet and Christian leave. The big dog didn’t move except to follow them with his eyes, then he sighed and sat down on Maggie’s feet.

Maggie’s arms wrapped around his neck once again.

***GIVEAWAY***

Jean will be giving away a download of one of her books (winner's choice) to one randomly chosen commenter!

So answer Jean's question above or leave a comment on her interview and Jean will pick the winner!! She will award the winner's choice of print books to the commenter with the best comment at the end of the tour.  

Contest ends 03/11