Kathryne Kennedy shares Awards, News, and Foreign Covers!

Dear Readers,
Today I'd like to just share some exciting news! The third book in THE ELVEN LORDS series, THE LORD OF ILLUSION, won first place in the P/F/SF/F category of the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors' Contest!

THE LORD OF ILLUSION also finalled in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence P/F/F/TT category.

I saw the cover for the Thai version of THE LADY OF THE STORM. It's a little grainy in the image here, but it truly is lovely. It's always fascinating to see how a different culture interprets the story and uses their own vision to create a new cover.

I also received a copy of the German Edition of My Unfair Lady. They used the same cover, but it's thrilling to see my books published in a different language.

And on the personal front, I saw Cyndi Lauper in concert this weekend. She talked to the audience quite a bit, was wackily wonderful as usual, and she sang like a dream. It happened to be her birthday, and her fans knew it, and one of my favorite moments in the concert was when the audience spontaneously broke out into song, singing her Happy Birthday, and making her cry. Here's a shot my sister took with the camera, so it's not the best, but will still help me remember the enchanting evening.

Thanks so much for letting me share my news!
Until Next Time,
My Magical Best,
Kathryne

My Interview with Summer Wine Lee from MY UNFAIR LADY

The streets of London are busy, the clatter of hooves and the rumble of carriages over cobblestone mingling with the calls of costermongers and flower girls. I knock on the door of a tidy little brownstone that smacks of new wealth with none of the sophistication of the landed aristocracy. A girl with wild green eyes and black hair, dressed in a gown of clashing colors that makes me think she’s half gypsy, opens the door.

Maria: Well, what do ya’ want?

Author: Er, I have an appointment with Miss Summer Lee.

The girl’s eyes narrow as she studies my modern clothing suspiciously, but before she can say another word, a voice calls from the parlor.

Summer: Oh, do stop being so tiresome, Maria. Let the lady in and bring us some tea.

The black haired girl humphs, but allows me inside, and I try not to gawk too much at the antiques that surround me as she leads me into a smallish room with dark green velvet drapes heavy enough to feel oppressive. I blink while my eyes adjust to the light, and study the girl sitting on the chaise. While Maria had made me think gypsy, Summer Lee made me think of a forest fairy, with her diminutive stature and golden coloring. I had to remind myself that although I knew Summer well, I was a complete stranger to her, so I resisted the urge to hug her, and instead sat on a lovely velvet wingback chair.

A: You asked to see me?

S, nods eagerly: Oh, yes. I need your help.

A, smiling: I think you can manage whatever life throws your way, Summer. You don’t need me.

S: But I do. I’m terribly confused, you see, and it’s all your fault.

A, squirms a little, but refuses to feel too guilty: You’re in a bit of trouble. But I have every confidence you’ll figure everything out.

S: Tarnation, if it weren’t for that man, I’d agree with you.

A: I assume you mean the duke?

S, throws her arms up in the air: Who else? Not that I’m complaining about hiring him, mind. He managed to turn the outside of me into a lady, leastways.

She did look charming. Her hair had been swept up in an elegant back bun, with perfect spiral curls falling across her cheeks, a fringe of hair on her forehead softening her elfin features. She wore a dress of ivory satin, edged with lace around the neck and hem, with a full bustle swelling behind her. Embroidered slippers peeked from beneath the lace of her gown, and a stunning pearl choker circled her throat. I sighed as I looked down at my worn tennis shoes and denim-clad legs.

A: You’re now as lovely outside as you are on the inside.

S, scowling: Ha. You know darn well what terrible thing I did—

Fortunately, Maria chose that moment to enter the parlor, bearing a tea tray glittering with silver and china, which she set down with a clatter. The hem of her purple and green striped skirt lifted, and out ran the tiniest Chihuahua I’d ever seen. The little dog barked at me once, then cocked her head at my shoelaces, a wicked gleam in her eyes, and promptly bounced over and settled herself at my feet, chewing on the ends of the strings gleefully. At the same time, the bundle of fur on Maria’s shoulder uncurled itself to reveal a little monkey, gazing at me curiously.

A, smiling in pure delight: Chi-chi! India, you little scamp. You’re both even cuter than I imagined.

M, frowning in confusion, and then shrugging: Summer, the duke is waiting in his carriage for ya’. And ya’ know how he hates to be kept waiting.

S: He’s more than an hour early. She huffs. Oh, botheration, tell him I’ll be right there. Looks at the tea tray and me regretfully. Do you think you can come back so we can have a proper talk?

A: I’m sorry, Summer, but I don’t think I can manage this again. It’s…difficult to come to you. I start feeling woozy, and kinda hazy around the edges.

Summer bounds to her feet, silk skirts swishing, and grasps my hand.

S: But wait. You have to tell me what happens. What am I going to do?

A: I wish I could, Summer. But the truth is, I just don’t know.

S, brown eyes flashing gold: Tarnation, how can you not know?

A: Because my characters always take over the story, Summer. I have no idea what you’re going to do next. The room shimmers and fades and Chi-chi lets go of my shoelaces with a startled yelp. But don’t worry. I promise you’ll have a happily-ever-after. I write romances, after all.

Comparing Summer Wine Lee to Eliza Doolittle

Since My Unfair Lady was inspired by Shaw’s Pygmalion (and the movie, My Fair Lady), I was asked to compare my heroine, Summer Wine Lee, to Eliza Doolittle.

First, a little bit about My Unfair Lady. Raised in a Wild West mining town, Summer knows she’s an unacceptable bride for her fiancé’s knickerbocker family. So she goes to London to hire a sponsor to turn her into a lady. The Duke of Monchester reluctantly takes on the task, and Summer’s penchant for carrying a knife in her boot, picking up stray animals, and not knowing the least thing about acceptable polite society, makes his job difficult. When the duke starts to fall in love with her just the way she is, it becomes nearly impossible. But they are both determined—even when things get more complicated when it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill the duke.

There are a few similarities between Summer and Eliza. They are both products of their environment, their speech and mannerisms determined by where they were raised. Eliza in the East end of London, with her cockney speech and crude behavior. Summer in the untamed west, with her uncultured speech and masculine pursuits. They both have indifferent fathers, men who are more concerned with their own happiness and pursuits than they are with their daughters’. But in Summer’s case, she wants to become a lady, and Eliza was pretty much bullied into it. Summer couldn’t be bullied into anything.

But I think this aspect of their character is also a product of their environment. Eliza is a product of the Victorian attitude that men are superior persons. That their needs are more important than a woman’s. Whereas, Summer pretty much raised herself. She made her own rules, and although her father’s opinion is important to her—perhaps too much so—in her every day life she’s used to making up and following her own rules. Because of this, I have a tendency to think of Summer as more similar to Annie Oakley. A girl who can compete in a man’s world. Who can ride and shoot and fight with the best of them.

Although Eliza has compassion, I think this is one of Summer’s strongest traits. Especially her compassion for injured animals. She picks up quite a menagerie, which provides for some humorous moments in My Unfair Lady, and also allows us to glimpse Summer’s fears and insecurities.

The way Summer interacts with men is different from the way Eliza does, as well. Summer trusts her instincts, knows a good man when she sees one, despite what persona he chooses to reveal to the rest of the world, and acts accordingly. She doesn’t fear men, doesn’t see them in the role as her protector, or her superior. She considers herself an equal and treats them accordingly. I think this allows her to see beyond the surface of a man, and in many ways, get closer to him on a more equal footing. Eliza never views herself as an equal to Henry Higgins, even after she is successfully transformed into a lady. Perhaps this is why there is no happily-ever-after for the two of them. And why the author left it open as to whether she goes off with Freddie, or stays with Higgins.

This is why I love writing romance.

In My Fair Lady, Eliza does come to respect and stand up for herself. Summer has always done so. But in many ways, I think Eliza is more accepting of her true nature. Summer has a long journey before she even begins to understand herself. And her hero is going to help her toward that realization, not bully her into it.

Top Ten Reasons Why My Hero is Irresistible

Reason Number Ten:
Byron, the Duke of Monchester, my hero in My Unfair Lady, shares the same name of one of the most romantic English poets from the late eighteenth to early nineteenth century, who wrote She Walks in Beauty and Don Juan. Byron has some similar qualities to the English poet: He’s handsome, has had numerous love affairs, and is infamous for being a little bit ‘bad’. But unlike the poet, my Byron meets his soul mate, and is redeemed from a life that might have become dissolute.

Number Nine:
He was taught how to fight by his Chinese gardener. The discipline of Kung fu has made his hands lethal weapons…and yet he can still manage to touch a woman with gentle persuasion.

Number Eight:
Despite the fact that my heroine can take care of herself, Byron is constantly putting himself between her and danger. His bravery and perseverance can only be admired, especially when my heroine, Summer Wine Lee, keeps managing to get them into one scrape after another.

Number Seven:
Byron is like chocolate. Melt-in-your-mouth smooth and creamy, with a dark undertone of rich sweetness that makes you crave even more.

Number Six:
He has a thick head of golden blond hair, piercing blue eyes, a mouth so perfect it will remind you of a statue of Apollo, and above that masterpiece a nose that seems slightly crooked, saving him from being extraordinarily handsome to just boyishly so. Of little-bit-less than average height, my heroine never gets a crick in her neck when she kisses him.

Number Five:
He’s a man of contradictions. He appears bored, arrogant and completely jaded. And yet he helps Summer rescue baby foxes, allows her tiny dog to scuff up his boots with her pointy little teeth, and tolerates a monkey’s hug of affection.

Number Four:
It’s hard to resist a man in a cravat, a white lawn shirt…and only a button flap to separate my heroine from heaven.

Number Three:
He loves Summer because of her faults, not in spite of them. My heroine has hired him to turn her into a lady, and he desperately tries. But for a man bored of London society, her mannerisms are completely intoxicating. A visit to Paris to purchase Summer a new wardrobe turns into a chaotic involvement with her knife, the fitter, and silk drapes. A trip to the races turns into a match of wits involving Prince Albert. A jaunt in the country results in a bullet to his shoulder (not that this was the first time he’d been shot since he met Summer). Despite it all, or because of it all, Byron is having the best time of his life.

Number Two:
He has a wicked sense of humor. See Number Eight, Five, and Three above. He will desperately need it.

And the Number One reason why my hero is irresistible:
Byron knows how to pleasure a woman in bed, because really, after all is said and done…

Sharing News and New Reviews

Just giving a shout-out today to an RWA chapter, some reviewers, and…Thailand!

BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS recently received some very kind reviews:

I am always amazed by the depth and breadth of writing that Kathryne Kennedy offers to readers. Her ability to create new worlds that are realistic and believable with characters of immense depth astounds me. Here is a master storyteller who continues to improve with each book. I loved this book and the sub-themes that echo around humanity no matter where you live.
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/BeneathTheThirteenMoons.htm

Not being a great writer myself, I wish I could write exactly how wonderful and magical this book was but I hope if you are a fantasy fan you pick this up. This is one of those books that will be with me forever, and one that I could read again and again.
http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/01/book-review-beneath-thirteen-moons-by.html

Volusia County Romance Writers awarded MY UNFAIR LADY third place in their historical romance category, and sent me a lovely certificate.

Grace Publishing in Thailand recently purchased the foreign rights to THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER. Hopefully, I’ll receive a few author copies and be able to share them with you all.

It’s always wonderful to receive good news! Thanks a million for letting me share it with you!

A Bestseller...and Eloisa James!

I'm happy to announce that The Fire Lord's Lover hit a bestseller list:

http://stockmarketsreview.com/pressrelease/2010/07/27/the-latest-bestselling-ebooks-and-audio-books-from-booksonboard/

A big THANK YOU to all the readers who made it happen!


And I'm sharing another thrilling bit of news:

http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Reading-Romance/Twice-Told-Tales/ba-p/3049;jsessionid=4A756624658D0AE6DB1B3EB83CEDB842

The fabulously talented author, Eloisa James, included My Unfair Lady in the article she wrote above for Barnes & Noble's Review column titled Twice-Told Tales. Eloisa introduces her wonderful Cinderella re-telling, A Kiss at Midnight, and also talks about other new twists on old classics, such as Lisa Kleypas's Love in the Afternoon and Sherri Browning Erwin's mash-up of Jane Eyre, Jane Slayre. I'm flattered to be in such fine company, and by Eloisa's very kind words about My Unfair Lady.

Only a few days left to enter to win a genuine cameo!

I love doing contests. It’s a great way to spread the word about my books, and since I do jewelry as prizes, I get to shop for sparklies. It’s a win-win for me. :}



I can’t be sure how many readers I’ve actually garnered from doing my author contests, but I love that I can reward my readers for their loyalty to me and my books. I have readers that have been signed up for my newsletter for years, and I’m always excited when the random number generator picks their number.



I have a contest for a Victorian cameo running on my website now for my latest release, my Victorian romance, MY UNFAIR LADY. (It’s an easy one to enter…I’ve posted a copy of it below.) With my RELICS OF MERLIN series, it was easy to choose the prize, since each magical relic was spelled in a specific jewel. For my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, I wasn’t quite sure what to choose. There are no magical jewels in these books (although there are magical scepters), so I just kept thinking, what would be a perfect prize for romance readers?



Two words. Chocolate. And diamonds.



So how about chocolate diamond jewelry for prizes? Oh, yes, I had a great time shopping for those! I’m only sad that the first book in the series, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, isn’t scheduled for release until July 2010. But since I always do promotions months in advance, I’ll be able to start those contests after I award the winner of the cameo for MY UNFAIR LADY. Gotta love contests. :}



Warmly,

Kathryne



THIRD cameo contest for MY UNFAIR LADY Help me launch the December 2009 release of my Victorian romance novel, MY UNFAIR LADY! The prize for this THIRD contest is a large handcarved Italian genuine shell cameo pendant set in precious metal. Entering is easy! Just sign up for Kathryne Kennedy's newsletter at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KathryneKennedy/



A winner will be randomly chosen using RANDOM.ORG. Existing newsletter subscribers are automatically entered. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends February 28, 2010. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

MY UNFAIR LADY receives more lovely reviews...

I would like to sincerely thank the following readers for taking the time to post reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY:

"One of the most enchanting historical romances I've read this year." ~Martina Bexte, Book Loons Reviews: http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.asp?bookid=11890

"I think this book is very well written and I lost myself in the pages as I imagined myself moving along with the characters as if I was one of them. I quickly found myself finished with this book and wishing it would continue." ~The Book Tree: http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne.html

"If you're looking for a romantic read and a quick escape - this will surely hit the spot!" ~Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-review-of-my-unfair-lady-by.html

"It made for some great escapist reading and it was a joyful ride. I will definitely read another of Kennedy's books" ~Jenny Loves to Read: .http://jennylovestoread.blogspot.com/2009/12/review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne.html

"If you enjoy reading a good historical, you have to read My Unfair Lady. It's one that leaves a glow in your heart and a smile on your lips." ~Sia Mckye: http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-unfair-lady-review.html

"With My Unfair Lady Kathryne Kennedy delivered another beautiful, sparkling and emotional story with unconventional, but lovely and lively characters. Her books are unique and in a league of their own, I am already craving for her next story!" ~Marissa's Book Lair: http://dream-mistress.blogspot.com/

"My Unfair Lady is a charming story about a girl who's trying to fit society's expectations so she can marry the man she wants, and the man who tries to help her, but eventually shows her that she's great just the way she is. Perfect for an evening in." ~Drey's Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/2009/12/226-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DreysLibrary+%28drey%27s+library%29

"I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting take on Pygmalion and My Fair Lady. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sequel to a non-Jane Austen book." ~Books Like Breathing: http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/my-unfair-lady-kathryne-kennedy/

"This is a fast paced, page turning, truly delightful story. It is sensual, but very entertaining. I would highly recommend this book."
Reviewed by AAR
"This is one of those rare historicals that will make it to your keeper shelf, but not stay there long! You’ll be rereading it, and telling others to read it. Fans of fun, witty, deeply engaging stories will find MY UNFAIR LADY a prize!"
Reviewed by Wendy Keel
http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy-a-review/

"Acceptance is a theme that prevails throughout and one Ms. Kennedy develops beautifully...a fun, fast paced read. One I enjoyed enough to finish in one sitting." ~Musings of a Bibliophile: http://www.bibliophilemusings.com/

"Overall, reading this book was a hilarious and wonderful experience, and an unforgettable escape from reality." ~ The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-my-unfair-lady.html

"My Unfair Lady was a fun read. It was a journey of love, trust and acceptance. Beautifully written." ~Anna's Book Blog: http://annavivian.blogspot.com/2009/11/arc-review-my-unfair-lady.html

"My Unfair Lady is a remarkable tale of love and acceptance." ~Romance Book Wyrm: http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-unfair-lady-kathryne-kennedy.html

"This Victorian romance will win you over faster than you can say the “Rain in Spain!”" ~Love Romance Passion: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy/"

My Unfair Lady is a very fun read with charming characters who can laugh at themselves with delight so that you take pleasure in their story while being pleasantly entertained, which for me has become this author’s trademark." ~Sandy M, The Good, The Bad, and The Unread: http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/11/30/7552/

And the winner is.....

Wow. What a turnout. Thanks for stopping by everyone and Happy New Year right back at you. The lucky winner this week is Tamsyn. Congratulations. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com (no spaces). Have a great week all.

Come join me!

In an all month long give-a-way starting today at Erin Quinn's Blog: http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/

And tomorrow on December 16th, I'll be at Sia McKye's blog talking about MY UNFAIR LADY, and my new Georgian Fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS. Preview the initial cover of book one, THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER: http://siamckye.blogspot.com/ (Leave a comment, enter to win my book!)

Hope to see you there!
Kathryne

Step back in time, meet my little dogs, explore the Cinderella complex, and an author interview here!

My blog tour is winding down, and I must say that I will miss all of the wonderful interaction I've had with readers! Writing is sometimes a singular experience and it's been an amazing adventure to travel the blogosphere and meet such amazing people. Even if they only stop in to say hi, I'm always thrilled to respond to them.

The purpose of guest blogging is to get your name/book in front of readers, of course, and so I was asked to write about my upcoming release, MY UNFAIR LADY. But after a few posts I realized I was just sort of rambling on about the book. Nothing wrong with that, but I was getting bored. So I decided that I could at least present my topics in a different way...and I had such fun! And hopefully, my readers did as well.

I only have a few stops left, and I'm listing them here. If you'd like to read some of my past blog posts, feel free to go to my personal blog where the entire tour is listed: http://www.kathrynekennedy.blogspot.com


12/8 Interview with Summer Wine Lee, where I step back in time to interview my heroine.
My Book Addiction and More http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/

12/9 My Chihuahuas: two of the sweetest little inspirations for a character in My Unfair Lady.
Books Like Breathing http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/

12/10 My inspiration for My Unfair Lady, or, exploring the Cinderella complex.
Anna's Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com/

12/30 Author Interview!
Much Cheaper Than Therapy http://muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

MY UNFAIR LADY is released today!

As you can guess from the title, My Unfair Lady was inspired by the movie My Fair Lady, based on Shaw’s Pygmalion. About an American heiress who goes to London to hire a sponsor to turn her into a lady, I’d like to celebrate the release by telling readers what I love the most about my heroine, Summer Wine Lee.

Although I like that Summer is bold, and a bit dangerous, and a product of her environment (she’s more of an Annie Oakley than she is an Eliza Doolittle), I think my favorite thing about her is her compassion. It’s her greatest strength, and sometimes her greatest weakness.

She can’t turn her back on the suffering of ‘critters’, and picks up quite a menagerie of hurt and stray animals. Since she spent most of her life growing up on an Arizona mine, she relieved her loneliness by adopting her first friends, some coatimundi’s. (These are really cute animals native to the Southwest desert.) As an adult, she picked up a cat named Moo-moo who has issues which makes her climb to feel secure, a three-legged dog named Lefty, a large dog named Sweetie who is a bit of a coward, and a tiny little Chihuahua named Chi-chi. Unfortunately, she can only bring Chi-chi with her on her voyage to London, but Summer and her friend Maria manage to rescue a monkey and a baby fox while in England.

Summer’s compassion also allows her to see beyond the surface appearance of a person. She does this with the hero’s mistress (which, unfortunately for my hero, the Duke of Monchester, causes their immediate breakup). Summer hires the duke to sponsor her and sees beyond his façade of arrogance as well, although it will take some time before she can truly unveil the entire character of the man that lies beneath.

Unfortunately, Summer’s compassion is also the reason for her insecurity. She carries a secret from her past. An action that she was forced to commit, but can’t forgive herself for. She thinks she wants to be turned in to a lady because she’s engaged to a man in New York who is connected to the Astor family, and they’ve made it clear to her that she’s an unacceptable bride. But as she works toward this goal, her secret creeps out to haunt her again and again, until she finally realizes why she wants to be a lady. And that it might be impossible.

But the duke finds out her secret, and is determined to help her.

And Summer’s compassion gets her into more trouble. She’s beginning to find out some contradictions about the duke and his family, and resolves to help him as well. When she discovers that someone might even be trying to kill him, she cannot turn her back on him, even when it would be in her best interest to do so. As she uncovers even more truths about the duke, she also finds herself growing more attracted to him. And her compassion for her fiancé prevents her from acting on those feelings, throwing Summer into more confusion. But her strength carries her through, and although sometimes she’s forced to make some difficult decisions, I can’t help but admire those that she does make. And eventually Summer will use her compassion for herself, as well, to discover her own inner truths.

Although Summer’s compassion might have made her story a deeper, more serious study of her character, her personality, penchant for outrageous behavior (at least as far as London society is concerned) and habit of caring for her critters makes the book a fun and light-hearted journey of self-discovery. The predicaments she gets into, and her unique way of solving them, are always fueled by her compassion…for better or worse.

So what is one of the traits you admire the most in your favorite heroine? And why? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

With My Best Wishes,
Kathryne

PS. Join me today for my Virtual Book Tour at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/

My Unfair Lady
By Kathryne Kennedy
Victorian Romance
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-4022-2990-9
December 2009
$6.99 US/MM Paperback
http://www.sourcebooks.com/
http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/

Starred review from Publishers Weekly! A Library Journal Editor’s Pick! 5 book rating from Long and Short Reviews/5 stars from Huntress Reviews/WRDF Reviews says “A fantastic read!”/Romantic Times BOOKReviews says “Kennedy’s writing is witty and enjoyable.”/Merrimon Book Reviews says “A pure delight.”/Booklist says “Plenty of sexy romance.”

He created the perfect woman…

The impoverished Duke of Monchester despises the rich Americans who flock to London, seeking to buy their way into the ranks of the British peerage. So when railroad heiress Summer Wine Lee offers him a king’s ransom if he’ll teach her to become a proper lady, he’s prepared to rebuff her. But when he meets the petite beauty with the knife in her boot, it’s not her fortune he finds impossible to resist…

For the arms of another man...

Frontier-bred Summer Wine Lee has no interest in winning over London society—it’s the New York bluebloods and her future mother-in-law she’s determined to impress. She knows the cost of smoothing her rough-and-tumble frontier edges will be high. But she never imagined it might cost her heart…

New Reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY

"My Unfair Lady has everything I look for in a romance story. I cheered for Summer, wanted to hug and save Byron, my cheeks hurt from grinning so much and I could not put the book down until I’d read it from cover to cover. If this book is a representative of Ms. Kennedy’s regular style, I’ll be looking into her back list. I’d recommend this book to all my friends."~Rating: 5/5 Books, Reviewed by Xeranthemum for Long and Short Romance Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy.html

***** FIVE STARS! Historical Romances by Kathryne Kennedy always has something for everyone. This one has hot romance, suspense (someone is trying to kill Monchester), humor, and so much more. Summer's collection of adopted pets kept me constantly amused. She has a monkey, a vixen, an old cat that cannot use its hind legs so it gets around by using ... Never mind. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed the odd animals. For the history buffs, the story tells much about history in America and England. Prince Albert Edward even makes several appearances. As I said, something for everyone. I loved every moment of Summer's story! The author, Kathryne Kennedy, is more than good. She is downright smashing! ***** ~Reviewed by Detra Fitch for Huntress Reviews http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:ixNQyppnuz8J:www.huntressreviews.com/histrom.htm+%22my+unfair+lady%22&cd=201&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

My Unfair Lady is a Library Journal Editor's Pick!http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6677270.html

When you wish upon a star...

I recently had one of my dreams come true. I had wished that some day I might receive a starred review from Publishers Weekly. As many writers know, it’s an honor just to get reviewed by Publishers Weekly. Receiving a starred review is just…unbelievable. So needless to say, when my fabulous publicist at Sourcebooks, Danielle, emailed me to tell me that My Unfair Lady received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, my first response was to email her back and ask, “Are you sure?” (Can you blame me?)

Danielle assured me it was a starred review, and even sent me the link, in case my dazzled mind still couldn’t grasp the truth of it.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6703535.html?industryid=47159

My Unfair Lady Kathryne Kennedy. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-4022-2990-9

Kennedy (Beneath the Thirteen Moons) delivers a delightfully unusual Victorian romance. Unlike other American heiresses mingling with London society, Arizona railroad heiress Summer Wine Lee isn't looking for a husband or a title. In fact, she's already engaged. She just needs some social polish so she can marry a rich New Yorker. To this end, Summer hires Byron, an impoverished duke who ekes out a living by bringing Prince Albert gossip. Summer is equipped with a free-spirited best friend, a menagerie of abused stray animals and a host of unladylike skills; Byron has a strange stepfamily, a shrinking violet mistress and a murderer determined to do him in. Their chemistry has plenty of humor, and their passion is intense and breathtaking. Full of unexpected period details of cosmetics and hunting, this romance goes against type in a wonderful way. (Dec.)

The thing is, life can hand you so many blows that you can become numb to the fact that, yes, good things can still happen. If you continue to work toward your dreams. For me, I have faced a year of difficult personal challenges, one right after the other. I think the only thing that kept me sane was focusing on the positive aspects in my life, one of which was my writing.

So for anyone reading this whose life has been difficult lately, it might help to know that yes, dreams do come true. Continue focusing on the positives, ignore the negatives, and work toward those things that you have the power to change.

Have you had one of your dreams come true lately? Whether personal or professional, please share it in the comments. I’d like this post to be a positive affirmation of all the good things that happen to people…and that dreams really do come true.

All My Very Best,
Kathryne

ROMANTIC TIMES book review for MY UNFAIR LADY:

MY UNFAIR LADY, ISBN 9781402229909
by Kathryne Kennedy

RT Rating: 4/5 Stars
Category: HISTORICAL
Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS
Published: December 2009 $6.99

This quick and entertaining read is for any fan of the genre. Kennedy's writing is witty and enjoyable; she looks to have a bright future.

Summary: Summer Wine Lee is determined to become the society miss that her future New York blueblood in-laws demand. To do so, she and her closest friend Maria have traveled to London to transform her into a lady and gain an introduction to the Queen.
Enticed by her financial offer, the impoverished Duke of Monchester grudgingly agrees to aid Summer in her transformation, but his scathing wit and cold personality fail to have an effect on her. Intrigued, the duke soon realizes that Summer may just be perfect the way she is. Now he just has to convince her. (SOURCEBOOKS, Dec., 363 pp., $6.99) HOT

-Alishia Austin

Blog Tour for MY UNFAIR LADY

I just finished my posts for my upcoming blog tour for my December Victorian romance release, My Unfair Lady, and I think it's going to be lots of fun, so please mark your calenders for the following days:

11/16 Writing Fiction: Which comes first, Plot or Character?
Cuckleburr Times http://www.cuckleburr.com/

11/18 Why I write historical romance...or, why I love it!
The Burton Review http://theburtonreview.com/

11/20 Where I compare the heroine of My Unfair Lady, Summer Wine Lee, to Eliza Doolittle of Pygmalion--with a dash of Annie Oakley.
Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com/

11/30 Author Interview!
Jenny Loves to Read http://www.jennylovestoread.blogspot.com/

12/1 What I love most about my heroine, or, my favorite thing about Summer.
Happily Forever After http://booklover125.blogspot.com/

12/2 Author Interview!
Readaholic http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/

12/3 Top Ten Reasons Why My Hero is Irresistible.
Yankee Romance Reviewers http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/

12/4 My step-by-step guide to how I get inspiration for my writing.
Fresh Fiction http://freshfiction.com/pages.php?id=blog

12/7 Destination Truth: Researching the Historical Romance Novel, where I compare my research journey with my favorite TV show.
Romance Junkies http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

12/8 Interview with Summer Wine Lee, where I step back in time to interview my heroine.
My Book Addiction and More http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/

12/9 My Chihuahuas: two of the sweetest little inspirations for a character in My Unfair Lady.
Books Like Breathing http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/

12/10 My inspiration for My Unfair Lady, or, exploring the Cinderella complex.
Anna's Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com/

There will be freebies at each blog, so make sure to leave a comment to enter to win!
Hope to see you there!
All My Best,
Kathryne

Win a gorgeous genuine cameo necklace in my second contest for My Unfair Lady.

Help me launch the December 2009 release of my Victorian romance novel, MY UNFAIR LADY! The prize for this SECOND contest is a genuine agate cameo framed in 14kt yellow gold featuring two lovers embracing. See photo and description at: http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/contest.html

This contest is all about spreading the word about MY UNFAIR LADY. To enter, just post the following blurb anywhere on the Internet (Chatrooms, Forums, Blogs, Myspace, Facebook, Etc.) Please, no inappropriate sites, and the blurb cannot already be mentioned on that site. If you don't own the site, please verify that it's okay with the site owner to post the blurb.

BLURB:
WHO SAYS A PROPER LADY CAN’T CARRY A KNIFE? http://www.KathryneKennedy.com

Email your entry with MY UNFAIR LADY CONTEST in the subject line to: Kathryne@kathrynekennedy.com

A winner will be randomly chosen from those with a verifiable link. Entering the contest automatically signs you up for the author's newsletter. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends November 30, 2009. The winning entry number will be chosen using RANDOM.ORG. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

FOR WRITERS (and readers): Why are heads cut off on book covers?

Now, this wasn't something I thought much about, until I received my new book cover (Isn't it beautiful?). I've always assumed that publishers cut off the model's heads so that readers could imagine the faces for themselves (our imaginations are often times much better than reality). But I found out that there is a subconscious marketing technique at work here. Publishers know that they only have seconds to capture the interest of a reader, whether he/she is looking through books in a bookstore or on the internet. So if you glance at an image that is incomplete your brain registers that within seconds...and you're more likely to take a second look. Then you might be tempted to read the cover, the back blurb, and hopefully, purchase the book itself. But those first few seconds are the most crucial, which is why publishers invest a great deal of research in producing an eye-catching cover.