Anne here, and today I'm interviewing Mary Jo Putney about her new book, Once a Rebel which I was lucky enough to read in advance (one of the perks of being a word wench.) The second in Mary Jo's "Rogues Redeemed" series, Once a Rebel will be released on August 29. 
Publishers Weekly called it: “A page-turner tale…As these two appealing characters discover how friendship can change into romance, Putney completes their story with plenty of detail and cameos from historical figures.
Kirkus said: Putney’s continued foray into the new setting of the United States in the early 19th century is a welcome addition to the historical romance shelf. . . Though suspense and adventure drive this story forward, the love at its center sets it apart.
Anne: Mary Jo, in Once a Rebel your hero, Richard (aka Lord George Gordon Audley) appeared briefly in Once a Soldier and was the most difficult student to ever attend the Westerfield Academy (for boys of good birth and bad behavior.) Tell us about him.
MJP: Anne, Gordon had actually appeared in three of my Lost Lords books: Not Quite a Wife and Not Always a Saint as well as Once a Soldier. He has a tough and dangerous vibe and his former classmates regarded him warily, but he's very good at coming through in a pinch.
So how did he become the man he is? I often say rather random things about minor characters, and when they turn into promising hero material, I have to weave those threads into the fellow's life. For example, Gordon was described to his old classmates as "someone you'll recognize, though you knew him under a different name." He's also known as "Lady Agnes Westerfield's one failure." Clearly he has a checkered past!
Naturally I gave him a fairly dreadful childhood. My characters often have that because it gives me something to work with. Hence Lord George Gordon Richard Augustus Audley was the third and most worthless son of a marquess. Despised by his father and harassed by his older brothers, he is one angry and rebellious young man.
Luckily his closest childhood friend is his neighbor, Callista Brooke. She also had a difficult childhood, but their friendship and mutual trust kept them sane. Then they were brutally separated–and Gordon started a difficult and dangerous journey that ultimately brought him around the world and back to the one woman who owns his heart.
Anne: The heroine of the book was his childhood best friend, Callie, who was lost to him after a disastrous youthful attempt to save her from a forced marriage. When they meet again, it's quite the dramatic—and romantic—reunion. Tell us about Callie.
MJP: Like Gordon, Callie chafed against the restrictions of a bullying father, who leaped at the chance to marry her off to an older Jamaican planter. Alone in an alien land, over the years she creates a family for herself. She's used to carrying responsibility–perhaps too much so. But she's brave and beautiful and with her, Gordon starts to become the kind, amusing man he was meant to be.
Anne: Once a Rebel includes several incidents from the War of 1812; the burning of Washington, the Battle of Baltimore, the shooting of the British General Ross and the creation of The Star Spangled Banner among others. Writing a book set in your home town and weaving a love story through some very real historical events — what were some of the difficulties of that?
MJP: One of the challenges is that there's so much great research material available! Since much of this story took place on my doorstep, I figured I'd really better get it right. <G> I wanted to include the two big events of the 1814 campaign in the Chesapeake: the burning of Washington and the Battle of Baltimore, which includes the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which stopped the relentless advance of the British military machine.
The war had been a mess, with huge mistakes made by both sides, especially the Americans. Successfully standing up to the Royal Navy, the most powerful naval force in the world, changed everything and led to a peace treaty that essentially ended the war as a stalemate, and helped cement an American national identity. (A Canadian one, too.) It was complicated to sort through the historical possibilities and weave them around my characters and their developing relationship. 
Anne: In Once a Rebel you also explore the challenge of divided loyalties; some characters are torn between American and British identities, others dealing with split families, adoption and the race/slavery issue.
MJP: Gordon and Callie are British born and bred, but both also have strong connections with the fledgling United States and they don't want the country to lose and perhaps be carved up by Britain. Abolition and was a hot topic then, too. Britain had banned the slave trade in 1807, but actually making slavery illegal was many years in the future. I'm a firm believer that real history lends richness and power to fiction, but it needs to be done through the characters. And since this is romance, I want my story to be overall positive and have a happy ending. Gordon and Callie get that, but it's a lot of hard work!
Anne: Would you care to share a little of Once a Rebel with us?
MJP: Gordon and Callie have just escaped a dangerous situation and they're trying to get some (platonic) rest before facing what comes next:
"If you decide to marry and settle down, your wit, handsome face, title, and a moderate fortune will make it easy to find a wife who can be both friend and lover."
"Finding a good mate is the most difficult thing on earth, I suspect," he said pensively. "My title isn't much use since it's merely courtesy. You didn't seem to be very impressed by becoming Lady George Audley."
She chuckled. "I was too surprised to be impressed. Besides, I don't like the name Lady George any more than I liked you being Lord George."
"With luck, you won't have to pretend to be Lady George again." He took her hand casually, his fingers lacing through hers. "We should be able to get another hour or two of rest before facing the new day, which is apt to be a busy one."
She covered a yawn. "That's a good plan. Sleep well, Richard. And dream of a suitable wife who is a friend, along with a happy, uneventful life."
As she drifted off, she heard him murmur, "I don't know if that's possible, Catkin. Because the only woman I've ever come close to marrying is you."
More at: http://maryjoputney.com/books/once-a-rebel/
And here's a universal link for Once A Rebel that connects with all the various e-book platforms.
Anne: What's next for you, Mary Jo? What book are you working on now?
MJP: The Rogues Redeemed series is a spin off of my Lost Lords, and the set-up and the beginning of Book 1, Once a Soldier, had five British men locked in a cellar in Portugal in the middle of a French invasion and sentenced to face a firing squad in the morning. In the course of long night where they work together to escape, they bond and decide to keep in touch. The heroes of these first two books appeared in the Lost Lords series, but Hawkins, the hero of the next book, Once a Scoundrel, was new and something of a mystery. In Once a Rebel, we find that Hawkins is a sea captain. Things happen. <G>
Anne: Sounds like fun. Thanks for answering my questions, Mary Jo. And for the advance read of Once A Rebel.
MJP: Thanks for interviewing me, Anne! I'll be giving away a copy of Once a Rebel to one commenter between now and Tuesday midnight.
Sounds intriguing.
Silly to say, perhaps, but reading classic regencies, it can be so easy to forget what was going on on the U.S.side of the world.
Sounds intriguing.
Silly to say, perhaps, but reading classic regencies, it can be so easy to forget what was going on on the U.S.side of the world.
Sounds intriguing.
Silly to say, perhaps, but reading classic regencies, it can be so easy to forget what was going on on the U.S.side of the world.
Sounds intriguing.
Silly to say, perhaps, but reading classic regencies, it can be so easy to forget what was going on on the U.S.side of the world.
Sounds intriguing.
Silly to say, perhaps, but reading classic regencies, it can be so easy to forget what was going on on the U.S.side of the world.
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been waiting for it ever since I binge-read the Lost Lords series and Once a Soldier. Add in the fact that it’s set in the US at a fascinating time in history – it’s sure to be a winner.
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been waiting for it ever since I binge-read the Lost Lords series and Once a Soldier. Add in the fact that it’s set in the US at a fascinating time in history – it’s sure to be a winner.
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been waiting for it ever since I binge-read the Lost Lords series and Once a Soldier. Add in the fact that it’s set in the US at a fascinating time in history – it’s sure to be a winner.
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been waiting for it ever since I binge-read the Lost Lords series and Once a Soldier. Add in the fact that it’s set in the US at a fascinating time in history – it’s sure to be a winner.
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been waiting for it ever since I binge-read the Lost Lords series and Once a Soldier. Add in the fact that it’s set in the US at a fascinating time in history – it’s sure to be a winner.
Congratulations on another winner, Mary Jo!
I definitely agree that the history must come through the characters. In one of my stories, I used a real event (the Fenian invasion of Canada), and had my hero wash up on a Canadian island with strong ties to Britain. Since he had amnesia, I had him find out about the invasion before he remembered his own part in it. It was great fun, especially when weaving both Irish and Canadian history!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Congratulations on another winner, Mary Jo!
I definitely agree that the history must come through the characters. In one of my stories, I used a real event (the Fenian invasion of Canada), and had my hero wash up on a Canadian island with strong ties to Britain. Since he had amnesia, I had him find out about the invasion before he remembered his own part in it. It was great fun, especially when weaving both Irish and Canadian history!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Congratulations on another winner, Mary Jo!
I definitely agree that the history must come through the characters. In one of my stories, I used a real event (the Fenian invasion of Canada), and had my hero wash up on a Canadian island with strong ties to Britain. Since he had amnesia, I had him find out about the invasion before he remembered his own part in it. It was great fun, especially when weaving both Irish and Canadian history!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Congratulations on another winner, Mary Jo!
I definitely agree that the history must come through the characters. In one of my stories, I used a real event (the Fenian invasion of Canada), and had my hero wash up on a Canadian island with strong ties to Britain. Since he had amnesia, I had him find out about the invasion before he remembered his own part in it. It was great fun, especially when weaving both Irish and Canadian history!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Congratulations on another winner, Mary Jo!
I definitely agree that the history must come through the characters. In one of my stories, I used a real event (the Fenian invasion of Canada), and had my hero wash up on a Canadian island with strong ties to Britain. Since he had amnesia, I had him find out about the invasion before he remembered his own part in it. It was great fun, especially when weaving both Irish and Canadian history!
Looking forward to reading this one!
I live your writing style. I get totally lost in your wonderfully written books…thank you
I live your writing style. I get totally lost in your wonderfully written books…thank you
I live your writing style. I get totally lost in your wonderfully written books…thank you
I live your writing style. I get totally lost in your wonderfully written books…thank you
I live your writing style. I get totally lost in your wonderfully written books…thank you
Amy J, it was a big, complicated world there! Less than 5 miles from me is a gorgeous Regency mansion called the Hampton House, https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm, which could have been inhabited by characters from an English Regency story. (Except for the slave quarters. To its credit, the Park Service doesn’t try to whitewash that part of the place’s history.)
Amy J, it was a big, complicated world there! Less than 5 miles from me is a gorgeous Regency mansion called the Hampton House, https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm, which could have been inhabited by characters from an English Regency story. (Except for the slave quarters. To its credit, the Park Service doesn’t try to whitewash that part of the place’s history.)
Amy J, it was a big, complicated world there! Less than 5 miles from me is a gorgeous Regency mansion called the Hampton House, https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm, which could have been inhabited by characters from an English Regency story. (Except for the slave quarters. To its credit, the Park Service doesn’t try to whitewash that part of the place’s history.)
Amy J, it was a big, complicated world there! Less than 5 miles from me is a gorgeous Regency mansion called the Hampton House, https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm, which could have been inhabited by characters from an English Regency story. (Except for the slave quarters. To its credit, the Park Service doesn’t try to whitewash that part of the place’s history.)
Amy J, it was a big, complicated world there! Less than 5 miles from me is a gorgeous Regency mansion called the Hampton House, https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm, which could have been inhabited by characters from an English Regency story. (Except for the slave quarters. To its credit, the Park Service doesn’t try to whitewash that part of the place’s history.)
I hope so, Judy! It isn’t quite as escapist as reading by England, but it is a fascinating period or history.
I hope so, Judy! It isn’t quite as escapist as reading by England, but it is a fascinating period or history.
I hope so, Judy! It isn’t quite as escapist as reading by England, but it is a fascinating period or history.
I hope so, Judy! It isn’t quite as escapist as reading by England, but it is a fascinating period or history.
I hope so, Judy! It isn’t quite as escapist as reading by England, but it is a fascinating period or history.
Oooh, what a great plot twist, Cynthia! One of the reasons I love amnesia stories is the wonderful, creative things that can be done with it.
Oooh, what a great plot twist, Cynthia! One of the reasons I love amnesia stories is the wonderful, creative things that can be done with it.
Oooh, what a great plot twist, Cynthia! One of the reasons I love amnesia stories is the wonderful, creative things that can be done with it.
Oooh, what a great plot twist, Cynthia! One of the reasons I love amnesia stories is the wonderful, creative things that can be done with it.
Oooh, what a great plot twist, Cynthia! One of the reasons I love amnesia stories is the wonderful, creative things that can be done with it.
I have been waiting for this since we first met Gordon in the two lost lords stories. Can’t wait until tomorrow! (Well, of course I CAN, but the two-year-old me with the harmonica that you see as me on Facebook, certainly doesn’t WANT to wait!)
I have been waiting for this since we first met Gordon in the two lost lords stories. Can’t wait until tomorrow! (Well, of course I CAN, but the two-year-old me with the harmonica that you see as me on Facebook, certainly doesn’t WANT to wait!)
I have been waiting for this since we first met Gordon in the two lost lords stories. Can’t wait until tomorrow! (Well, of course I CAN, but the two-year-old me with the harmonica that you see as me on Facebook, certainly doesn’t WANT to wait!)
I have been waiting for this since we first met Gordon in the two lost lords stories. Can’t wait until tomorrow! (Well, of course I CAN, but the two-year-old me with the harmonica that you see as me on Facebook, certainly doesn’t WANT to wait!)
I have been waiting for this since we first met Gordon in the two lost lords stories. Can’t wait until tomorrow! (Well, of course I CAN, but the two-year-old me with the harmonica that you see as me on Facebook, certainly doesn’t WANT to wait!)
Smooch! Thanks so much, Paula. I really work hard at getting the right words, so I’m always pleased when someone likes them.
Smooch! Thanks so much, Paula. I really work hard at getting the right words, so I’m always pleased when someone likes them.
Smooch! Thanks so much, Paula. I really work hard at getting the right words, so I’m always pleased when someone likes them.
Smooch! Thanks so much, Paula. I really work hard at getting the right words, so I’m always pleased when someone likes them.
Smooch! Thanks so much, Paula. I really work hard at getting the right words, so I’m always pleased when someone likes them.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite plot lines. I’ve been waiting for this one. Good luck with everything. Love your writing.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite plot lines. I’ve been waiting for this one. Good luck with everything. Love your writing.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite plot lines. I’ve been waiting for this one. Good luck with everything. Love your writing.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite plot lines. I’ve been waiting for this one. Good luck with everything. Love your writing.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite plot lines. I’ve been waiting for this one. Good luck with everything. Love your writing.
Hope you sell a gazillion! I’m posting a review later today.
Cheers, Faith
Hope you sell a gazillion! I’m posting a review later today.
Cheers, Faith
Hope you sell a gazillion! I’m posting a review later today.
Cheers, Faith
Hope you sell a gazillion! I’m posting a review later today.
Cheers, Faith
Hope you sell a gazillion! I’m posting a review later today.
Cheers, Faith
Whoops! Looks like I can’t post until tomorrow…which is wierd, since you already have some reviews. But it’s written, and ready to go, and I’ll put it up on Goodreads at least (if I can).
Cheers, Faith
Whoops! Looks like I can’t post until tomorrow…which is wierd, since you already have some reviews. But it’s written, and ready to go, and I’ll put it up on Goodreads at least (if I can).
Cheers, Faith
Whoops! Looks like I can’t post until tomorrow…which is wierd, since you already have some reviews. But it’s written, and ready to go, and I’ll put it up on Goodreads at least (if I can).
Cheers, Faith
Whoops! Looks like I can’t post until tomorrow…which is wierd, since you already have some reviews. But it’s written, and ready to go, and I’ll put it up on Goodreads at least (if I can).
Cheers, Faith
Whoops! Looks like I can’t post until tomorrow…which is wierd, since you already have some reviews. But it’s written, and ready to go, and I’ll put it up on Goodreads at least (if I can).
Cheers, Faith
Sue McCormick, what reader EVER wants to wait for a new book from a favorite author??? Gordon has been intriguing from the beginning.
Sue McCormick, what reader EVER wants to wait for a new book from a favorite author??? Gordon has been intriguing from the beginning.
Sue McCormick, what reader EVER wants to wait for a new book from a favorite author??? Gordon has been intriguing from the beginning.
Sue McCormick, what reader EVER wants to wait for a new book from a favorite author??? Gordon has been intriguing from the beginning.
Sue McCormick, what reader EVER wants to wait for a new book from a favorite author??? Gordon has been intriguing from the beginning.
Thanks so much, Mary T!
Thanks so much, Mary T!
Thanks so much, Mary T!
Thanks so much, Mary T!
Thanks so much, Mary T!
Faith, there was a hardcover library edition so the reviews might have been carried over from that. Can’t post for the mass market edition till release day, though.
Faith, there was a hardcover library edition so the reviews might have been carried over from that. Can’t post for the mass market edition till release day, though.
Faith, there was a hardcover library edition so the reviews might have been carried over from that. Can’t post for the mass market edition till release day, though.
Faith, there was a hardcover library edition so the reviews might have been carried over from that. Can’t post for the mass market edition till release day, though.
Faith, there was a hardcover library edition so the reviews might have been carried over from that. Can’t post for the mass market edition till release day, though.
I’m yet another who is eager to read your latest book, MaryJo — thanks for sharing all of these tidbits. And best wishes with the writing of Once a Scoundrel; I’ve been enjoying reading what’s become of all those cellar dwellers.
I’m yet another who is eager to read your latest book, MaryJo — thanks for sharing all of these tidbits. And best wishes with the writing of Once a Scoundrel; I’ve been enjoying reading what’s become of all those cellar dwellers.
I’m yet another who is eager to read your latest book, MaryJo — thanks for sharing all of these tidbits. And best wishes with the writing of Once a Scoundrel; I’ve been enjoying reading what’s become of all those cellar dwellers.
I’m yet another who is eager to read your latest book, MaryJo — thanks for sharing all of these tidbits. And best wishes with the writing of Once a Scoundrel; I’ve been enjoying reading what’s become of all those cellar dwellers.
I’m yet another who is eager to read your latest book, MaryJo — thanks for sharing all of these tidbits. And best wishes with the writing of Once a Scoundrel; I’ve been enjoying reading what’s become of all those cellar dwellers.
Eek! That should have been ‘Mary Jo’ above.
Eek! That should have been ‘Mary Jo’ above.
Eek! That should have been ‘Mary Jo’ above.
Eek! That should have been ‘Mary Jo’ above.
Eek! That should have been ‘Mary Jo’ above.
Fascinating interview. I love knowing some of the extras that go into a book. It is always fun to recognize a character seen in other books by the same author.
Thanks for this chance to win.
Fascinating interview. I love knowing some of the extras that go into a book. It is always fun to recognize a character seen in other books by the same author.
Thanks for this chance to win.
Fascinating interview. I love knowing some of the extras that go into a book. It is always fun to recognize a character seen in other books by the same author.
Thanks for this chance to win.
Fascinating interview. I love knowing some of the extras that go into a book. It is always fun to recognize a character seen in other books by the same author.
Thanks for this chance to win.
Fascinating interview. I love knowing some of the extras that go into a book. It is always fun to recognize a character seen in other books by the same author.
Thanks for this chance to win.
I loved the Lost Lords and now loving the Rogues Redeemed. I love the cellar/met in the war and what happened to them and how they help each other. Can’t get enough of the Westerfield Academy friendships.
I loved the Lost Lords and now loving the Rogues Redeemed. I love the cellar/met in the war and what happened to them and how they help each other. Can’t get enough of the Westerfield Academy friendships.
I loved the Lost Lords and now loving the Rogues Redeemed. I love the cellar/met in the war and what happened to them and how they help each other. Can’t get enough of the Westerfield Academy friendships.
I loved the Lost Lords and now loving the Rogues Redeemed. I love the cellar/met in the war and what happened to them and how they help each other. Can’t get enough of the Westerfield Academy friendships.
I loved the Lost Lords and now loving the Rogues Redeemed. I love the cellar/met in the war and what happened to them and how they help each other. Can’t get enough of the Westerfield Academy friendships.
I have loved all of the Mary Jo Putney books – especially the Lost Lords. Looking forward to reading all of the Redeemed Rogues.
I have loved all of the Mary Jo Putney books – especially the Lost Lords. Looking forward to reading all of the Redeemed Rogues.
I have loved all of the Mary Jo Putney books – especially the Lost Lords. Looking forward to reading all of the Redeemed Rogues.
I have loved all of the Mary Jo Putney books – especially the Lost Lords. Looking forward to reading all of the Redeemed Rogues.
I have loved all of the Mary Jo Putney books – especially the Lost Lords. Looking forward to reading all of the Redeemed Rogues.
Kareni, those cellar guys went in all directions! Luckily, they’re all smart survivors.
Kareni, those cellar guys went in all directions! Luckily, they’re all smart survivors.
Kareni, those cellar guys went in all directions! Luckily, they’re all smart survivors.
Kareni, those cellar guys went in all directions! Luckily, they’re all smart survivors.
Kareni, those cellar guys went in all directions! Luckily, they’re all smart survivors.
Kareni, what’s a mere letter space between friends? *G*
Kareni, what’s a mere letter space between friends? *G*
Kareni, what’s a mere letter space between friends? *G*
Kareni, what’s a mere letter space between friends? *G*
Kareni, what’s a mere letter space between friends? *G*
I love writing stories of male friendship–of men who become family for each other.
I love writing stories of male friendship–of men who become family for each other.
I love writing stories of male friendship–of men who become family for each other.
I love writing stories of male friendship–of men who become family for each other.
I love writing stories of male friendship–of men who become family for each other.
Thank you, Patricia.
Thank you, Patricia.
Thank you, Patricia.
Thank you, Patricia.
Thank you, Patricia.
As always, am impatiently waiting for your next. And your next! Lol. I love both your rogues and the strong women they bond with. But what I’ve always loved most is your history and wonderful attention to the surrounding details. I immerse myself in your worlds, and wind up flying through them! Can’t wait to see what Once A Rebel brings! Hugs!
As always, am impatiently waiting for your next. And your next! Lol. I love both your rogues and the strong women they bond with. But what I’ve always loved most is your history and wonderful attention to the surrounding details. I immerse myself in your worlds, and wind up flying through them! Can’t wait to see what Once A Rebel brings! Hugs!
As always, am impatiently waiting for your next. And your next! Lol. I love both your rogues and the strong women they bond with. But what I’ve always loved most is your history and wonderful attention to the surrounding details. I immerse myself in your worlds, and wind up flying through them! Can’t wait to see what Once A Rebel brings! Hugs!
As always, am impatiently waiting for your next. And your next! Lol. I love both your rogues and the strong women they bond with. But what I’ve always loved most is your history and wonderful attention to the surrounding details. I immerse myself in your worlds, and wind up flying through them! Can’t wait to see what Once A Rebel brings! Hugs!
As always, am impatiently waiting for your next. And your next! Lol. I love both your rogues and the strong women they bond with. But what I’ve always loved most is your history and wonderful attention to the surrounding details. I immerse myself in your worlds, and wind up flying through them! Can’t wait to see what Once A Rebel brings! Hugs!
All of Mary Jo’s books are well written and well researched, and her characters pull you into the story. Thanks for another excellent adventure!
All of Mary Jo’s books are well written and well researched, and her characters pull you into the story. Thanks for another excellent adventure!
All of Mary Jo’s books are well written and well researched, and her characters pull you into the story. Thanks for another excellent adventure!
All of Mary Jo’s books are well written and well researched, and her characters pull you into the story. Thanks for another excellent adventure!
All of Mary Jo’s books are well written and well researched, and her characters pull you into the story. Thanks for another excellent adventure!
I’m a devoted fan who pre-orders anything by MJP. Trying to posses my soul in patience, but not doing very at it. (grin)
I’m a devoted fan who pre-orders anything by MJP. Trying to posses my soul in patience, but not doing very at it. (grin)
I’m a devoted fan who pre-orders anything by MJP. Trying to posses my soul in patience, but not doing very at it. (grin)
I’m a devoted fan who pre-orders anything by MJP. Trying to posses my soul in patience, but not doing very at it. (grin)
I’m a devoted fan who pre-orders anything by MJP. Trying to posses my soul in patience, but not doing very at it. (grin)
Great interview! Oh, so looking forward to reading this book!
Great interview! Oh, so looking forward to reading this book!
Great interview! Oh, so looking forward to reading this book!
Great interview! Oh, so looking forward to reading this book!
Great interview! Oh, so looking forward to reading this book!
Love the idea of a romance set in the US and the 1812s. We need more settings than England, something MJP has done many times with great success.
Love the idea of a romance set in the US and the 1812s. We need more settings than England, something MJP has done many times with great success.
Love the idea of a romance set in the US and the 1812s. We need more settings than England, something MJP has done many times with great success.
Love the idea of a romance set in the US and the 1812s. We need more settings than England, something MJP has done many times with great success.
Love the idea of a romance set in the US and the 1812s. We need more settings than England, something MJP has done many times with great success.
folks should know that if we had lost the battle of Baltimore at fort mchenry we’d all be speaking English here today
folks should know that if we had lost the battle of Baltimore at fort mchenry we’d all be speaking English here today
folks should know that if we had lost the battle of Baltimore at fort mchenry we’d all be speaking English here today
folks should know that if we had lost the battle of Baltimore at fort mchenry we’d all be speaking English here today
folks should know that if we had lost the battle of Baltimore at fort mchenry we’d all be speaking English here today
Ditto, ditto, ditto everything that everyone has said. Grin.
I too have been anxiously awaiting your new release for many reasons as well as to see how you wrap the story in American History….
Thanks for all the HUNDRED’s of Thousands of words you have written… I’ll have to go back and read the cellar scene again to refresh my memory of who was there.
Ditto, ditto, ditto everything that everyone has said. Grin.
I too have been anxiously awaiting your new release for many reasons as well as to see how you wrap the story in American History….
Thanks for all the HUNDRED’s of Thousands of words you have written… I’ll have to go back and read the cellar scene again to refresh my memory of who was there.
Ditto, ditto, ditto everything that everyone has said. Grin.
I too have been anxiously awaiting your new release for many reasons as well as to see how you wrap the story in American History….
Thanks for all the HUNDRED’s of Thousands of words you have written… I’ll have to go back and read the cellar scene again to refresh my memory of who was there.
Ditto, ditto, ditto everything that everyone has said. Grin.
I too have been anxiously awaiting your new release for many reasons as well as to see how you wrap the story in American History….
Thanks for all the HUNDRED’s of Thousands of words you have written… I’ll have to go back and read the cellar scene again to refresh my memory of who was there.
Ditto, ditto, ditto everything that everyone has said. Grin.
I too have been anxiously awaiting your new release for many reasons as well as to see how you wrap the story in American History….
Thanks for all the HUNDRED’s of Thousands of words you have written… I’ll have to go back and read the cellar scene again to refresh my memory of who was there.
Sounds as though it will be as wonderful as the others you have written. Writing about the British in America at a time of war is tricky as Americans are taught in school to side with the Americans but the English characters are supposed to have some loyalty to their country. A very unnecessary war. It will be interesting to read what decisions Richard and Callie make. I can see from your brief description that neither have a strong tie to family. Just the sort to make good settlors of the west ( It is warmer than Canada.)
Sounds as though it will be as wonderful as the others you have written. Writing about the British in America at a time of war is tricky as Americans are taught in school to side with the Americans but the English characters are supposed to have some loyalty to their country. A very unnecessary war. It will be interesting to read what decisions Richard and Callie make. I can see from your brief description that neither have a strong tie to family. Just the sort to make good settlors of the west ( It is warmer than Canada.)
Sounds as though it will be as wonderful as the others you have written. Writing about the British in America at a time of war is tricky as Americans are taught in school to side with the Americans but the English characters are supposed to have some loyalty to their country. A very unnecessary war. It will be interesting to read what decisions Richard and Callie make. I can see from your brief description that neither have a strong tie to family. Just the sort to make good settlors of the west ( It is warmer than Canada.)
Sounds as though it will be as wonderful as the others you have written. Writing about the British in America at a time of war is tricky as Americans are taught in school to side with the Americans but the English characters are supposed to have some loyalty to their country. A very unnecessary war. It will be interesting to read what decisions Richard and Callie make. I can see from your brief description that neither have a strong tie to family. Just the sort to make good settlors of the west ( It is warmer than Canada.)
Sounds as though it will be as wonderful as the others you have written. Writing about the British in America at a time of war is tricky as Americans are taught in school to side with the Americans but the English characters are supposed to have some loyalty to their country. A very unnecessary war. It will be interesting to read what decisions Richard and Callie make. I can see from your brief description that neither have a strong tie to family. Just the sort to make good settlors of the west ( It is warmer than Canada.)
I’m at a point in my life where there’s not a moment to sit and read even for a minute during the day and I fall asleep with a book in my hand after two minutes of trying to read at night. So my dog and I look forward to listening to Once A Rebel. I’m far more patient with him stopping to smell every piece of grass when I’m listening to a great book, and since I’ve loved all your others, I know I’ll (we’ll!) love this one, too.
I’m at a point in my life where there’s not a moment to sit and read even for a minute during the day and I fall asleep with a book in my hand after two minutes of trying to read at night. So my dog and I look forward to listening to Once A Rebel. I’m far more patient with him stopping to smell every piece of grass when I’m listening to a great book, and since I’ve loved all your others, I know I’ll (we’ll!) love this one, too.
I’m at a point in my life where there’s not a moment to sit and read even for a minute during the day and I fall asleep with a book in my hand after two minutes of trying to read at night. So my dog and I look forward to listening to Once A Rebel. I’m far more patient with him stopping to smell every piece of grass when I’m listening to a great book, and since I’ve loved all your others, I know I’ll (we’ll!) love this one, too.
I’m at a point in my life where there’s not a moment to sit and read even for a minute during the day and I fall asleep with a book in my hand after two minutes of trying to read at night. So my dog and I look forward to listening to Once A Rebel. I’m far more patient with him stopping to smell every piece of grass when I’m listening to a great book, and since I’ve loved all your others, I know I’ll (we’ll!) love this one, too.
I’m at a point in my life where there’s not a moment to sit and read even for a minute during the day and I fall asleep with a book in my hand after two minutes of trying to read at night. So my dog and I look forward to listening to Once A Rebel. I’m far more patient with him stopping to smell every piece of grass when I’m listening to a great book, and since I’ve loved all your others, I know I’ll (we’ll!) love this one, too.
It arrived in my mailbox right on schedule. You’re making it very difficult for me to get any work done.
It arrived in my mailbox right on schedule. You’re making it very difficult for me to get any work done.
It arrived in my mailbox right on schedule. You’re making it very difficult for me to get any work done.
It arrived in my mailbox right on schedule. You’re making it very difficult for me to get any work done.
It arrived in my mailbox right on schedule. You’re making it very difficult for me to get any work done.
Oh, I’ve sooooo been looking forward to this one, as EVERY one of course. Yes, but this new spin-off took off with a bang sigh….. Sounding like a broken record here to be yet again gushing over your writing Mary Jo, but….thumbs up, fist pumping the air, squeeee….YES YES YES! This one sounds so good. I love friends to lovers stories. And the history. So many books show the protagonists on one side or the other, with the other side the enemy, period. I’ve always thought ‘yes, but what about the other side?’ War makes a great fiction setting. But we all agree war stinks, I assume.
Oh, I’ve sooooo been looking forward to this one, as EVERY one of course. Yes, but this new spin-off took off with a bang sigh….. Sounding like a broken record here to be yet again gushing over your writing Mary Jo, but….thumbs up, fist pumping the air, squeeee….YES YES YES! This one sounds so good. I love friends to lovers stories. And the history. So many books show the protagonists on one side or the other, with the other side the enemy, period. I’ve always thought ‘yes, but what about the other side?’ War makes a great fiction setting. But we all agree war stinks, I assume.
Oh, I’ve sooooo been looking forward to this one, as EVERY one of course. Yes, but this new spin-off took off with a bang sigh….. Sounding like a broken record here to be yet again gushing over your writing Mary Jo, but….thumbs up, fist pumping the air, squeeee….YES YES YES! This one sounds so good. I love friends to lovers stories. And the history. So many books show the protagonists on one side or the other, with the other side the enemy, period. I’ve always thought ‘yes, but what about the other side?’ War makes a great fiction setting. But we all agree war stinks, I assume.
Oh, I’ve sooooo been looking forward to this one, as EVERY one of course. Yes, but this new spin-off took off with a bang sigh….. Sounding like a broken record here to be yet again gushing over your writing Mary Jo, but….thumbs up, fist pumping the air, squeeee….YES YES YES! This one sounds so good. I love friends to lovers stories. And the history. So many books show the protagonists on one side or the other, with the other side the enemy, period. I’ve always thought ‘yes, but what about the other side?’ War makes a great fiction setting. But we all agree war stinks, I assume.
Oh, I’ve sooooo been looking forward to this one, as EVERY one of course. Yes, but this new spin-off took off with a bang sigh….. Sounding like a broken record here to be yet again gushing over your writing Mary Jo, but….thumbs up, fist pumping the air, squeeee….YES YES YES! This one sounds so good. I love friends to lovers stories. And the history. So many books show the protagonists on one side or the other, with the other side the enemy, period. I’ve always thought ‘yes, but what about the other side?’ War makes a great fiction setting. But we all agree war stinks, I assume.
Shauna, I really thing that real history is what helps make a story real and memorable. I also hope this is true, since that’s how I like to write. *G*
Shauna, I really thing that real history is what helps make a story real and memorable. I also hope this is true, since that’s how I like to write. *G*
Shauna, I really thing that real history is what helps make a story real and memorable. I also hope this is true, since that’s how I like to write. *G*
Shauna, I really thing that real history is what helps make a story real and memorable. I also hope this is true, since that’s how I like to write. *G*
Shauna, I really thing that real history is what helps make a story real and memorable. I also hope this is true, since that’s how I like to write. *G*
Thanks, Dr. McCoy! I hope you enjoyed the ARC you got in Milwaukee.
Thanks, Dr. McCoy! I hope you enjoyed the ARC you got in Milwaukee.
Thanks, Dr. McCoy! I hope you enjoyed the ARC you got in Milwaukee.
Thanks, Dr. McCoy! I hope you enjoyed the ARC you got in Milwaukee.
Thanks, Dr. McCoy! I hope you enjoyed the ARC you got in Milwaukee.
You can now toss that patience out the window since the book has been released. *G* Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, either!
You can now toss that patience out the window since the book has been released. *G* Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, either!
You can now toss that patience out the window since the book has been released. *G* Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, either!
You can now toss that patience out the window since the book has been released. *G* Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, either!
You can now toss that patience out the window since the book has been released. *G* Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, either!
Thanks, Jeanie! The wait is now over. *G*
Thanks, Jeanie! The wait is now over. *G*
Thanks, Jeanie! The wait is now over. *G*
Thanks, Jeanie! The wait is now over. *G*
Thanks, Jeanie! The wait is now over. *G*
Eleanor, I love the different settings. Not all readers do, but luckily, there are enough readers like you that I can get away with it at least some of the time. *G*
Eleanor, I love the different settings. Not all readers do, but luckily, there are enough readers like you that I can get away with it at least some of the time. *G*
Eleanor, I love the different settings. Not all readers do, but luckily, there are enough readers like you that I can get away with it at least some of the time. *G*
Eleanor, I love the different settings. Not all readers do, but luckily, there are enough readers like you that I can get away with it at least some of the time. *G*
Eleanor, I love the different settings. Not all readers do, but luckily, there are enough readers like you that I can get away with it at least some of the time. *G*
LOL!
LOL!
LOL!
LOL!
LOL!
Vicki L, thanks so much! You’ll find that in the cellar scene, most of the guys aren’t well described because that gives me room to take them in whatever direction I want. *G*
Vicki L, thanks so much! You’ll find that in the cellar scene, most of the guys aren’t well described because that gives me room to take them in whatever direction I want. *G*
Vicki L, thanks so much! You’ll find that in the cellar scene, most of the guys aren’t well described because that gives me room to take them in whatever direction I want. *G*
Vicki L, thanks so much! You’ll find that in the cellar scene, most of the guys aren’t well described because that gives me room to take them in whatever direction I want. *G*
Vicki L, thanks so much! You’ll find that in the cellar scene, most of the guys aren’t well described because that gives me room to take them in whatever direction I want. *G*
Nancy, you’re right, it’s a tricky balance, and it was a very unnecessary war. I tried to make my characters ambivalent in a way readers could relate to.
Nancy, you’re right, it’s a tricky balance, and it was a very unnecessary war. I tried to make my characters ambivalent in a way readers could relate to.
Nancy, you’re right, it’s a tricky balance, and it was a very unnecessary war. I tried to make my characters ambivalent in a way readers could relate to.
Nancy, you’re right, it’s a tricky balance, and it was a very unnecessary war. I tried to make my characters ambivalent in a way readers could relate to.
Nancy, you’re right, it’s a tricky balance, and it was a very unnecessary war. I tried to make my characters ambivalent in a way readers could relate to.
I hope you and your dog enjoy the audio, Margaret. *G* I just checked with me editor this morning and the Audible version of the book will be released “soon,” and the CD version a little later.
I hope you and your dog enjoy the audio, Margaret. *G* I just checked with me editor this morning and the Audible version of the book will be released “soon,” and the CD version a little later.
I hope you and your dog enjoy the audio, Margaret. *G* I just checked with me editor this morning and the Audible version of the book will be released “soon,” and the CD version a little later.
I hope you and your dog enjoy the audio, Margaret. *G* I just checked with me editor this morning and the Audible version of the book will be released “soon,” and the CD version a little later.
I hope you and your dog enjoy the audio, Margaret. *G* I just checked with me editor this morning and the Audible version of the book will be released “soon,” and the CD version a little later.
Lillian, I’ll take that as a compliment. *G*
Lillian, I’ll take that as a compliment. *G*
Lillian, I’ll take that as a compliment. *G*
Lillian, I’ll take that as a compliment. *G*
Lillian, I’ll take that as a compliment. *G*
I’m with you and most others, Michelle–war stinks. I think one of the keys to this story was the deep friendship Gordon and Callie developed as children, and how it laid a foundation of trust that never faltered. THey were never enemies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to be sorted out!
I’m with you and most others, Michelle–war stinks. I think one of the keys to this story was the deep friendship Gordon and Callie developed as children, and how it laid a foundation of trust that never faltered. THey were never enemies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to be sorted out!
I’m with you and most others, Michelle–war stinks. I think one of the keys to this story was the deep friendship Gordon and Callie developed as children, and how it laid a foundation of trust that never faltered. THey were never enemies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to be sorted out!
I’m with you and most others, Michelle–war stinks. I think one of the keys to this story was the deep friendship Gordon and Callie developed as children, and how it laid a foundation of trust that never faltered. THey were never enemies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to be sorted out!
I’m with you and most others, Michelle–war stinks. I think one of the keys to this story was the deep friendship Gordon and Callie developed as children, and how it laid a foundation of trust that never faltered. THey were never enemies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to be sorted out!
It’s another winner! Thank you, Mary Jo. I too loved the American connection and getting a full story for “Lady Agnes Westerfield’s one failure.” And I also loved seeing more of Laurel and Kirkland. Now I eagerly await Hawkins’s story.
It’s another winner! Thank you, Mary Jo. I too loved the American connection and getting a full story for “Lady Agnes Westerfield’s one failure.” And I also loved seeing more of Laurel and Kirkland. Now I eagerly await Hawkins’s story.
It’s another winner! Thank you, Mary Jo. I too loved the American connection and getting a full story for “Lady Agnes Westerfield’s one failure.” And I also loved seeing more of Laurel and Kirkland. Now I eagerly await Hawkins’s story.
It’s another winner! Thank you, Mary Jo. I too loved the American connection and getting a full story for “Lady Agnes Westerfield’s one failure.” And I also loved seeing more of Laurel and Kirkland. Now I eagerly await Hawkins’s story.
It’s another winner! Thank you, Mary Jo. I too loved the American connection and getting a full story for “Lady Agnes Westerfield’s one failure.” And I also loved seeing more of Laurel and Kirkland. Now I eagerly await Hawkins’s story.
It’s intended as such. 🙂
It’s intended as such. 🙂
It’s intended as such. 🙂
It’s intended as such. 🙂
It’s intended as such. 🙂
In that case, Mary Jo, feel free to call me Karen I.
Regards,
Kareni
In that case, Mary Jo, feel free to call me Karen I.
Regards,
Kareni
In that case, Mary Jo, feel free to call me Karen I.
Regards,
Kareni
In that case, Mary Jo, feel free to call me Karen I.
Regards,
Kareni
In that case, Mary Jo, feel free to call me Karen I.
Regards,
Kareni
I remember seeing some old movies about the War of 1812, but haven’t read a historical romance set during it – I love to learn about history while reading a good book!
I remember seeing some old movies about the War of 1812, but haven’t read a historical romance set during it – I love to learn about history while reading a good book!
I remember seeing some old movies about the War of 1812, but haven’t read a historical romance set during it – I love to learn about history while reading a good book!
I remember seeing some old movies about the War of 1812, but haven’t read a historical romance set during it – I love to learn about history while reading a good book!
I remember seeing some old movies about the War of 1812, but haven’t read a historical romance set during it – I love to learn about history while reading a good book!
love the Q&A. nice to see a book take place during that time period.
love the Q&A. nice to see a book take place during that time period.
love the Q&A. nice to see a book take place during that time period.
love the Q&A. nice to see a book take place during that time period.
love the Q&A. nice to see a book take place during that time period.
You mentioned the setting as the War of 1812, and I’ve been trying to remember some other regencies with that setting, or at least in which it was a factor, that I’ve read and liked at the time. I came up with three:
DIAMOND IN DISGUISE – Elizabeth Hewitt
AN ENGLISH ALLIANCE – Dawn Lindsay
THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE – Sandra Heath
Time to dig them out for a reread 🙂
You mentioned the setting as the War of 1812, and I’ve been trying to remember some other regencies with that setting, or at least in which it was a factor, that I’ve read and liked at the time. I came up with three:
DIAMOND IN DISGUISE – Elizabeth Hewitt
AN ENGLISH ALLIANCE – Dawn Lindsay
THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE – Sandra Heath
Time to dig them out for a reread 🙂
You mentioned the setting as the War of 1812, and I’ve been trying to remember some other regencies with that setting, or at least in which it was a factor, that I’ve read and liked at the time. I came up with three:
DIAMOND IN DISGUISE – Elizabeth Hewitt
AN ENGLISH ALLIANCE – Dawn Lindsay
THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE – Sandra Heath
Time to dig them out for a reread 🙂
You mentioned the setting as the War of 1812, and I’ve been trying to remember some other regencies with that setting, or at least in which it was a factor, that I’ve read and liked at the time. I came up with three:
DIAMOND IN DISGUISE – Elizabeth Hewitt
AN ENGLISH ALLIANCE – Dawn Lindsay
THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE – Sandra Heath
Time to dig them out for a reread 🙂
You mentioned the setting as the War of 1812, and I’ve been trying to remember some other regencies with that setting, or at least in which it was a factor, that I’ve read and liked at the time. I came up with three:
DIAMOND IN DISGUISE – Elizabeth Hewitt
AN ENGLISH ALLIANCE – Dawn Lindsay
THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE – Sandra Heath
Time to dig them out for a reread 🙂
I loved all the Lost Lords, and I am looking forward to reading a book by Mary Jo set in the U.S.
The War of 1812 seems to have been a sad waste of life all around, including the last big battle in New Orleans, which took place after a treaty was signed.
I loved all the Lost Lords, and I am looking forward to reading a book by Mary Jo set in the U.S.
The War of 1812 seems to have been a sad waste of life all around, including the last big battle in New Orleans, which took place after a treaty was signed.
I loved all the Lost Lords, and I am looking forward to reading a book by Mary Jo set in the U.S.
The War of 1812 seems to have been a sad waste of life all around, including the last big battle in New Orleans, which took place after a treaty was signed.
I loved all the Lost Lords, and I am looking forward to reading a book by Mary Jo set in the U.S.
The War of 1812 seems to have been a sad waste of life all around, including the last big battle in New Orleans, which took place after a treaty was signed.
I loved all the Lost Lords, and I am looking forward to reading a book by Mary Jo set in the U.S.
The War of 1812 seems to have been a sad waste of life all around, including the last big battle in New Orleans, which took place after a treaty was signed.
I got the Nook version yesterday and have already started reading. I know I will love it!
I got the Nook version yesterday and have already started reading. I know I will love it!
I got the Nook version yesterday and have already started reading. I know I will love it!
I got the Nook version yesterday and have already started reading. I know I will love it!
I got the Nook version yesterday and have already started reading. I know I will love it!
Went back and read the cellar dwellers scene in Once a Soldier. When I put it back on the shelf, I picked up the book next to it (Not Always a Saint) and lo and behold….Gordon was in that one. Now I’m all prepped and ready for reading Once a Rebel when I get a copy of it. Grin.
Went back and read the cellar dwellers scene in Once a Soldier. When I put it back on the shelf, I picked up the book next to it (Not Always a Saint) and lo and behold….Gordon was in that one. Now I’m all prepped and ready for reading Once a Rebel when I get a copy of it. Grin.
Went back and read the cellar dwellers scene in Once a Soldier. When I put it back on the shelf, I picked up the book next to it (Not Always a Saint) and lo and behold….Gordon was in that one. Now I’m all prepped and ready for reading Once a Rebel when I get a copy of it. Grin.
Went back and read the cellar dwellers scene in Once a Soldier. When I put it back on the shelf, I picked up the book next to it (Not Always a Saint) and lo and behold….Gordon was in that one. Now I’m all prepped and ready for reading Once a Rebel when I get a copy of it. Grin.
Went back and read the cellar dwellers scene in Once a Soldier. When I put it back on the shelf, I picked up the book next to it (Not Always a Saint) and lo and behold….Gordon was in that one. Now I’m all prepped and ready for reading Once a Rebel when I get a copy of it. Grin.
I have wanted to know Gordon’s story since reading about him in the Lost Lords books. I was delighted to find he is a Redeemed Rogue. Once a Soldier is already a favorite. However my very favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, ANGEL ROGUE, RIVER OF FIRE, THE BARGAIN, AND THE RAKE. Thank you for years of reading pleasure–and many more to come.
I have wanted to know Gordon’s story since reading about him in the Lost Lords books. I was delighted to find he is a Redeemed Rogue. Once a Soldier is already a favorite. However my very favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, ANGEL ROGUE, RIVER OF FIRE, THE BARGAIN, AND THE RAKE. Thank you for years of reading pleasure–and many more to come.
I have wanted to know Gordon’s story since reading about him in the Lost Lords books. I was delighted to find he is a Redeemed Rogue. Once a Soldier is already a favorite. However my very favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, ANGEL ROGUE, RIVER OF FIRE, THE BARGAIN, AND THE RAKE. Thank you for years of reading pleasure–and many more to come.
I have wanted to know Gordon’s story since reading about him in the Lost Lords books. I was delighted to find he is a Redeemed Rogue. Once a Soldier is already a favorite. However my very favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, ANGEL ROGUE, RIVER OF FIRE, THE BARGAIN, AND THE RAKE. Thank you for years of reading pleasure–and many more to come.
I have wanted to know Gordon’s story since reading about him in the Lost Lords books. I was delighted to find he is a Redeemed Rogue. Once a Soldier is already a favorite. However my very favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, ANGEL ROGUE, RIVER OF FIRE, THE BARGAIN, AND THE RAKE. Thank you for years of reading pleasure–and many more to come.
I bet no one can finish Chapter 32 without singing! Or tearing up.
I bet no one can finish Chapter 32 without singing! Or tearing up.
I bet no one can finish Chapter 32 without singing! Or tearing up.
I bet no one can finish Chapter 32 without singing! Or tearing up.
I bet no one can finish Chapter 32 without singing! Or tearing up.