.jpg)
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978-1250867551
Release Date: 11-14-2023
Length: 304pp
PreOrder AMAZON | BARNES
& NOBLE | BOOK
DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP
| GOODREADS
Overview:
When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancĂ© and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation―in front of London’s loosest lips―that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.
But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper―uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.
Read a message from Celeste Connally
Hello, Dear Readers,
The idea for this book took hold during the pandemic, when I was
watching period dramas on the regular, including all my favorite Jane Austen
adaptations and Downton Abbey. And of course, in nearly every one, there
was the notion of the unmarried woman being a rather pitiable character. I
began thinking about how the spinsters never got to be in the limelight,
especially in the Regency period. They were hardly ever seen as strong, or
capable, or worthy of respect, and I thought to myself that a main character
who valued her independence and embraced her decision not to marry would make
for a heroine I would like to write.
And thus, dear readers, I am overjoyed to introduce you to Lady Petra
Forsyth. Daughter of the Fifth Earl of Holbrook, accomplished equestrienne,
goddaughter to the Duchess of Hillmorton, and a woman in possession of her own
fortune.
After the death of her fiancĂ© three years ago, Lady Petra’s already
headstrong ways—which include occasionally riding astride in her brother’s old
breeches—came to include living her life on her own terms. That is, without a
husband—though not everyone sees her decision as the right one, or the ladylike
one. And when the purported death of a dear friend seems intertwined with
mentions of a mysterious physician, Petra does the most unladylike thing she
can: she starts asking questions.
When Petra formed in my mind as a character, I saw her with little
bits of some of my favorite…well, almost-spinsters. Such as Emma Woodhouse, who
was initially willing to go her own way and remain unmarried in a time where
doing just that was an incredible risk for a woman, no matter what her
financial status. And then there’s Downton Abbey’s Lady Edith, who
recognized her talents and carved out a satisfying life for herself as an
entrepreneur and businesswoman. She didn’t let it stop her from romance,
either…
Another thing my inspirations for Petra have in common is that I feel
they would all have made excellent amateur sleuths. Some would say it’s because
spinsters have an inclination toward nosiness, but I would say it’s their sharp
minds and a refusal to give up on what’s important. I think Petra certainly
begins to develop the knack for investigating—whether or not those around her
approve—and I very much hope you’ll enjoy riding alongside her for her very
first adventure.
All my best,
Giveaway Details:
Two (2) winners (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord. One (1) winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord and a gift prize package containing the following:
1. A Jane Austen 'Obstinate, Headstrong Girl' mug from the Jane Austen Centre giftshop.
2. A bookmark, and a bookplate signed by the author.
3. A medley of Harney & Sons teas in various flavors individually wrapped teabags.
4. A handmade ceramic tea tidy in the shape of a teapot for teabags.
5. A box of English tea biscuits.
Giveaway period: Open from 12:01 am Pacific time 02/22/23 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 03/19/23.
Terms & Conditions:
The giveaway is hosted by Celeste Connally and Minotaur Books. No purchase is necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the books and prizes to the winners. Void where prohibited. One giveaway item per eligible entrant.
Announcement of Winner:
Visit author Celeste Connally’s website on March 20, 2023, to see if you won one of the three prizes.
AUTHOR BIO
Celeste Connally is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS
Thanks for sharing, Deb!
ReplyDeletemy pleasure
DeleteGreat title and sounds like a promising new cosy series coming up.
ReplyDeleteit sure does Kathryn
Delete