Monday, July 7, 2014

Featured Debut Novelist: Sarah E. Ladd

Sarah E. Ladd is the author of the Whispers on the Moors series, which are inspirational romances set in Regency England.

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Sarah has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously.  Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.

The following is a July 2014 interview with Sarah.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END 
OF 

THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of 
The Heiress of Winterwood or 
The Headmistress of Rosemere
by Sarah E. Ladd


One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only.
Contest runs from 4-18 July NZDT

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Tell us a little about yourself. 

First of all, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog -- I am so glad to be here! As for a little bit about me … I live in Indiana with my husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever. In addition to writing, I work in marketing.


What inspired you to become a novelist, and did you always want to write?

I grew up reading British and classic literature, and it was always my dream to write a book! I have always enjoyed writing short stories and poetry, but it wasn’t until more recently that I tried my hand at writing a full-length novel.


What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?

My faith is very important to me, and really do not think I could write about life or love without incorporating the message of God’s grace in some way. In my opinion, that is what makes Christian fiction unique – it has the capability to touch a reader’s heart in a very special way.


How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?

Of course, I hope to entertain readers! But what excites me the most is when a reader tells me that the story spoke to them and that they were able to indentify with the characters on a spiritual level. If the reader can take a little nugget of faith away from my stories that they can apply to their own life, I am so happy!


What has been the most surprising aspect to becoming a published novelist? 

The friendships!  I have been blessed to meet a number of caring, talented writers on my journey to publication. And since the novel's release, I have really enjoyed interacting with readers!

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Other than being a novelist, what other goals do you have for your life?

My goal in life is to be a wonderful wife and mother – to savor the time I have with those I love.  I am so blessed!



What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family and friends, but I also enjoy reading, shopping, and gardening.


What can you tell us about your debut novel?

The Heiress of Winterwood really is a story of my heart. I thought and dreamed about this story long before I ever sat down to write it, and seeing it published really is a dream come true for me.  Here is a quick synopsis:

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one. Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride. Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect. Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

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What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?

The second book in the Whispers on the Moors series, The Headmistress of Rosemere, released in  December 2013, and the third book, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, releases this October.


What would you like to say to your upcoming fans in New Zealand and around the world?

I am so grateful for you, and I would love to connect with you online! Please join me on Facebook or on Twitter.


Do you have any parting words?

Thanks again for having me as a guest on your blog, and thank you for what you do to help promote Christian fiction!


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The Heiress of Winterwood 
(Whispers On The Moors #1)
Sarah E. Ladd

  • Thomas Nelson Publishers
  • Historical/Romance
  • April 2013
  • ISBN: 9781401688356

Purchase: 
[Kindle Amazon | The Book Depository]


Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.


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The Headmistress of Rosemere 
(Whispers On The Moors #2)
Sarah E. Ladd

  • Thomas Nelson Publishers
  • Historical/Romance
  • December 2013
  • ISBN: 9781401688363

Purchase: 
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]


Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.


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A Lady at Willowgrove Hall
(Whispers On The Moors #3)
Sarah E. Ladd

  • Thomas Nelson Publishers
  • Historical/Romance
  • October 2014
  • ISBN: 9781401688370

Pre-Order: 
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]


Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could expose her disgrace. But soon after becoming a lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own—one that has haunted him for years and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove Hall. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and fight for a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?



Buy Sarah's Books at The Book Depository

Free Delivery on all Books at the Book Depository

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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Be in to win a copy of 
The Heiress of Winterwood or 
The Headmistress of Rosemere
by Sarah E. Ladd


One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants with 
USA addresses only.
Contest runs from 4-18 July NZDT



Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Sarah E. Ladd.
Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw. 
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. 
Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.


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