The seasons turn, it’s time to slow down and hibernate—and the anthology Chalice of Roses is a January release.  The theme is the Grail, and the authors are the “Faery Four”: me, Jo Beverley, Barbara Samuel, and Karen Harbaugh.  This is our third group endeavor, following Faery Magic and Dragon Lovers, and the stories take place in four different time periods: Jo’s is medieval, Karen’s Regency, and Barbara’s is contemporary.

My story, “The White Rose of Scotland,” is set in my Guardian world, but a new time period for me:  Scotland during World War II.  The Grail is a vessel of peace, so the enemies of peace want to control its power.  My heroine, Jane Macrae, a Scottish intelligence analyst, meets David Sinclair, a Canadian fighter pilot with the RAF, and together they must try to keep the chalice out of Nazi hands.  Fun!  Here’s an excerpt.

Chalice of Roses is a Top Pick from Romantic Times, which is rare for an anthology, and Kathe Robin’s review says:

"Each unique voice calls upon historical incidents and paranormal elements to contribute to an anthology that lifts the human spirit.”

Publisher’s Weekly also liked the book:  “Four engaging novellas bring romance to the legend of the Holy Grail…The authors tie the Grail to pagan roots as well as Christian myth and deftly highlight romance rather than religion, making all four stories broadly accessible.”

Chalice of Roses launches what will be a fairly lively year for me, with Kensington reissuing One Perfect Rose in April, and May bringing the second Lost Lord book, Never Less Than a Lady.  Which features edgy, intriguing Randall, in case you were wondering. <G>

The British publisher, Everlyn, reissued Thunder and Roses in November under the title Fallen Angel, and in February they’ll reissue Dancing on the Wind.

I’m about to start writing the third Lost Lords book, and a fourth is also contracted.  Kensington is also going to reissue The Rake and The Bargain, for those of you who have wanted to get your hands on those two books.  No dates yet. 

My first young adult fantasy novel for St. Martin’s Press is also finished and scheduled for early 2011, though no title yet.  As you can tell, I’ve been busy!

Check out my pictures and journal from my August journey to Australia and New Zealand, where I spoke at both national romance writers’ conferences and had an amazingly wonderful time. 

I hope this new year brings you all good things—including lots of great books to read!

Mary Jo

 

Loving a Lost Lord

by
Mary Jo Putney