ISABELLA HARGREAVES
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      • The Temptation of Reverend Francis Brody
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Upcoming Event:


​Riveting Reads Book Signing Event: 22 October 2017
Mercure Hotel, 85-87 North Quay, Brisbane

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Upcoming event:
Blog tour for ENTHRALLED: 7-11 November 2016
- with Book Enthusiast Promotions


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With a fan... RWAus Conference, Adelaide, 20 August 2016.
At Readers and Writers Down Under - 4 March 2016 - Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. 
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5 September 2015 - Attended launch of Double Take by Kendall Talbot.
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With author of Double Take, Kendall Talbot
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21-23 August 2015 - Attended Romance Writers of Australia conference in Melbourne.
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At RWA conference, Park Hyatt, Melbourne, August 2015.
5 star review for Wanton Widows from AL Jones on Goodreads : "A deliciously cheeky and well written trio of short stories."  18 August 2015.
14 August 2015 - Friday Freebie on AusRomToday - free book giveaway
12 August 2015 - With Amy Rose Bennett on 'Welcome to Amy Rose's Parlour' - talking about Wanton Widows and my dream cast for the book. See: http://amyrosebennett.com/welcome-to-amy-roses-parlour-isabella-hargreaves-historical-romance-author/.
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August 2015 - The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody is a finalist for The CHATELAINE 2014 AWARDS for Women’s Fiction and Romantic Fiction! I'm thrilled to be part of this exciting line up of authors. Good luck to everyone in the finals.
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Release Day blog on ARRA, 7 August 2015. https://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/release-day-wanton-widows/
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5 August 2015 - Visited George Tyler's blog. Georgie Tyler: Spotlight on Wanton Widows by Isabella Hargreaves


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Authors at the Australian Romance Readers Convention, in roaring '20s costumes, March 2015. Isabella Hargreaves - front row, second from left.
Picturehttp://www.australianromancereaders.com.au/2015.html
I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Australian Romance Readers' Convention in Canberra  6-8 March 2015.

The Persuasion of Miss Jane BrodyReview: InD'tale magazine:  http://www.indtale.com/reviews/historical/persuasion-miss-jane-brody
Isabella Hargreaves
Genre: Historical
3 starsJane Brody has an uphill climb to convince people of women’s rights.  Educated and poised in the running of her life and her father’s household, Jane is years ahead of her time. When her group needs support in the House of Lords, they turn to Lord Dalton.  Jonathan Everslie, Marquis of Dalton, is put off by Jane’s campaign, but when circumstances change they find themselves in frequent companionship, causing personal opinions to alter.  When Jane’s family dynamics falls into shambles, Lord Dalton helps out, and finds himself in love. Jane, however, is startled by her feelings for Jonathan, considering her commitment to spinsterhood. Can Lord Dalton persuade Jane that they are meant to be together?
This glimpse into the lives of women during Regency England and their struggle to effect change is very unique. Lord Dalton does not want to cause waves but finds Jane Brody a challenge that feeds his ego, which subsequently leads to a completely new level of appreciation by both. However, reader’s hearts may break due to the bleakness of Jane’s feelings about her station in life and that of her cause. While the author has clearly researched the time period, there are a few editing issues where people are called the wrong names, and settings suddenly changing from “near dark” to “mid afternoon” in the span of a few sentences. Despite these issues, this chronicle is a stark depiction that highlights the plight of females on their path to gaining equal rights that gives one an appreciation of the liberties that women have justly won.  
Roberta Gordon
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August 2014.  At the wonderful Romance Writers of New Zealand conference held in Auckland on the weekend, my Regency romance, The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody, came third in the reader-judged Koru Award of Excellent for short and sweet romance. For a debut work, I'm pretty pleased by this result.
As there seems to be reader interest, I'll write more stories about the Brody family in the future.


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Author Book Signing Event at Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland on Saturday, 16 August 5-6pm.
Come and meet me at this event. 
Meet Marie Force, James Scott Bell, Nalini Singh, Barbara DeLeo and many more of your favourite authors.

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Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award finalist
30 July 2014
The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody is a RWNZ Koru Award finalist, in the short and sweet romance category.

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4 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by Georgie Tyler
7 July 2014
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22046491-all-quiet-on-the-western-plains
"A historical love story set in the Australian outback after the Great War where nurse Fleur and soldier/bushman Jack live with the horrors of their service in France. A great read for not only history buffs but all."  

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5 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by Beth R Horton
4 July 2014   
http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A1IJLW5NHLH5ZZ/ref=pdp_new_read_full_review_link?ie=UTF8&page=1&sort_by=MostRecentReview#R3C5BCZZE5BQO8
Recommend this book very much, 
An engaging read that opens a door to the hearts and minds of women and men who rebuilt their lives in Australia after the living the horror of World War I in France.  As you read, you can feel their caution as they take baby steps to allow emotional honesty and openness with others back into their lives.  Recommend this book very much.

5 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by TWickman
June 4, 2014       
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K891J76/ref=pdp_new_dp_review
Brilliant! Isabella Hargreaves is magical!
Isabella Hargreaves captures the essence of war, postwar trauma and falling in love wonderfully.  Her descriptions are vivid. Her characters amazing. You will certainly be taken on a journey with this little treasure.
5 Star Review of The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody By TWickman  
June 4, 2014 
http://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Miss-Jane-Brody-ebook/dp/B00GY2ACVU
I couldn't put it down.
 
This debut novel by Isabella Hargreaves is awesome!!! Brilliant, strong characters. Amazing scenic descriptions. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
23 May 2014 'Blog by Tania Joyce' Interview
Isabella Hargreaves - Shouting out about her new book - All Quiet On The Western Plains
http://taniajoyce.com/blog/14-isabella-hargreaves-shouting-out-about-her-new-book-all-quiet-on-the-western-plains
5 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by All Night Books
22 May 2014
http://allnightbooks.com/?p=201 or Amazon or Good Reads
All Quiet On The Western Plains is a very quick read at only seventy-five pages. But in that seventy-five pages the author takes you through a journey of two people who have been through war and have decided to live a life of solitude, one so he doesn’t hurt anyone and the other so she doesn’t lose any more people she loves.... [precise of story] It’s a great book with beautifully written characters, and it leaves you guessing until the end if they will make it to the end of time or if their romance is a flash in the pan. The author packs a punch with this book. She skillfully weaves many emotions and severe depth into her characters. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours on a warm summer day or a cold winter’s night.
5 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by Anny Books
20 May 2014
http://httpswwwfacebookcomsexylmreftntnmn.weebly.com/anny-books/blog-tour-all-quiet-on-western-plains and Good Reads
I just finished reading this book and I like, I like the characters, and like how the book turns out to be. I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
[precise of story]...
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love it how Fleur acts with Jack, that's she will just talk his ear off, I love it how they felt for each other, Author Isabella Hargreaves THANK YOU for introducing me to these great characters and this awesome book, love it.
4 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains by BeanieBrain Reader
20 May 2014 Message of Hope
Amazon and http://beaniebrainreader.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/all-quiet-on-western-plains.html 
I was given this book by author for honest review. Fleur and Jack are traumatized by the war and each running from the aftereffects. Ending up in the same town by chance they save each other from loneliness and despair. A quick romantic read with an underlying message of hope.  

5 Star Review of The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by All Night Books
20 May 2014
http://allnightbooks.com/?p=189
 or  Amazon or Good Reads
This book was based off the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft. It’s nice to see a historical book semi based off actual historical writings. It brought forth to the reader what it was like for women back a few hundred years ago. It shows you what you can do as a women today that you couldn’t before. The love story was sweet and very clean. It gives you not only Jane and Jonathan’s but Lady Elizabeth’s and Dr. Logan’s. It was like a time machine that gave you enough of a description that when you closed your eyes you can picture it. It was a quick read in my opinion but if you have a free day this is a exceptional way to spend it. Not with that being said the only downside is the author mixed up name’s when Jane’s name should have been used it was written with Elizabeth’s. This is no way takes away from the story just can be slightly confusing. Other than that one little itty bitty mix up the book was perfect.
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20 May 2014 - 'Journeys with Noelle' talking about All Quiet on the Western Plains
"Meet the author here and see what drove her to write this poignant book."
http://noelleclark.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/an-interview-with-isabella-hargreaves.html

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4 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains from Crystal's Many Reviewers
SARA SQUARED’s MUSINGS 18 May 2014
https://www.facebook.com/CrystalsManyReviewers/posts/319732604848683
This isn’t my normal romance genre, but I was drawn to the post WWI era of the book as well as the setting.  I’m really glad I took a chance on this one, because it was a great read.
Fleur served as a nurse in World War I. Jack was a soldier. Both carry scars from the war. Jack hides himself away from the world, worried that his nightmares and sleep walking will cause harm to another.  Fleur looks to escape the memories of the war, so she takes a job in the outback of Queensland.  Fate brings them together and Jack ends up helping Fleur. She tracks him down and completely turns his life upside down. But, will each be able to lower their defenses enough to see they are perfect for one another, and can help each other heal from their war wounds?
At  its core, this is one of those epic love stories. I loved the setting, the characters and beauty of the healing that takes place between Jack and Fleur.  It’s not a long story, about 75 pages, and I found myself really wishing there was more, because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the people contained within the pages when it was all over.  Don’t get me wrong, it was a complete and well done story, but I loved Jack and Fleur and would have just liked more of their story.
I think this is the kind of story that hooks people into reading romance in the first place. There are no gimmicks with this story; it is just a tale of pure romance.  I appreciated that and would definitely recommend this book. 4 stars.

4.5 Star Review for All Quiet on the Western Plains from My Life, Loves and Passions
16 May 2014
http://mullenarmyfamily.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/all-quiet-on-western-plains-book-review.html
4.5/5
Fleur and Jack both were in the war. Fleur as a nurse and Jack  as a soldier. Fate brings them together years later. Both unknowing of the other being in the war. Jack is still suffering from the war. He secluded himself  because he cannot trust himself with all the nightmares.
Here comes Fleur and she is throwing his world upside down. He doesn't understand why his mouth keeps inviting her around. Both of them suffer so much and they are so shut off from letting others in. Are they going to let each other in when they are obviously so perfect for each other.
This was a beautiful love story. It was a short story and very well written. I love how they were able to see past the pain and love each other. A great read if you love romance! 
4 Star Review of All Quiet on the Western Plains from Cajun Book Lover Review
16 May 2014
http://cajunbooklover.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/all-quiet-on-western-plains.html 
My 4 Star Review
Running as far from the war as possible Fleur finds herself in a quaint little town. After fighting in the war, nightmares drove Jack as far away from his hometown as possible. After helping Fleur out, she tracks Jack down to thank him. Will they be able to break down walls and help each other chase away the nightmares and feelings of loss. This isn't my usual go to genre but I do occasionally enjoy it and am so glad I read this one. I will be looking for more books by this author! 
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good historical romance. 
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All Quiet on the Western Plains Blog Tour with Dreams Come True Promotions: 15-21 May 2014.

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At last, despite my social media ineptitude, I have created a Facebook Author page! 
Like me at Isabella Hargreaves Books, if you wish. 

5 Star Review by 'March' for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3O3X0H3IU28X5/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp
Real historical romance!
Well written with authentic historical detail and a great romance. This is what I think historical romance should be. Wonderful.
6 February 2014 - Journeys with Noelle - A Day in the Life of: Author – Isabella Hargreaves
http://noelleclark.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/a-day-in-life-of-author-isabella.html
5 Star Review by The Book Fairy for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody
http://www.amazon.com/The-Persuasion-Miss-Jane-Brody-ebook/product-reviews/B00GY2ACVU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Romantic and inspiring, ARC review, January 19, 2014 By The Book Fairy "The Book Fairy" 
I give The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody 5 stars. This book was inspiring bringing to light the struggle that woman have had to endure to have equality in society. In a time when the Nobility saw woman as baby making machines, it was refreshing to see a story that had a heroine take that on. Don't get me wrong this book is romantic, boy is it ROMANTIC and HOT. Lord Dalton is the picture of a chivalrous nobleman. OOOOH to have a BRITISH NOBLEMAN chase me..... SOOOO HOT! I guarantee that you will love this book, chivalry and a woman's movement what else could you ask for?
4 Star Review by the Midwest Book Lovers Blog
http://midwestbookloversclub.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/the-persuasion-of-miss-jane-brody.html
The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by Isabella Hargreaves - 4 star review 
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, for which I received no compensation. 

Jane Brody is the daughter of a clergyman who has the task of raising her younger siblings after the death of her mother. Being one of few highly educated women in her time she has taken it upon herself to become a voice for women's liberation in society advocating for women's equality and right to choose for themselves rather than be the property of their fathers, presiding male family members, or husbands. Through her charity and advocacy work she meets Jonathan Everslie, Marquis of Dalton who is being pressured to marry and produce an heir by his overbearing aunt. Being the only male heir presiding over many female dependents he struggles with the responsibilities before him, until he meets Jane. As wrong as she is for him and his political career with her unconventional ideas that are greatly frowned upon in their time, he can't imagine not having her. Jane has sworn off marriage and children focusing on her work with oppressed woman, until she meets Jonathan and she must struggle to retain her principles while she finds herself falling in love with a man whose beliefs are the polar opposite of her own. 

Jane's character was wonderful, though stubborn and quite irritating at time because of it. She is strong-willed, argumentative, and passionate in her beliefs almost to the point that she sacrifices her own happiness because of her unwillingness to accept that which is different from what she has made herself believe. Though her cause is admirable it is almost her personal undoing. 

Jonathan's character is honorable, intelligent, and just as stubborn. He is traditional in his beliefs almost to the point of tunnel vision, until Jane comes into his life. I enjoyed watching his character transform throughout the story and become more accepting and willing to change because of his feelings.  

Aside from the main characters there were a slew of secondary characters that were engaging and entertaining, though I do wish there had been more background on some. 

Being an avid reader of historical novels, thanks to my grandmother, I love the details of the time. Things we, in modern times, take advantage of as well as behavior and actions that are sorely lacking in this day and age if you ask me. This was a very well-written an intriguing story. Unlike a lot of historical romance novels I have read this was not filled with sex scenes, though there was definite sexual tension and passion that existed between the Jane and Jonathan. The story focused on the peril of women in the time, the abuse of power by men in society and how one woman fought against it with honor, respect, and class. I completely admired Jane's struggle to define her role in society that would benefit the less fortunate while falling in love with an aristocrat, who stood for traditional social values, and trying to get him to understand that change was needed. 

That being said, though it started out a little on the slow side for me I was essentially captivated by the internal and external struggles of the characters. I do, personally, wish there had been more detail into the pasts of certain characters it did not take away from the story at all for it not to be there…that's just my opinion. However, I would definitely recommend this to any reader who enjoys a clean and engrossing historical romance that actually focuses on the emotional aspect of an unconventional relationship rather than the physical one. 
4 Star Review by B's Beauty Books Blog
http://www.breezyk.com/search?updated-max=2014-01-21T00:00:00-06:00&max-results=5&start=13&by-date=false
My Review:
This is a charming story with a lot of social and political views mixed in it.  The character of Jane Brody is fascinating, in that she is not afraid to believe in women's rights and supports that cause in everything she does, including how she deals with falling in love.

Jonathan Everslie is charming and a bit of a rake, but is a typical man of the time.  At least at first. To watch how these two people fall in love with each other and yet keep themselves at a distance was a bit hard for me.  Jane is clearly drawn to Jonathan, but her fear of being trapped in a marriage and forced to have children is almost stifling.  She is unable to see that sometimes love is a real thing and some marriages aren't just for convenience.  Of course watching her sister go through a abusive situation with her husband doesn't help matters. Jonathan on the other hand is certain that marriage and kids are what every woman wants.  He sees no reason for Jane to deny him in his marriage proposal.  After all, he is a wealthy and titled man.  But it takes him some time to see what Jane fears and why she fears it.  And when he realizes what makes her believe the way she does, he changes and supports her.  Of course these two come together & realize they love each other more than they love their beliefs, leading them to their own HEA. I had some issues with the writing a bit, it felt rushed in places.  The story is crazy interesting, in that I haven't read a story with this social commentary in a historical romance before.  It kept me engaged and interested.  But I felt like sometimes the story wasn't fleshed completely out.  I wanted to know more.  All in all though, I really liked this book! I give it 4 lipsticks!
~B~
B's Beauty and Books
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5 Star Review by Crystal's Many Reviewers for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody 
http://crystalsmanyreviews.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-persuasion-of-miss-jane-brody-tour.html?zx=5ce55f1391870985 
Dee’s Special Report -19 Jan 2014

First of all this book is based in a historic period.  And at last a book about a strong female main role!!! 
Ms. Jane Brody a strong willed and strong minded girl that has only one thing on her mind. NEVER TO GET MARRIED!!  Jane is a
women’s activist that believes that women should not be chained to a man and be at their beck and call. Her mother died leaving Jane to raise her siblings, from then she vowed that she will never marry or have children.  After a series of unfortunate events she finds herself in the need of Lord Dalton’s protection.  Lord Dalton finds himself intrigued by this woman and her courage to stand up for what she believes, he doesn’t desire to be married but Ms. Brody’s demeanor may just change his mind.
I applaud the author.  This book was a “Don’t-put-me-down” kind of book, once you start reading you can’t stop. I love the way she described EVERY single character no matter how small of a role they had in the story.  I love to see heroines that are POWERFUL!! Jane’s idea of what a marriage consisted of may not have
been the right one but she stood up for what she believed and why she believed in it. 5 star rating from me!

4 Star Review for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by The Book Obsessed Momma
http://thebookobsessedmomma.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/my-persuian-of-miss-jane-brody.html
This was a nice historical romance with Miss Brody wanting to stand up for women and equality.
Jonathan Everslie needs a wife and heir but hasn't found anyone suitable for the role. However, he meets Miss Jane Brody and can't get her out of his head. He is intrigued beyond belief despite her fighting for equality of women's rights.
Jane Brody is a women's activist who is trying to stand up and speak up for women for them to get equality just like men. She meets Jonathan and is very taken by him, but he doesn't agree w/her on equality. She has a hard life of teaching and taking care of her sisters and doing the charity work for her father.
This book is humorous and interesting. Speaks and shows women trying to stand up for equality and wanting the same jobs, etc as a man.
I enjoyed Jonathan. He was a contradiction at times, but man was he smitten/in love with her. Sometimes he didn't act like it or did/said things that didn't go with that, but he truly redeems himself if you ask me! Jane changed him and it was wonderful to watch.
Jane she was a hoot. I am glad she stood up for what she believed in, even if it hurt her. She wanted equality and it was wonderful to see what she was trying to do. I love that Jonathan wove his way into her heart and enjoyed watching her fall!
If you enjoy family, friends, stubborn people in love but fight like cats/dogs, women who stand up for their own beliefs and more then you will fall in love with this fabulous book!
4 stars from me.
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4.5 Star Review by Island Lovelies Book Club for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody 
http://islandloveliesbcb.blogspot.com.au/ 

Jess's Review:   4.5 out of five stars
Bravo, Ms Hargreaves! Normally I'm quite skeptical of regency reads. They are either big flops, or huge hits and this to me was a Smashing Hit!!!! The time period was flawless, no historical inaccuracies that I could see. The flow of the story was fabulous, not too fast and nothing lagged! Details were written in a way that it really had me sucked in. I found that the characters were incredibly believable and not at all stuff or too outrageous (well, unless the story called for it!). Jonathan and Jane worked so well together! They were truly written with their story full in mind. I loved Jane! Maybe it's because she was so passionate about her cause and that in turn made you want her to succeed in everything! There were a few hiccups for me in the sexual tension, where I felt that for this time, maybe it was a bit much. But I really enjoyed the love and changes the characters took on in this book! Well done, well written, and amazing all around! If you are any kind of book lover THIS is the book to buy!


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16-20 January 2014 - Blog Tour - The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody 

16 January 2014 - From the Chair - Interview by Annie Seaton 
http://bit.ly/K4Bl9Y
January 2014 - Australian Romance Readers Awards finalist  
The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody - short-listed in the Australian Romance Readers Awards 'Favourite Historical Romance' category - voting concludes 5 March.
17 December 2013 - Guest blog with Elizabeth M Darcy 
http://elizabethdarcyauthor.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/guest-author-today-isabella-hargreaves.html  
5 Star Review for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody
http://www.amazon.com/The-Persuasion-Miss-Jane-Brody-ebook/product-reviews/B00GY2ACVU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 

Sensual and thoughtful, December 3, 2013  By B Sinclair
Ms Hargreaves' novel goes into fresh territory for a regency romance; an early women's education advocate is engaged in a battle of ideas with a hunky, conservative aristo with something else on his mind!
This has brains as well as heart. Feisty dialogue, plus sexual tension between the main characters, making for a sensual and satisfying read. More please, Isabella!
Australian Romance Readers Association - Publisher pitch: Steam eReads, Nov 2013 release of 'Some like it Hot' romantic fiction competition winners' books including The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody
https://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/publisher-pitch-steam-ereads-nov-2013/
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  • Books
    • Regency Romance Books >
      • Snowed in for Christmas
      • Runaway Christmas Bride
      • Married by Christmas
      • The Wallflower's Christmas Surprise
      • The Kidnapped Christmas Bride
      • The Regent's Secret Matchmakers
      • The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody
      • The Temptation of Reverend Francis Brody
      • Gentleman Wanted
      • Forbidden Valentines
      • Regency Rescues
    • Australian Historical Romance Books >
      • Lord Muck and Lady Alice
      • Love and other Addictions
      • Love at Lost Lagoons
      • Homecomings
      • All Quiet on the Western Plains
      • Journey's End on the Western Plains
    • The Divided Isles Saga >
      • Beginnings
      • The Celtic King's Daughter
      • Sons of Rebellion
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