Tag: Lady Jane’s Salon

Lady Jane’s Third Birthday Bash, Oh What a Night!

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Lady Jane's Salon Co-founders, Leanna Renee Hieber & Hope. Not pictured, co-founders Ron Hogan & Maya Rodale.

M/our Lady Jane’s Salon, NYC’s first and only monthly romance reading series, turned the Big 0-3 last night, and we pulled out all the stops and then some to celebrate Her Ladyship’s special night.

Guest authors were S.b. Sarah Wendell, Lauren Willig, and Eloisa James!

As in previous years, we made our annual End of Year donation to Women-in-Need.

Chambord Vodka champagne cocktails were the perfect way to toast three very sweet years--and counting!

We also took the opportunity to congratulate our three satellite salons in Denver, Raleigh-Durham and, most recently, Naperville (Chicago area). The latter launches tonight, February 7th. Congratulations ladies–and gentlemen!

Chambord Vodka sponsored the event with fun promo giveaways–iPhone caddies, mints, and hats–and complimentary cocktails served for our birthday toast.

Thanks to our guest authors and attendees, to my Salon Co-founders Leanna Renee, Maya and Ron for making Lady Jane’s an event to which I never fail to look forward, to Chambord Vodka for being a great birthday sponsor, and lastly (but in no way least-ly) to Amy, Karen, Alex and the great staff at our beloved host venue in Soho, Madame X for three great years–and counting.

Guests & Co-Founders take a bow. From left to right, Sarah Wendell, Eloisa James, Lauren Willig, Alyssa Montoya of W-I-N (foreground), Ron Hogan, Leanna Renee Hieber & Me!

Year #4, here we come!

Hope

 

 

 

 

A LONG FATAL LOVE CHASE & Lady Jane’s

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A hasty, ill-advised marriage to a fiendish rake, a doomed devotion between a handsome young priest and the lovely, desperate girl he’s befriended…

No, not Collen McCullough’s THE THORN BIRDS but A LONG FATAL LOVE CHASE by Louisa May Alcott.

Written in 1866 a few years before Alcott’s revered classic, LITTLE WOMEN, A LONG FATAL LOVE CHASE was never published in Alcott’s lifetime. Deemed “too sensational” (translation: too risque) by her male publisher, the book was shelved among her private papers for more than a century and only rediscovered and published in the 1990’s.

As a middle school student, I adored LITTLE WOMEN and well, A LONG FATAL LOVE CHASE is not it. Written for serialization to keep the author’s perennially impoverished family of Transcendentalist intellectuals out of the poorhouse, the book is more penny dreadful than great novel. Still, the themes Alcott addresses–stalking, spousal abuse, bigamy, and a woman’s right to independence and freedom–resonate with a raw contemporary clarity.

As the title suggests, A LONG FATAL LOVE CHASE doesn’t end happily. Despite the every other chapter cliffhanger (it was meant to be serialized), the only true suspense is for whom the chase will prove fatal. The hastily pulled together ending answers that with no real surprises, leaving the reader not so much satisfied as relieved. Like Alcott’s heroine, Rosamund, we too are weary and ready for the chase to end.

Still, A LONG FATAL CHASE is worth a read for Alcott fans as well as fans of 19th century “women’s” literature, a literary tradition that still fascinates and inspires us today. For a wonderful paranormal YA Victorian Gothic romance in the tradition of Oscar Wilde’s THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (only with a happy ending!), read DARKER STILL by my Lady Jane’s Salon co-founder, Leanna Renee Hieber.

And for a fun and informative treatise on romance novels throughout the centuries, check out my other Lady Jane’s Salon co-founder, Maya Rodale’s, new nonfiction e-book, DANGEROUS BOOKS FOR GIRLS.

Speaking of Lady Jane’s, do join us on Monday, February 6th, 7-10PM at Madame X, for Lady Jane’s Third Anniversary Salon. It’s our third year birthday bash and we’re celebrating with our usual lineup of fabo readers including S.b. Sarah Wendell, Lauren Willig, and Eloisa James! Special EOY contribution to our charitable recipient, Women-in-Need. Sponsors: Chambord Vodka (“Pink Your Drink”) and Beatrice.com.

Happy Month of Hearts & Flowers,

Hope

 

Happy New Year, Happy New Beginnings

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TEMPTING, releasing as an audio and ebook Feb/March 2012.

I’d like to start by sharing one of my favorite quotes by another romance writer you may have heard of, Mary Ann Evans.

“You’re never too old to be who you might have been.” –George Elliot.

You tell ’em, Mary Ann.

2011 was, in many ways the year in which seeds were sewn for me. Among those, I revived a former second writing career as a travel and freelance features writer. Despite getting a late start, I had ten articles published with EuropeUpClose, WETA’s inReads (interview with Nora Roberts) and RT BOOKReviews Magazine (interview with Julia Quinn), to hit the highlights.

Now 2012 is off to a rock n’ roll start. Check out my Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Peru’s Machu Picchu published just this month by uber savvy travel site, BootsnAll.

On the romance front, my co-founded monthly romance fiction reading salon, Lady Jane’s, will celebrate its third anniversary (and counting) on  Monday, February 6th at our beloved Madame X. Deets forthcoming but for now, know that with Eloisa James and Sarah Wendell (guest emcee) joining us its going to be quite the par-tay!

My award-winning Victorian-set romance novel, TEMPTING, will enjoy a second life early this year as both an audio and digital release. Please check back for specifics including the links.

Lastly, I have a new Facebook Author page, which will soon replace my profile page, fast approaching FB’s 5,000 friends’ limit. If you haven’t already, please take two ticks to “Like” me. 🙂

The winter holiday season may be ended but there’s no reason the “gifts” can’t keep coming. In that spirit, I wish you…

A 2012 filled with fairy tale dreams come true,

Hope

 

 

 

 

It’s Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas…

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Can the winter holidays be upon us already!?!

To help get in the holiday swing, please take two ticks and check out these contemporary and historical Christmas romance releases. Print copies may or may not be available but all are available as digital releases on Kindle and Nook. 🙂

And if you’re in the NYC area, please consider putting Lady Jane’s Salon on your to-visit list. Our winter holidays salon is Monday, December 5th, 7-9 PM where I’ll be guest reading along with my Salon Co-Founder, Leanna Renee Hieber and special guest, Patt Mihailoff. Check out the deets here.

 

 

 

November Lady Jane’s Salon & Peru

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Q: What do Lady Jane’s Salon and Peru have in common?

A: Absolutely nothing…barring that this month I must give up one to gain the other.

Yeppers, I am headed for Peru–the land of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and such–which means I will miss our monthly Lady Jane’s Salon on Monday, November 7th.

Still, while I’m rambling amongst the ruins, there’s no need for you to miss. Check out the deets on the Lady Jane’s blog and prepare to party with three great guest authors: Addison Fox, Jeanine McAdam and Isabo Kelly.

Happy Trails,

Hope

PS Whilst I’m away, please check out my latest interview on Digital Book Today.

 

 

 

September Lady Jane’s Salon

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Summer may be nearly over, but at Lady Jane’s we’re carrying the sizzle into fall.

Join us on Monday, September 5th–yes, Labor Day–7:00-9:00PM at Madame X. Our featured guest authors are: Miranda Neville, Anne Herendeen & Katherine Ashe.

Authors books available for sale and signing on site.

Admission is $5 dollars or one gently-used paperback romance novel. Cash bar.

Proceeds from the salon benefit an end-of-year donation to a NYC women’s charity.

Happy Independence Day Weekend

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Last Monday’s Super Special Lady Jane’s Salon was that (and more), the national Romance Writers of America Conference here in NYC was one of the best ever, and now we’re coming up on a long–and hopefully leisurely–holiday weekend.

Ahhh…

Look for video and a brief recap of Lady Jane’s coming soon. For now…

Happy Fourth o’ July!

Hope

 

 

 

Lady Jane’s April Salon

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Join us tonight, Monday, April 4th, 7-9PM for Lady Jane’s Salon at Madame X.

April’s scintillating Salon guests are Lisa Dale, Leslie Carroll and guest emcee Alisa Bowman.

Guest authors books will be available for sale and signing on site. (Cash only).

Admission is $5 or one paperback romance novel. Net proceeds support an end-of-year donation to a NYC women’s charity.

Happy Birthday, Lady Jane Video

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The February 7th Lady Jane’s Salon celebrated a big milestone for our girl. She turned two! Fittingly, Salon attendance reached an all time peak with not only sitting but also standing (and breathing) space at premium.

Guest emcee, Andrew Shaffer had us all rolling in what little aisle space was left with hilarious snippets from his nonfiction release, Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love, demonstrating that really brainy people failing in matters of the heart may be tragic but it’s also really funny.

Guest authors Courtney Milan, Caridad Ferrer & Lauren Willig treated us to readings from their latest releases.

For those of you who weren’t able to join us in the flesh, please enjoy the video of our founders toast and donation presentation to our 2010 recipient charity, Women-In-Need.

LJ2_Donation and Toast from raj moorjani on Vimeo.

Happy Second Birthday, Lady Jane!

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LADY-jane-logoOn Monday, February 7th, 7-9 PM my fellow co-founders (Leanna Renee Hieber, Ron Hogan, Maya Rodale), and I celebrate the second anniversary of Lady Jane’s Salon at our beloved Madame X. It’s hard to believe!

Joining us in ringing in the Big 0-2 are guest authors Courtney Milan, Lauren Willig, and Caridad Ferrer. Guest emcee, Andrew Shaffer, will read from his historical nonfiction debut, GREAT PHILOSOPHERS WHO FAILED AT LOVE.

Signed copies of the authors’ books will be available for purchase on site.

The festivities will include a champagne toast and presentation of an end-of-year donation check to Women In Need.

Launched in February ’09, Lady Jane’s remains New York City’s first (and so far only) reading series for romance fiction. Admission is $5 or one gently-used paperback romance novel. Book donations and net proceeds benefit New York City groups assisting women in need.

Subsequently Salons meet on the first Monday of the month unless otherwise noted. Visit us here at www.LadyJaneSalon.com, on FaceBook at http://tinyurl.com/ladyjanefb or follow us on Twitter@LadyJanesSalon.

Happy Birthday, Lady Jane, and Happy Valentine’s Month!