Barbara Silkstone Unveils Cairo Caper and a Wild Good Time It Is!

On Amazon

Author Barbara Silkstone fits all my criteria for nerd-girl, romantic, and time-traveler. Though the genre she writes in is classified as comedy-mystery, her main character, Wendy Darlin, based on herself, is clutzy, brainy, adorable nerd-girl personified. There's no doubt Barbara's a romantic too: her Wendy Darlin mysteries sparkles with clever romance between Wendy and the charming, but also nerdy, Johnny-Depp look alike, Roger Jolley. She could even be a time traveler since she writes about adventures that have to do with archeaology and recovering ancient treasure, sending the reader back in time if not in actuality, at least in essence. As a result, I'm thrilled to host her on my blog with a review of the latest in her series, Cairo Caper, a quick interview, and a rolicking excerpt from the book.

Having loved the first two in her series, Wendy and the Lost Boys, and London Broil, I couldn't wait for Barbara to unveil the third, and was not disappointed. Silkstone has an amazing way of creating characters you love to love and love to hate. One of the new characters that appears in Cairo Caper that really tickied my funny bone was Fiona Feelgood, the clueless librarian. She kept me laughing throughout the whole book. But I also came to feel even more affection for Wendy and Roger. Even though they're officially an item in Cairo Caper, Silkstone still manages to create plenty of sexual tension between them. Plus there are a slew of lesser characters, each so distinct, each so well drawn, all of whom keep you laughing. Not only that, but she has a great way of using words, phrases and images in ways you've never thought of before to create an endless flow of wit. Let me also add that Silkstone manages, while filling the book with action and thrills, to remain sensitive to the terrible political unrest currently happening in Egypt. I appreciate that. I like this book SO much. Hilarious story, clever writing, great characters. The perfect comedy mystery thriller.

On Amazon

And now let's find out some things we didn't know before about Barbara Silkstone and her writing. Here's a short interview I recently did with her:

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I work out my phobias through my characters – Wendy Darlin in particular.
My fear of escalators drove Wendy to learn how to fly a helicopter and drop down from the sky onto the deck of a super-yacht. I can’t stand to get my face wet; neither can Wendy. I’ve had her perform more than one water rescue grousing through the entire operation. I have to admire her gumption.

My biggest phobia is one I cannot bring myself to inflict on her. I can’t stand seeing holes in fabric. It freaks me out. Both my hair and nail salons know to hide holey towels before my appointments. When checking into a hotel I strip the bed to check the sheets for HOLES. If I find one I ask for another room. I just can’t slam Wendy with holes. Too icky!

Where do you get your inspirations for your books?
They are all taken from my real life experiences… shaken not stirred.

Who are some of your favorite characters in your books?  Why?
I guess Wendy Darlin sits at the top of my list because she is willing to take lots of physical chances and laugh at herself when she messes up.
I love Kit. He is a famous Miami Beach drag queen and nail-tech for a number of my heroines. He makes a great best friend for the gals and he’s a hoot to boot.
Fiona Feelgood tickles me. She showed up in Cairo Caper. Fiona is a virgin librarian attempting for make a name for herself by writing Erotica for Dummies.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
I’ve just begun to write Miami Mummies. I know where it’s going and I have a general idea of the challenges Wendy Darlin will encounter. But once she gets started chaos always follows.

Where is the best place in the world you’ve been?
I love the graveyard of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Upper Slaughter in the Cotswolds. I could spend eternity there but I think it’s a closed club.

The following is one of my, and Barbara's, favorite excerpts from Cairo Caper: 

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A room filled with cat mummies caught my attention. Fiona marched ahead, but I was drawn inside. Cats were considered guardians of the underworld and protectors of those in the afterlife. The dried feline bodies caused a wave of sadness to wash over me.

I moved to the middle of the room where the weight of a stare on my back caused me to spin around. I locked on to the dark eyeholes in the head of a long-necked cat mummy standing next to a wooden cat coffin. The plaque under the cat noted it had been entombed with its master, one of Cleopatra’s guards who had been slain protecting her in the early days of her reign. A tear ran down my cheek. I shook my head to break the strange connection I felt with the tiny figure.

“Wendy!”

Fiona’s shrill voice snapped me out of my mystic fog. She was standing cross-legged in the doorway, frantically beckoning to me.

Before I could move, a cat brushed my ankle. I jumped and looked down. No cat there. As crazy as it seemed I swiveled my head toward the cat mummy. I could have sworn it winked. My imagination was working overtime.

“Wendy, I really have to go.”

I barreled through a door marked with a drawing of a woman in a long skirt with a scarf over her head. The lights were a notch down from the gloomy hallway. Fiona managed to squeeze by me and race into the nearest stall, I grabbed a potty two doors over.

I locked the door then wrestled with my long skirt and the weight of two mummy-ashtrays in the pockets. I swathed it around my thighs and lifted it just as someone pushed on the stall door.

A gravelly male voice, heavily accented in Arabic said, “Open the door!” I dropped my skirt, dragging the hem in the toilet. Ick. The curse of wearing a long skirt.

“Wendy! Who is that?” Fiona called. “Is that a sex-maniac?”

“Don’t sound so excited,” I said pressing against the door as it shuddered from a fist bashing on the other side.

“Open up! I have something for you.”

“Go away.” I fought to keep my voice from quavering.

 “Open up or I’ll… put it under the door.”

“You do and I’ll step on it,” I yelled. He damn sure wasn’t delivering a pizza.

Something let loose with a high-pitched howl. It sounded like a cat but meaner.

I adjusted my skirt, bent down, and peeked under the stall door. Nothing. No male feet. No feet at all. Only the shadow of a cat. What happened to Gravel Voice?

“Fiona, on the count of three hit your door and start running. I’ll be right beside you. One!”

“I can’t get my Spanx up. I’m too sweaty!”

Spanx, my foot. A girdle is a girdle, and a girdle in this heat is ridiculous. “Fiona, drop ‘em and start running!”

“It’s the only pair I brought with me…”

“Two. Three!” I kicked open the door. No one was there. I didn’t bother checking the shadows. “Run for it!”

I imitated Fred Flintstone powering his stone-age car as I paddled my feet for all I was worth.

Fiona galloped alongside me. “Was he good looking?”

“Shut up and run!”

We slip-skidded down the hall and onto the slick-as-glass stone staircase.  We shot down the stairs like supercharged Slinkies.

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Thank you, Barbara! 

Please visit her Amazon page to pick up Cairo Caper:

 http://www.amazon.com/Cairo-Darlin-Comedy-Mystery ebook/dp/B00EMJTUOC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

or a boxed set of the Wendy Darlin mysteries: 

http://www.amazon.com/Criminally-Funny-Fables-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00A7095OA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1380488711&sr=1-1&keywords=barbara+silkstone+box+set

An Excellent Weekend Book Sale!

We all love excellence...we all love excellent books...some can even be called phenomenal books for one reason or another. It might be because of the story, a unique idea, the style, prose, descriptions or amazing and believable characters.

For the weekend of the 12-14th July inclusive, my friend Faith Mortimer has selected a few books which all have that mark of excellence and which you might like to take a look at. All are priced very reasonably...often just a couple of dollars, (& many are reduced just for you - this long weekend only). We all know how long it takes to write a book...months, even years, so let's hear it for some phenomenal books then!

By clicking on the book links below, more information will be given about the book and author. Let's make this a fantastic weekend and get yourself a bargain fantastic book! Thanks for dropping by!

AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO AND ECOPY

DERRICK ~ Donna Fasano

The Single Dad:
Ex-military man Derrick Richmond. Solitary and satisfied...until little Timmy was dropped into his lap and Derrick had to learn to be somebody's daddy.
The Single Woman:
Schoolteacher Anna Maxwell. Fate might have denied her a family of her own, but Anna still had plenty of love to give, if only someone would notice.
The Solution:
Anna would teach Derrick all he needed to know about kids. Father and son would give Anna some precious memories. Then the schoolteacher and the single dad would go their separate ways. Unless one little boy figured out a way to make Miss Maxwell become his mom!

Donna Fasano... three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

I love the journeys this author takes us on in her stories. They are realistic, heartwarming and often heart-wrenching. A phenomenal author! (Ed)
Usually $2.99 on sale for $0.99    Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Fourteen Days Later ~ Sibel Hodge

Fourteen Days Later was short listed for the Harry Bowling Prize 2008 and received a Highly Commended by the Yeovil Literary Prize 2009. It is a romantic comedy with a unique infusion of British and Turkish Cypriot culture. Written in a similar style to Marian Keyes, it is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Bridget Jones.

When accident-prone Helen Grey finds a thong stuffed into the pocket of her boyfriend's best work trousers, it's time for her to move on. His excuse that he needed to dust the photocopier and just thought that it was a rag sounds like a lame excuse.

Helen's life is propelled in an unexpected direction after her best friend, Ayshe, sets her a fourteen-day, life-changing challenge. Helen receives a task everyday which she must complete without question. The tasks are designed to build her confidence and boost her self-esteem but all they seem to do is push her closer to Ayshe's brother, Kalem.

How will Kalem and Helen get together when she's too foolish to realize that she loves him? How can he fall for her when he is too busy falling prey to her mishaps and too in love with his own perfect girlfriend? How will Kalem's Turkish Cypriot family react when they find out?

Is it really possible to change your life in fourteen days?
Sibel Hodge writes great books and as one reviewer put it; "This story was impossible for me to put down" -- Coffee Time Romance & More  - a writer of excellence.
Sale price $0.99 for this weekend    Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Boreal and John Grey ~ Chrystalla Thoma

Centuries ago, they nearly conquered humankind. But their Gate to our world closed, leaving them out. Now the elves have found a way back.

Ella Benson, agent of the Paranormal Bureau, fights the Shades when they cross into our world, keeping everyone safe. But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, quite frankly, hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.
When the Gates between the worlds start opening and the elves make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own. Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.

Chrystalla is Greek Cypriot  and likes writing about bratty, angsty boys and spunky girls in fantasy and science-fiction worlds. She writes mainly for a young adult public but not only  - she's currently preparing a non-fiction book about dragons, because the truth must out, and is juggling two series ("Elei's Chronicles" and "Boreal and John Grey"). Fab storylines - a phenomenal writer!

99c this weekend!  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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An Eternity of Roses ~ Natalie G Owens

"...'Til the end of my life, I shall belong to you as your husband."

That was the promise Adrian made to Emmaline. And then, he was gone forever...
It is 1807. Adrian Segrave, Viscount Bournemouthe, and Lady Emmaline Deramore are about to wed and British Society teems with excitement at this imminent love match. But Madeleine de Brandeville, a mysterious Frenchwoman, has her lustful and ambitious sights on the groom. When she sets her cruel plan in motion, she leaves devastation in her path.

Heartbroken, Emmaline embarks on an adventure she'd never imagined having. As the world changes and chaos brews, her fate becomes linked with the Valthreans, a group of immortals who must learn to face a deadly enemy that threatens their place in the human world. But all the while, there is one thing she wants more than any other--to get back her man.

When she finally finds her prize and the intense blue flame of desire burns once more, her worst nightmares are far from over and the toughest battle is yet to begin. Will love win the war in the end?
Natalie G. Owens got her first taste of serious writing by penning award-winning poetry, short stories, and articles for college and local publications. She sold her first book to a small publisher in 2007 and is currently indie published. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy.
Original price 3.99, discounted to 99c  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Inescapable ~ Natalie G Owens & Zee Monodee


A two-thousand-nine-hundred-year-old immortal and her daughter must protect their town, Shadow Bridge, from the Evil that threatens its existence and the very life of all supernatural creatures on Earth. For readers who like kick-ass heroines, irresistible heroes and great action!

"You won't regret reading this series; you'll regret missing it!"--Rebecca Royce, bestselling author
Original price 3.99, reduced to 99c. Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Wild Water ~ Jan Ruth

Jack Redman, estate agent to the Cheshire set. An unlikely hero, or someone to break all the rules?

Wild water is the story of forty-something estate agent, Jack, who is stressed out not only by work, bills and the approach of Christmas but by the feeling that he and his wife, Patsy are growing apart. His misgivings prove founded when he discovers Patsy is having an affair, and is pregnant.

At the same time as his marriage begins to collapse around him, he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna, whom he left for Patsy twenty-five years before. His feelings towards Anna reawaken, but will life and family conflicts conspire to keep them apart again?

An excellent book, which I have read! (Ed). And as another reviewer says:Romance Reviews Magazine: "Jan Ruth ruthlessly puts her hero through the grinder and God only knows how he retains his sanity. I’m literally breathless from reading this novel in one go in order to know Jack’s fate. Wild Water is a damn good read."
Special low price this weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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The Assassins' Village ~ Faith Mortimer

"The Assassins' Village," introduces, Diana Rivers, writer, sometime actor and amateur sleuth. When an expatriate theatrical group gather to discuss their next play there will be murder. The group is riven with jealousies, rivalry, sexual tension and illicit affairs.

Unbeknown to each other they all attempt to find solutions to their problems. Some believe it lies in murder. Can they find the blackmailer? And can they find that all important 'little black book' - the chronicle of their misdeeds.

A body is discovered and Diana turns detective to draw up a suspects list. After the police get involved one of the suspects is found hanged - is this another murder or suicide?  A visit to a villager's home uncovers an ancient assassin's device.  Is it possible that an assassin lives at the heart of this formerly peaceful and idyllic mountain village?

Love, hate, murder and high drama all feature in this classic historical detective story.
The Assassins' Village reached #1 in Women Sleuths and #2 in Suspense on Amazon and has been awarded the title of 'Awesome Indie Book' and is an Amazon best seller.
Normally retailing at $3.25 the ebook is just 99c/77p for this weekend.
Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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The Time Baroness ~ Georgine Young-Ellis

It started out as such a simple experiment: time-travel to Jane Austen’s England, live a quiet life as a woman of independent means, blend in and observe. I never thought I would fall in love or... end up planning a prison break! When did everything go so terribly wrong? October 24, 1820 - Dr. Cassandra Reilly.

Boasting impressive, solid reviews on Amazon.com, The Time Baroness has become popular with lovers of the time travel genre. The novel is a creative, engaging and brilliant display of Young-Ellis’ writing and storytelling skills.

Georgina Young-Ellis, The Time Baroness reached a place as Kindle’s #88 Top Rated, Amazon’s #23 in Time Travel Romances and Amazon’s #1 selling travel novel set in England.
Editorial Review: ChicklitClub.com
by LEAH EGGLESTON KRYGOWSKI

This phenomenal book is normally $1.99 but is just 99c for this weekend.
Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Aphrodisiac ~ Alicia and Roy Street

Winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

A murdered friend leaves the secret of her paranormal perfume with warmhearted oddball Saylor Oz, launching her into a deadly seven-day race to find the killer, aided only by her wisecracking BFF Benita Morales and smoking hot middleweight boxer Eldridge Mace. Danger never smelled so sweet.

Review: A murdered friend leaves the secret of her paranormal perfume with warmhearted oddball Saylor Oz, launching her into a deadly seven-day race to find the killer, aided only by her wisecracking BFF Benita Morales and smoking hot middleweight boxer Eldridge Mace. Danger never smelled so sweet. "This sexy, exciting race against time is a gripping, fun read that is hard to put down."---Bookreporter.com

Alicia & Roy Street have written many great books

Normally $2.99 this weekend 99c 
Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Ebook and Audio version

Wendy & The Lost Boys ~ Barbara Silkstone

Be aware, this is not the Peter Pan story you want your kids reading, it is clearly intended for adult readers. Yet it appeals to the childlike part of us that loved the classic original stories. Combine that childlike love with modern politics and technology, and you get this smart, snarky, hilarious mystery. The story is richly developed and leaves you guessing until the very end. I am liking this grown up version of Peter Pan even more than the original. ~ Tiffany Harkleroad ~ Tiffany’s Bookshelf.

About the author:
Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters ~ Wendy and the Lost Boys ~ London Broil ~ Zo White and the Seven Morphs ~ The Adventures of a Love Investigator, 527 Naked Men and One Woman.

Her writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched - shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
$2.99 down to $1.99 for the weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Fast Movin' Train ~ Pam Howes

A CURRENT FINALIST IN THE 2013 eFestival of Words BEST NOVEL of the YEAR.

Interior Designer Mandy Radcliffe runs a thriving business. Her husband is married to his job and her three daughters are adults with lives of their own. Anyone observing would assume they were a happy and successful middle-class family. Then a phone call and a declaration of love leads Mandy into a secret affair that turns her well ordered life upside down.

PRICE for July: 99 cents.

Pam Howes was born in Cheshire, UK. She is a retired Interior Designer who loves creating stories, but only started writing seriously about twelve years ago. The idea for her first novel, set in the sixties, came from her time as a teenager, working in a local record store and hanging round with the musicians who frequented the business.That first novel evolved into a series, three books now published. The first, Three Steps to Heaven, is the tale of rock'n'roll band, The Raiders, and their lives and loves. The sequel, 'Til I Kissed You, featuring the same characters, is set in the eighties. This book sees the reformation of The Raiders after a spell of retirement. Always On My Mind, set in 2001,is a further tale of love, betrayal and music. Pam is a big fan of sixties music and it's this love and the support and encouragement of her musician partner that compelled her to write her series.
99c this weekend  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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The Rock n' Roll Romance Box Set ~ Pam Howes

Take a trip down Memory Lane with the first three novels in the series about The Raiders chart-topping rock band and their lives and loves, spanning forty years. Now available in this box-set at a very special price. Individual books have many five star reviews.

$2.99 Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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Regret No More ~ Seb Kirby

No one is safe from the past
James Blake and his family were safe - until he received the phone call that meant they knew where he was. A stolen Picasso lies at the root of an international conspiracy that reaches into the life of a prominent US politician with devastating consequences not just for him but for so many of those caught up in the crime. Wolfgang Heller, a ruthless assassin, is seeking to eliminate those who have any knowledge of the theft. James Blake must come out of hiding and face the threats to himself and his family by putting himself on the line.
REGRET NO MORE combines thrilling action with a thought-provoking story line centred on international art crime.

This is the second in the James Blake thriller series. It can be read as a stand alone story but it is recommended for maximum enjoyment you should first read TAKE NO MORE, available exclusively at amazon.

'A Stellar Mystery Thriller.... gripping, intense, and captivates the reader to the end. Author Seb Kirby is an outstanding author who knows how to write what I think of as a classic action-packed thriller.' One viewer's summing up and seeing as I've reviewed all of Seb Kirby's books I completely agree - he writes an excellent story. (Ed).

Retailing normally at $3.99 £2.99 - for this weekend only $2.99/£1.99.
Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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The Seeds of Time ~ Faith Mortimer

When Englishman Richard Barker suffers a devastating loss he learns to come to terms with his grief. He is helped by two beautiful women, newly discovered quiet and smouldering American, Sorrel and the tempestuous and wilful, Miranda, an old flame from long ago.

While Richard is battling with his feelings, by chance he enters into the dark, often surreal world of his dead father's past life spent during the Second World War. It is Sorrel's Grandfather, an American Air Force pilot, who contacts Richard with some intriguing news which helps Richard to his senses.

His story and that of his father are crafted from the ruins of war and the indestructibility of love. The action is non-stop, the locations are intriguing and the characters are appealing. There is tension, romance and harrowing escapes all woven within a story that captures the imagination and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

"Another incredible story from Faith Mortimer riddled with suspense, intrigue
and action. There are not enough words to express how much I love her work. Just when you think the characters have no way out, the twists take the book in a whole new direction. LOVE IT!!(Review)
An Awesome Indies Book
Normally $4.99 $3.12 for the weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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She Belongs to Me ~ Carmen DeSousa

A tightly woven tale of love, obsession, and concealed histories, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering if you can trust anyone right up to the last page.

About the Author;

I'm privileged to know Carmen as I believe she has the edge when it comes to writing romantic suspense. Her novels overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? Her sensual and gripping mysteries have earned bestseller status on three continents because of their ability to make readers love, laugh, cry, gasp, and hope.
99c for the weekend.

All of Carmen DeSousa's novels are 'standalones'; however,she do link each of her stories with a little surprise. If you read out of order, you'll never notice. But if you read them in order, it's fun. You can find all novels in print and eBook formats.
Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

The Next Big Thing ...

Coming in December 2012: The Time Contessa

How did you come by the idea?
This is the third book in my time-travel series. In the first book, The Time Baroness, my heroine Cassandra travels to Jane Austen’s England; in the second, The Time Heiress, to pre-Civil War New York City. In this third, upcoming, book, The Time Contessa, she travels to Renaissance Italy. The idea for The Time Contessa comes from the mention of another character in the earlier books, Jake,who time-traveled to Renaissance Florence some years before, but screwed something up in the time-line. So he and Cassandra now have to go back and fix it. This was a great opportunity to create a new male character that Cassandra falls for: Lauro Sampieri, a charismatic, artist and inventor.


What genre does your book fall under?

I like to call my books “romantic, time-travel,” as opposed to “time-travel romance,” because they are not traditional romances. They could also fall into the categories of sci/fi, and historical fiction.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters if it were a movie?

I always have in mind Nicole Kidman for Cassandra. I think Javier Bardem or Robert Downey Jr.  would do nicely as Lauro, and I'm pretty sure Jake Gyllenhaal would be a great Jake (nice coincidence about the name too!).

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

"Forced to travel back in time to Renaissance Siena with her colleague Jake to solve a mystery about a famous painting that's suddenly ceased to exist, Dr. Cassandra Reilly finds herself struggling to resist the romantic spell that threatens to derail her mission to restore the future, while keeping Jake from permanently falling victim to the past."

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

About six months. But before that there were a couple of months of research, which remained ongoing while I wrote. I thought I knew a lot about the Italian Renaissance, but I definitely learned things that surprised me; I think they'll surprise the reader too.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

It's hard to compare it to books in my genre, because very few deal with time-travel the way I do. But I'd have to say The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon isn't too far off, though her books are quite a bit more violent than mine. Then, as far as historical fiction: Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My life-long love of Italy, the Italian language, the country’s art, it’s culture, food, and let’s not forget its men, inspired me to want to set one of the books in my series there. I studied in Florence for a summer, long ago, and more recently had a vacation in a farmhouse in Tuscany for a week, and I thought: there’s no more beautiful or romantic place in the world than this. But also, I am passionate about the art of the Italian Renaissance: Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Donatello, Rafael…so I wanted to write a book that really focused on the art as well.

The hilarious Barbara Silkstone tapped me for

The Next Big Thing.

I’m passing the tap onto the amazing 

Cara Bertoia, travel-novelist and adventurer!
http://carabertoia.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to Barbara Silkstone!

Barbara Silkstone is the winner of the Nerd-girls book and gift certificate giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered! Though the contestants for my Nerd-girl giveaway were few, my giveaway on Goodreads attracted more than 700! They chose the winner this morning: Deszrian from Texas. So both Barbara and Deszrian will be getting a free, signed copy of The Time Baroness, and Barbara gets the added prize of a $25 gift certificate to Ann Taylor Loft. For those who didn't win, don't despair! You can still get the print version of The Time Baroness, a romantic, time-travel adventure set in Jane Austen's England at the new, sale price on Amazon of $8.60, here: http://amzn.to/ljb0wb or by clicking on the picture of the book on this blog. And, as always, it's only .99 as an e-book.

Finally, since I happen to know that Barbara is also an author, let me give a special shout out to her two humorous novels, The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland Age 42 and Three-Quarters: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Diary-Wonderland-Three-Quarters-ebook/dp/B003BIGFSE
and Wendy and The Lost Boys: http://amzn.to/pR0fna, both great fun reads from her Fractured Fairy Tales Series.