Twelfth Night: An interview with Anne Gracie

by Mary Jo 
 
I always love Anne Gracie’s books, but I especially love this new one, Bride by Mistake, so an interview with Anne about the book is a perfect ending to the Word Wench Christmastide posts about favorite things.
 
Not only did I hunt Anne down and beg to read it, but here’s a quote I forced on her after I read the manuscript:
 
"The always terrific Anne Gracie outdoes herself with Bride By Mistake. When a protective young English officer rescues a Spanish girl and marries her to save her from an abusive suitor, he never expects to live long enough for it to matter. Now the war is over, the annulment is denied, and Luke Ripton has a wife he'd almost forgotten. But at least since Isabella has been living quietly in a convent, she must be modest and obedient….

She isn't! I loved Bride By Mistake. Gracie created two great characters, a high tension relationship, and a wonderfully satisfying ending. Not to be missed!"
 
The Story

Now that I have the gushing out of the way….<G>  Anne, your Devil Rider books have been quite varied in tone and setting.  (I also particularly like To Catch a Bride, with a good bit taking place in Egypt.  Library Journal listed it among the best romances of 2009.  This is just one among Anne’s many awards and honors.)  What led you to Spain, the setting of most of Bride by Mistake?
 
AG: Thank you for the very kind words, Mary Jo, and for the interview. The Devil Riders books are about four friends home from the war, trying to find a way to live again in peacetime. Luke, the hero of Bride By Mistake, is the last of them. All the way through the writing of the other books, he's been there, and I knew something had happened to him in the war, something that still haunted him, but it only became clear as I wrote this book.
 
The war was against Napoleon, but much of it took place in Portugal and Spain — and Egypt— and Bride By Mistake was sparked by an incident in Luke's early days at war, when, as a 19 year old Lieutenant he comes across a young girl — my heroine, Isabella — being attacked. He saves her, then, finding she's fleeing from an unwanted, forced marriage, he marries her for her own protection, and leaves her with her aunt in a convent. As you explained above, he planned on an annulment, but as my story opens, eight years later, Luke's confronted with the unwelcome realization that the marriage is binding and he must go to Spain to collect his bride.

I'm told a lot of readers don't like books set in foreign locations, that Regencies should take place primarily in London or Bath, but there was a great deal of travel in that era, and with the war in Europe and the growth of the British Empire, I simply can't resist the occasional foray into other countries, especially when they connect with everyday Regency people.

The Anne Gracie Heroine

MJP:  Your first Regency romance was called Gallant Waif (I could list more awards and honors here <G>), but as I think back over your books, I realized they could be entitled Gallant Waif 1, Gallant Waif 2,GF  3, 4….etc.  Tell us about the archetypal Anne Gracie heroine, and about Bella, the heroine of Bride by Mistake, in particular.  
 
AG: You know, I hadn't thought of that, but I suppose you're right. I tend to choose heroines who are more or less on their own and in a difficult position when the story starts. I like them to be smart, resourceful, loyal and courageous in an everyday sense, as well as vulnerable, with a heart secretly aching for love. They're often ugly ducklings, with the heart of a mother lioness.

Bella, my heroine, is all of these. As heiress to her late mother's fortune, an only child who lacks beauty, Bella was raised by her widowed father to be "almost as good as a son" — his highest accolade.

When the story starts, Bella's been in the convent for eight years. Of course, having been so romantically rescued at the age of thirteen, she's had a huge crush on handsome, Luke Ripton— tall, dark and as beautiful as an angel, a warrior angel — but as the years have passed, the crush has waned. Her school friends think she made him up, and they tease her about her imaginary husband.
 
MJP:  Excerpt, please!
 
AG: There's an excerpt on my website showing Bella being teased at the convent. 
     Below is the moment Luke and Bella meet again, after eight years.

     This, then was her husband. Isabella tried not to stare. 
     He was even more beautiful than she remembered. Eight years ago she'd seen him with a child's eye, and he was her savior and, she had to admit, she'd confused him in her mind a little with the angel of the statue. She had after all, only known him two days, not even that.
    But she was a child no longer and he was... he was breathtaking. Tall, dark, his skin burnished with the sun, a rich dark-gold flush along his cheekbones and such fine cheekbones they were. His nose was a strong, straight blade, his mouth, severe and beautiful. And his eyes, dark, so dark they looked black, but she knew from before they were the darkest blue she had ever seen. There was no sign of blue now.
     She swallowed and held her head higher, knowing what he would see, knowing they were ill-matched. The girls had done their best to make her look as beautiful as they could. It wasn't their fault she looked as she did. She knew she'd never make a beauty. She desperately wished she looked pretty for him. 
     But she could see in his eyes she didn't.
     Dear God but it was Mama and Papa again, Papa the handsome eagle soaring high and Mama the plain, dowdy little pigeon, bleeding with love for a husband who never looked twice at her.
     Mama's words rose unbidden to her mind. Guard your heart, my little one, for love is pain. Love is nothing but pain.
 
MJP:  I understand that besides the American edition of BBM from Berkley, you’ll also have a simultaneous Australian edition, which I gather is unusual for single title historical romances from American publishers.  Can you tell us more about that?

AG: Yes, it's very exciting. Up to now, they've always imported my US editions and put them on sale 6 months after they came out in the US. But a wonderful person at Penguin Australia read some of my books and passed them around the office. They told me they then realized two things: 1) that my books had been selling well in Australia with virtually no publisher support and 2) I was a local author, so they decided to publish me simultaneously, in trade paperback with this beautiful cover. So I'm feeling very lucky.
 
MJP:  What’s next for you?  
 
AG:  I had planned to write Marcus's story, an offshoot of the Devil Riders series, and had started on it, with my editor's approval, but then my publisher saw my proposal for a new series and they wanted me to go ahead with that immediately and put Marcus aside. So now I'm working on a new series, about 4 girls in London. That's all I can say at the moment.
 
MJP:  A big Awwww! about Marcus, but I’m sure the new series will also be terrific!  Anne, thanks so much for letting me interview you, because that way I got to read the book early!  I understand you’re going to give away a copy to one lucky persoln who comments between now and midnight Saturday.
 
 AG:  Mary Jo, thank YOU for your support and enthusiasm and for the interview and the fabulous quote. Your words of praise mean a great deal to me.

MJP: It's easy to be enthusiastic about your books.  <G>  For you readers--who is your favorite gallant waif heroine?  You can choose one of Anne's waifs, or others that you like.  Smart, resourceful, brave heroines are such a pleasure to read!

Comments

[Nancy]

The book sounds interesting as does the series. I have to confess , though, to looking forward to the series set in England. Annie Gracie's book are worth looking for.

[kanch]

My all-time favorite gallant waif heroine is Arabella by Georgette Heyer, but there are close seconds in Anne Gracie, Jo Beverley and Mary Jo Putney books. Re; Fantasy books, my faves are Tina in Catherine Asaro's Catch the Lightening and Pia Giovanni in Thea Harrison's Dragon Bound. I love Anne Gracie's books and am looking forward to reading this one

[Mary Jo Putney]

Nancy--even though BBM is only partially set in England, the characters and story are so strong that I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But of course, I speak as someone who's character are regularly led astray to foreign lands. *g*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Kanch--

Tina in Catch the LIghtning is a PERFECT gallant waif! That was myfirst Asaro book, and I've since read everything else she's written. Watching a character who starts out behind the 8-ball grow in power and character is such fun. (And Tina -really- rocked!)

[susan knight]

Anne, I love all of your books as I've told you before. I'm really looking forward to this new one. My fav. gallant waif is Callie from THE STOLEN PRINCESS. Also, I enjoy heroes with PTSD because my son has it. He served two tours in Iraq and that really messed him up.

[Dee Feagin]

Oh, that's an easy one. I adore Tallie of Tallie's Knight. I have your new one coming in the mail so I am excited about another great Gracie heroine. I think inner strength has to be the one characteristic they all share--no "Moping Millies" here!

[Janga]

Great interview, Mary Jo and Anne! I've loved all of Anne's books, but Gallant Waif was the first one I read and remains my favorite. Kate Fairleigh is among my all-time favorite heroines. How wonderful that a type of romance heroine is named for her. :) Nell Freymore from His Captive Lady is another all-time favorite. Isabella Ripton is a splendid addition to the group. (And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll have Marcus's story eventually. Look how long we waited for Jo to write Dare's story. :))

I'd include Maxie Collins on my list of favorite gallant-waif heroines too, Mary Jo--and Lady Meriel Grahame as well, if we don't define "waif" too literally.

[LouisaCornell]

Fabulous interview, ladies!!

I haven't read Gallant Waif !! Yay! A new to me Anne Gracie to seek out!

And I've have SO enjoyed the Devil Rider series! PLEASE persuade your publisher to let you get Marcus's book done soon!

I LOVED Bride By Mistake! Luke and Bella are such a wonderful couple and their love story is the perfect poignant end to the Devil Riders series! (But I STILL want to read Marcus's story!)

And as to the locations in this series, the stories really take place in the hearts of the characters. Everything else is lovely, lovely scenery.

[Susan/DC]

Can I say that I'm Disappointed (note the capital D) that we will not get Marcus' story for several years -- publishers do not always know best (although they clearly call the shots).

In the interim I will read "Bride by Mistake" and console myself by picturing Rufus Sewell the entire time.

[Phyllis]

I loved Prudence in the Perfect Rake. It was my first Anne Gracie book, so it holds a special place in my heart. I do like the whole Devil Riders series, of course!

I'm really looking forward to Luke's story.

[Kathy Otten]

I'm a big Anne Gracie fan. This looks like another good one. Love the excerpt. I don't care that much if the characters travel outside of England, as long as they are engaging, have great chemistry and are memorable. Can't wait to read this one.

[Anne Gracie]

Hi Nancy, thanks for visiting. A lot of people prefer books set in England. I hope you enjoy it.

Kanch, I Love Arabella, too. That moment when she's determined to show Mr Beaumaris she's not faking an accident to scrape an acquaintance with him and says "yes, the rich Miss Tallant." I do like a girl of spirit.

[Anne Gracie]

Hi Susan, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I hope with treatment he'll recover. They know so much more about it these days. Hugs. And I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake.

[Anne Gracie]

Dee, thank you — it's been such a long time since Tallie's Knight was available, it's lovely to know you still remember it and Tallie herself. Love the "Moping Millies" phrase.

Janga, thank you for the very kind words. I'm so pleased you enjoyed Bride By Mistake, and of course, Gallant Waif, being my first book is close to my heart.

I'm enjoying all these other suggestions, by the way — and making a list of books to order.

[Anne Gracie]

Louisa, thank you for that insight — about the books taking place in the hearts of the characters, and the locations not mattering so much. That's how I see it , too. But so many people don't like non-English locations.

I'm delighted you liked Bride By Mistake so much. Gallant Waif was my first book, and released in the US as a Harlequin Historical, so you'll find it in used bookstores.

As for Marcus's story, I'm disappointed, too, that the publisher changed their minds on him. He was originally meant to be something of a villainous distant figure, but from the moment he stepped onto the page, it was clear he was a hero-in-waiting. But I will try to write his story one day. Thanks again.

[Anne Gracie]

Susan/DC, I'm disappointed, too, about Marcus. But Rufus is fairly good consolation, I think. ;)

Phyllis, Prudence and Gideon were a "gift" to me — the kind of characters who come as a blessing, so thank you for that suggestion.
A friend of mine sometimes quotes from that book during shopping expeditions; she'll look at some gorgeous item designed for someone tall and slender and then she'll shake her head and tell her reflection, "No, you are ze little pony!" LOL

I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake.

[Anne Gracie]

Kathy, thanks for dropping by to chat. I'm glad the different setting hasn't put you off. I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake.

[Carol Marinelli]

I love them all - especially Prudence in A Perfect Rake and Ayisha in To Catch a Bride. I love the beginning of that book when he thinks she's a boy. Lovely interview - thank you. i am so looking forward to reading a new Anne Gracie!
Carol x
PS - I love the covers

[Margaret M-E]

I'm going way back on this one... Alaina MacGaren/ASHES IN THE WIND. I still have my 1979 copy when it first came out. Kathleen Woodiwiss was a phenomenal romance author.

[Andrea Penrose]

Wonderful interview, Anne and Mary Jo! A new Anne Gracie book is always something to be celebrated! It's on my weekend shopping list. (Was tempted to christen my new Kindle with its first romance title, but then decided it had to be real for my keeper shelf!)

I refuse to pick my favorite AG heroine—I love them all. And the prospect of four new ones in the works is VERY exciting.(Maybe you can self-pub Marcus's story.)

Love the Australian trade cover!

[Julie]

Ah, barely had to think about this one. One of my earliest favorite gallant waif heroines is Lady Brenna of Julie Garwood's The Wedding. She's so gosh-darned plucky it's adorable (her marriage is one of convenience...and forced, as well).

Thanks for the excerpt!

[eli yanti]

nice interview Mary and Annie ;)

try to remember one of my favorie gallant waif heroine, but seem i have not read it.

[Anne Gracie]

Hi Carol, thanks for dropping by and for your lovely comment. I'm glad you liked that opening where Ayisha is a boy -- I remember I had fun writing that bit.
i hope you enjoy Bride by Mistake.

[Anne Gracie]

hi Margaret, you know i haven't read that. I discovered US romance books quite late in life. They never used to be stocked in the Australian bookshops near me — and they still aren't. Crazy!

Cara/Andrea, thanks for that lovely comment. I hope it is a keeper for you. And it's not the publishing of marcus that would be a problem, I'm sure — just finding the time to write his story. But I'm going to try. My prolific friend Carol inspires me!

[theo]

Kate, Prudence, Faith...too hard to choose one Anne heroine. They're all wonderful in their own way. BBM came the other day and I've been longing to sit and read it, but I know I'll need a whole day with absolutely nothing to do so I can read it from start to finish. I'm waiting, but oh, it's hard.

And fwiw, I use the, "No, you are ze little pony!" line too when I'm shopping. ;o)

You could always write Marcus' story and post it on your site as a serial novel. That's a huge hint, by the way. :o)

[LilMissMolly]

I always like Grace from A Fall from Grace by Jill Barnett.

[ElaineK]

For me, it's a toss-up between Tallie and Prudence. I am looking forward to reading about Isabella!

[Pageturner]

Favourite waif has to be Anne Shirley, from Anne of Green Gables. Not one from your books, Anne, but she does share your name!

[Anne Gracie]

Theo, I'm chuckling about ze little pony, here. Thanks for your very kind words on my heroines.

I don't think I could do Marcus that way. I'm not the kind of writer who works that way — polishing each chapter and then moving on. I do write sequentially, but I rewrite all over the place - jumping from the end to the beginning and the middle, deleting, weaving stuff in and tweaking until the book has gone. Usually the last thing I write before the end, is the beginning.

So I'd have to finish Marcus before i started posting chapters, and I might as well publish the whole book then. But it's a nice idea and I'm not totally ruling it out. Always good to shift out of ones comfort zone. Thanks Theo.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, LilMissMolly, I haven't read that one. Will look it out.

Elaine, thanks for that comment. Tallie and Prudence were faves of mine, even though an author can't really play favorites.

Hi Pageturner, Anne Shirley is a wonderful heroine, I completely agree. Magic books and so rereadable. Thanks for dropping by.