Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

by Amanda Forester For Valentine's Day I have been thinking of what to get my sweetheart to show my love and affection. I got to thinking about what my previous heroes and heroines might give each other for Valentine's Day. But did medieval Highlanders celebrate Valentine's Day, you ask?   Maybe. How about in the Regency?   Most likely. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius set aside February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, to honor a priest named Valentine who married couples in defiance of a Roman decree (he was sentenced to death for his romantic nature).   As early as the 15th century people were exchanging written valentines and love poems.   The practice has continued throughout the ages until the present day where over a billion valentines are sent each year.   Considered one of the most romantic days of the year, an estimated 6 million couples will become engaged on Valentine's Day.   Wow! So what will my historical heroes and heroines give eac...

by Amanda Forester Promotion.   For some writers it is second nature, for others the mere mention of it induces hives and a nervous tick.   Despite being in the latter category, I have attempted my best to promote, especially as I have my first book of a new Regency series being released next month (less than a month - gasp - twitch).   In my efforts to promote A Wedding in Springtime (which Publisher's Weekly gave a Starred Review, just in case you were wondering) I have been posting to facebook with more regularity.   I posted when my book received a good review (another Starred Review from Booklist - just saying).   I posted when I scheduled my book launch.   I even posted when I needed help choosing a pet for my next hero.   But my all-time most popular post was.... my puppy eating my story board. Yes, here she is in all her ravenous glory, my four-month-old puppy chewing up my post-it note story board.   Apparently, the most p...

by Amanda Forester The countdown to Thanksgiving is on!   Has anyone else been completely caught off guard by how early this holiday is arriving this year?   I am not at all ready for this!   Not only has the early arrival of one my favorite holidays got me scrambling, it also has me in a quandary regarding my next favorite holiday - Christmas.   In a spirit of full disclosure I will admit that I am one of those people who every years goes out Thanksgiving weekend to chop down my Christmas tree.   We have friends we go with to chop the tree and then go out for Mexican food (nothing says happy holidays like an authentic chile relleno).   By the end of Thanksgiving weekend the lights are up, the decorations are out, and I am full of the ho ho holiday spirit from my snowflake sweater to my Santa Claus mug.   I also have jingle bell antlers for the cat, but you wouldn't believe the grief I have trying to get him to wear it.     This y...