Guest Post with Author Joyce Proell and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC author Joyce Proell. Joyce is currently on tour for her book Eliza and has stopped by for a little chat. Please give Joyce a warm welcome.

I laughed when my husband suggested I write a book. Me? What did I know about writing? Yet the notion held possibility, so I hatched a plan. A year later, I sent off my first completed manuscript and promptly received a score of polite rejections. Bruised but undaunted, I forged ahead, new plan in hand. Later, armed with the knowledge acquired from writing classes, seminars and the help of fellow writers, I finished my second story. Eliza is that story.

A little more info…

I grew up in Minnesota. In college, I studied psychology and earned a master’s degree in Social Work. After living in Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland and Reno, my husband and I make our home only miles from where I grew up.

I worked in the field of mental health as a psychiatric social worker, administrator and later settled into private practice. Retired at a reasonably young age, I write full time.

I’m an avid reader, a foodie and cook, a crossword puzzle fanatic and a daily walker.

Places to find Joyce:

| Site | Facebook |

Hello! I’m so happy to be here with you today.

I’ve been asked to talk a little about my favorite historical couples. When you think about it—there are so many from which to choose. Here are some of my favorites.

John and Abigail Adams. If you’ve ever read their biographies or watched the wonderful series done on A & E, you have some idea of the love and dedication these two unique people shared. Not only was John Adams a brilliant statesman, but he was an unapologetic romantic. There was never a question he loved his wife above anything or anyone else. Often separated for long periods of time, they kept their relationship alive by frequent letters. His heartfelt communications, his tender endearments and his solicitous requests for her advice bear witness to his love and respect for her. Despite Abigail’s aching loneliness for John, her support and love for him remained steadfast.

Rachel and Andrew Jackson. Who can overlook this dynamic, political couple? Unbeknownst to either of them, he married her when she was still married to someone else. In 1828, this was a huge complication as a woman’s virtue was sacrosanct. The press tried to smear her reputation and humiliate her as a means to keep Andrew out of the White House. It didn’t work. He stood up to the press placing his political career on the line for her. Now that’s love.

Paul and Julia Child. This is a more recent couple but so very engaging and romantic. Julia was a tall, rather gawky woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Being a tall, somewhat gawky woman myself and with an irreverent sense of humor, I can understand those bleak but fleeting moments when you despair of ever finding your true love. How many men want to marry a giant after all? This was years before Shrek. But luck and her winning personality brought her to Paul. And wasn’t he a gem? Shorter than Julia, but so big in character and heart, he loved her dearly. And she loved him, even more than coq au vin and truffles. They had such fun together, and Paul, beyond the millions who cared for her, was by far her biggest fan and champion.

Jamie and Claire Fraser. This is a fictional couple which appears in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. If you haven’t read the time travel books, I encourage you to do so. Never have I read a series that throws its characters into such constant peril. Despite their many challenges—almost everything awful that can happen, happens to one of them, their love prevails. Those two stick together, over the centuries, and still keep their love alive. Oh, and the sex is outstanding.

Will Heaton and Eliza Danton. This couple appears in my book, Eliza. Long sigh. I just love them. I received a number of great comments about Will. Seems I’m not the only one who thinks he’s the best guy around.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on couples. I’d dearly love to hear from you. Who are your historical favorites?

Thank you so much for inviting me. And happy reading.

A husband who wants you dead is the greatest motivation for change.

Posing as a widow, strong-willed Eliza Danton flees her marriage determined to bury the past and live a solitary life. Traveling by riverboat to the Minnesota frontier, her flight turns perilous when forces threaten to expose her deception. With problems mounting and her trust shattered, she is forced draw upon her only resource, a man whose captivating presence rocks the very foundation of her well laid plans. But love flourishes even in the toughest of times and when you least expect it.

Attorney and contented loner, Will Heaton hides his tender heart behind an elusive facade. Grief is nothing new to him having lost a wife and child. But when a pretty widow thrusts a baby into his arms, he’s hooked. When he sees Eliza harassed by the same man he believes killed his wife, Will grabs at the chance to redress past mistakes and vows to keep her safe.

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Why is this happening? She’d never encouraged him. But perhaps she hadn’t discouraged him either. As guilt nibbled away at her she knew she had to put an end to this fruitless pursuit.

“Listen to me. I won’t marry again.” She slapped each word into the air with a distinct pop, pop, pop.

He reared back as if her words proved a glancing blow. He stiffened and she flicked an apprehensive look at Karl’s powerful hands. Would he slap her or use his fists on her like Abe used to do?

“I give you time,” he said, his voice brusque with anger. “You forget ache. Then you marry me.”

Eliza shrank back.

“You think, Eliza. Marriage is best way.”

His departing footsteps pounded on the wooden deck and thudded loudly on the stairs as he went below.

Eliza stood there, too astounded and alarmed to move. After a time, she glanced at the moon, hoping it might have some curative power to quell her rioting nerves. To her disappointment, the golden disc streaked by wisps of gnarled clouds offered no answers or comfort. Suddenly, all the anger and frustration inside exploded. She kicked out. Her foot smashed into a deck chair with an earsplitting thwack. The chair arced then slammed and scuttled noisily against the planks.

“Who-o-oa, lady.”

Eliza gasped, spun about and peered into shadows near the pilothouse. “Who’s there?”

A chair creaked.

“Make yourself known, please,” she snapped.

Will Heaton stepped out from behind the big potted palms near the pilothouse and jolted her clear through.

He’d seen everything! The kissing, the intimacy. Heard her lies. Oh, God. She wanted to sink right into the river.

“How could you?”

A muscle quirked in his cheek.

“Good Lord! You find this amusing.”

He crossed his arms and casually leaned against a tarp-covered mound of gunnysacks, his lips pressing back a grin. “Couldn’t avoid it. I had the best seat in the house.”

Her mouth gripped so tight she couldn’t talk. She glared at him expecting the intensity of her anger to light up the sky. Her body trembled as she waited for him to break the silence. When he did, it left her stunned.

Check out whats up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:

• 1 lucky winner from the ENTIRE tour will win a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble Gift Card

To Enter:

• Please leave a comment answering Joyce's question: Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on couples. I’d dearly love to hear from you. Who are your historical favorites?
• Please leave your email address along with your comment to be entered. 
• Giveaway ends January 28th.

Good Luck =)