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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Saving a Lady...with Maggie Robinson and Giveaway


Saving a Lady on Christmas Eve - Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing hot historical romances.


Places to find Maggie:
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Aspiring couturier Fleur Murray is far from home on Christmas. Good thing there’s a Scottish gentleman to keep her spirits up. Evan Raeburn appears briefly In the Heart of the Highlander, and this just might be the start of his own book!

***

5 rue Auber, Paris, December 24, 1904

Fleur’s fingers were so stiff she had difficulty putting on her gloves. She had been sewing since before dawn, and someone would be delighted with the results. Someone would have a new gown to wear for Christmas dinner. Someone would have a Joyeux Noel.

Fleur was not that someone. She was far from her Highland home, about to spend the holiday alone in a tiny garret room with a spirit stove and limited hours of daylight. Not that she was usually there often to watch the sun’s winter dimness move across the bare floors—she was toiling at M. Paul Poiret’s new atelier from dawn to dusk, stitching seams on shockingly odd dresses. She had come to Paris to learn her craft, and learning she was. Whether any of her new-found knowledge would translate to ordinary Edinburgh women was doubtful. The price of M. Poiret’s Japanese-inspired kimonos were twice the yearly salary of the average scullery maid, and she could think of no one she knew who would ever wear harem pants.

It was Fleur’s dream to make affordable clothing for young working women. Why should the rich be the only ones to have stylish garments? Her self-imposed year in Paris was half-way done, but she was wondering if her dream would ever become reality.

She stepped out into the dark street. Winter had its icy claws on her immediately. For a woman who sewed for a living, her own coat was sadly inadequate. She shivered all the way to the Metro station, only to find a chain across the steps and a sleet-soaked sign hanging from it. Her French was improving, and with a sinking heart she read that the underground was closed.

“Bloody hell!” Fleur turned at the rude words. A tall gentleman stood beside her, slapping the wet from his top hat. The street lamp shone on his disordered auburn hair. “And not a hackney in sight. Bloody French.” He seemed to notice her for the first time. “Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle. Je suis—oh, damn. How in the bloody hell do you say ‘sorry?’”

“ Je suis desole. Or excusez-moi works just as well.”

His mouth dropped open. When he recovered himself, his red cheeks warred with his red hair. “You’re Scottish!”

“Aye.” She’d noticed his accent immediately. “What brings you to Paris?”

“My brothers. Both newly married. Both insufferably happy. I had to get away. And you?”

“I’m working for M. Poiret.”

“Who?”

“He designs dresses.” This man looked like he was an expert in removing them. “Well, I have to be going. Happy Christmas.”

His hand shot out. “Wait! How are you getting home?”

“My own two feet.”

“Let me escort you. Paris is a dangerous place for young ladies.”

In Fleur’s opinion, he might be dangerous too. He was well-dressed and obviously well-to-do, and probably took advantage of every young woman he encountered.

“I’m fine, really.”

“Nonsense. How can I let a countrywoman fend for herself in this sewer? I could be saving your life.” Somehow her arm got tucked into the crook of his and she was stumbling in the direction of the next arrondissement.

“You don’t like Paris?” It was inconceivable to her that anyone wouldn’t, especially if they had the money to amuse themselves.

“I shouldn’t have left. I don’t like cities.”

He proceeded to tell her all about Raeburn Court and his manor house nearby, the family distillery which he managed, his brother the baron and his other brother the famous artist, the frozen lochs and the snow-covered the mountains. Fleur swallowed back her longing for home.

“There will be no bannock cakes and bonfires here, I’m afraid.”

He stopped dead in the street. “I say, miss—what is your name, anyway?”

“Fleur Murray.”

“I’m Evan Raeburn. Would you like to get something to eat?”

Fleur was starving, but all the restaurants they’d passed were shuttered. “Don’t you have plans?”

“Do you want me to go back to the Ritz and pace the floor? I feel penned in there.”

Fleur took a breath. “I’d invite you my place, but if you feel confined in a sumptuous hotel room, you won’t like my attic.”

“Try me. Do you have kippers?”

Fleur nodded. “I have a tin of fruitcake from my nan, too.” It was a taste of home she’d been desperate to dig into as soon as it arrived in the post, but she was saving it for Christmas Eve.

“And I,” said Mr. Raeburn reaching into the pocket of his coat, “have chocolates.” The box was from a fancy shop Fleur could never afford, wrapped with a ribbon, intended for someone. Fleur decided she’d eat some and worry about that later.

“And a flask of Raeburn’s Special Reserve,” Mr. Raeburn continued. “You’ve never lived until you’ve had a wee dram. Take pity on an old Scotsman.” He looked down at her and grinned.

He didn’t look old at all, or quite so dangerous now. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to talk to someone without having to translate words in her head? Meeting Mr. Raeburn on the street was a kind of surprise Christmas present from Scotland, wasn’t it? She wondered if he’d rattle if she shook him.

Fleur nodded. “All right. But you must promise to be a gentleman.”

Evan Raeburn lifted her chin with a gloved fingertip. “I’ll try. But I’ll nae make any guarantees. You are a verra lovely lass.”

Fleur’s stomach did a little flip. Well, the kippers would soon settle that. And as a “lovely lass,” she’d had plenty of practice protecting her heart and her virtue.

But it was Christmas, and anything could happen.



Ever since Mary Evensong’s elderly Aunt Mim got sick, Mary’s masqueraded as the owner of the Evensong Agency, finding housemaids, husbands and solving pesky problems for the peerage. Someday she’d like to shake off her silvery wig and spectacles and be the young woman she truly is. But desperate clients are waiting for “Mrs. Evensong” at the office.

Like a scandalous Scottish baron. Honor forbids Lord Alec Raeburn from explaining the suspicious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, but he knows who’s responsible. He just needs to hire an actress to lure the scoundrel into a trap.

After listening to Raeburn’s story—and seeing him in his kilt—Mary knows the perfect person.

Letting her red hair down, she heads off to the Scottish Highlands to pose as a seductress, but soon finds herself with more than her virtue at stake in a tug-of-war between two powerful men. She could wind up in danger—or in the heart of the highlander.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Check out the Ladies Unlaced series:
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 Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 copy of In the Heart of the Highlander

To Enter: 
  • Please leave a comment or question for Maggie Robinson.
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!


Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Maggie Robinson for sponsoring this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

49 comments :

  1. Sounds and looks like a very interesting read.

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  2. i want to read maggie's books..
    thx u for the chance :)

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  3. Have to love a man that has chocolates!

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  4. Thank you for the wonderful excerpt and the blurb for the new release. Both of them are now on my ever-growing "to be read" list. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, Maggie!

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  5. I absolutely love Maggie's books. I've read reviews of "In The Heart of the Highlander", and it sounds a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Thank you for the chance to win, and Merry Christmas.

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  6. Huge fan of Maggie's, she is wonderful. Thanks for the chance

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  7. This sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance.

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  8. I really enjoy your books and I know I will enjoy this one too!

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  9. I want to read more! Pls say you'll give them their own story.

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  10. this sounds fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing :)

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  11. i would definitively love to read more about him and fleur!!!
    thank you

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  12. Hi Maggie!

    You mentioned that Evan "might" get his own book but then why not just finish his and Fleur's story instead? I for one want to know if they ended up being together on Christmas Eve for one thing and even if they just ended up being friends to know if Cynthia went back to Scotland and then what happened?

    Don't you know you're not suppose to tease your readers like this? Please, please, please let us know "the rest of the story" (hopefully with a happy ever after!").

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  13. I'm looking forward to reading this book. It sounds like another keeper. Thanks so much :)

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  14. What Next? this sounds great and I expect the next one will too.

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  15. Yes! Please do write Evan's story! And I know this will be their background history to their future romantic relationship.

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  16. I read the first book and haven't gotten to the second book of the series yet. I love the excerpt though. I do hope you write Evan's story though!

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  17. The book looks good.
    Maggie what do you like to do most at Christmas time?

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  18. I enjoyed the excerpt. Sounds like a great start to a longer story.

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  19. I would love to read a story based on this excerpt. I like those characters already!

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  20. I read In The Arms of an Heiress, and I absolutely loved it. I read the excerpt in the back of that book and I can't wait to read In the Heart of A Highlander.

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  21. Maggie, PLEASE continue this story as a new novel!! It has great potential! I loved In the Heart of the Highlander!! I'm not entering the contest since I already have it. I just wanted to beg you to continue this story. :-) Merry Christmas!

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  22. Great excerpt and now I want the rest. Hopefully we'll get his story soon. The first book was great so I can't wait to read this one.

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  23. just love that cover, & the plot sounds great

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  24. I can't understand what happened to my comment made yesterday. This Ethernet stuff gets to me sometimes! In any event, Maggie, I want you to know that I love your writing. Read all three of your Mistress stories and have put the rest of your stories on my Amazon wish list...which I've shared with all members of my family. :-) Thanks for this post and please keep writing so I have something terrific to read! jdh2690@gmail.com

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  25. Thanks for the story. It's fun reading everyone's contribution.

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  26. On my wish list. Another must read for me.

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  27. Loved the story, it would be great to read more about Evan and Fleur.

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  28. love highlander's story and love Maggie;s book. Add to my TBR list :)

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  29. I enjoyed this story, looking forward to read another your story, Maggie :)

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  30. What a fab excerpt, I'll definitely be adding this series to my TBR list :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  31. I loved In The Arms of the Heiress! I'm looking forward to reading In The Heart of the Highlander.

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  32. wonderful excerpt thank you for sharing, love the highlander stories

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  33. Hi Maggie- Do you have any personal connection with Scottish culture that made you want to write about it?

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  34. How delightful! A taste of home and the warmth of Christmas while being far away from home. Please do write these two a book of their own.

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  35. More, please! Love it. And no need to enter me the contest as I already own this book! Happy holidays!

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  36. Loved the excerpt. Need to read more!

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  37. Sounds like a great read!!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  38. HAPPY CHRISTMAS, MAGGIE! I would love to win your book for Christmas. It would make my spirits bright. ;-)

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  39. Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful "friendship"! Merry Christmas!

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  40. thanks for the giveaway chance!

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  41. Hi, Maggie! I love your books! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  42. Hi Maggie
    ! Love your books. I'm really looking forward to your new one. Merry Christmas!

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  43. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  44. Sounds like an excellent beginning to a new book. Thank you. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com

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