Today I’d like to welcome another Harlequin Escape author, Jenny Schwartz, who’s going to talk about holiday stories–more specifically her Australia Day story, Mistaken Engagement. Take it away Jenny!
Setting stories at Christmas or Valentine’s Day or even Halloween is pretty standard, but when Escape Publishing launched, I thought why not an Australia Day story from an Australian publisher?
Luckily Kate Cuthbert, Escape’s Managing Editor, agreed with me. She accepted “Mistaken Engagement”, and Nas Dean (an amazing editor, I’m so lucky to work with her) and I raced to meet the tight timeframe to have “Mistaken Engagement” available for Australia Day, January 26.
Writing a story for a non-traditional holiday has some challenges. First I had to think of the feeling of the holiday. I wanted that to be the theme of the story. Then I knew I had to capture “how” people celebrate the day.
Australia Day happens at the height of summer. It’s about fun, family, friendship and community. Like the best holidays, it’s about love—loving your country because it’s home, the place where you and those you love belong. Because it happens in summer, Australia Day celebrations include beaches and barbeques, fireworks and cricket, and lots of laughter.
In writing “Mistaken Engagement” I got to celebrate all the joys of Australia Day, and it didn’t hurt that the setting included the glorious beaches of Western Australia.
Thanks to the Divas for making me feel so welcome. Happy Australia Day!
Mistaken Engagement
Saul knows he crossed the line when he claimed a surprise engagement with Grace. But her hysterical denial – and the way she’s avoided him ever since – has made things awkward, but it can all be worked out. The Australia Day long weekend down at her family’s beach house is the perfect time to show everyone that they’re friends, with not a broken heart between them. But can a fake engagement become life-changingly real?
Buy now from Escape, Amazon or look for it at your favorite online bookseller.
About Jenny:
Jenny Schwartz is a West Australian author. Her high school yearbook predicted she’d be a writer – something about always having her nose in a book. When not living up to others’ expectations, she enjoys lazy days in the suburbs and is working on a collection of life-saving recipes, “Simple Meals for Forgetful Cooks”.
You can catch up with Jenny at her website, on Twitter and Facebook .
Now for the
GIVEAWAY!!!!
Jenny is going to giveaway one copy of Mistaken Engagement to a lucky commenter (Australian winners also have the chance of winning a lovely art magnet to go with it!). So let us know what you think of the book, or tell us what’s your favorite holiday to celebrate?
Jenny Schwartz (@Jenny_Schwartz)
Jan 16, 2013 @ 10:52:25
Thanks for the chance to visit with you all 🙂
Mel Teshco
Jan 16, 2013 @ 11:40:05
oh what a great theme – Australia Day. Sounds like a great, fun book =)
KittyKelly
Jan 16, 2013 @ 11:45:28
This sounds like a fun book and the cover is so pretty. I love reading stories set in Austailia.
KittyKelly
Jan 16, 2013 @ 11:46:55
Australia-stupid fkn autocorrect. Lol
KittyKelly
Maria Zannini
Jan 16, 2013 @ 13:25:04
What I love about this idea is that not only does it give me a chance to learn about another country, but its holidays too. It’s brilliant!
June M.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 14:25:20
Any holiday that is family oriented is one that I love. I guess right now I would say July 4th is my favorite today. We’re having severe winter weather advisories so the thought of some warm weather and cooking out, swimming, and having fun with the family sounds heavenly.
The book sounds great. I hope the heat waves Australia has been having has let up or does soon.
Fedora
Jan 16, 2013 @ 14:51:42
How fun, Jenny! I love the sound of Mistaken Engagement–I’ve always loved stories that take me armchair traveling 😉 Looking forward to celebrating Australia Day with the characters! ;p
D D Line
Jan 16, 2013 @ 16:47:01
So excited for you Jenny and I hope all your readers enjoy your latest story whether they’re fellow Aussies or experiencing Australia through your characters’ eyes. 🙂
Joanne B
Jan 17, 2013 @ 07:27:54
Congrats on the new release. Mistaken Engagement sounds fantastic. I like that it’s set in Australia and I get to visit the country, and celebrate Australia Day, without leaving my comfy chair.
Eleni Konstantine
Jan 17, 2013 @ 19:30:47
That likes a great Australia Day story. Congrats, Jenny.
Jenny Schwartz (@Jenny_Schwartz)
Jan 17, 2013 @ 21:06:14
Guys, I can’t believe I didn’t check in and see your comments. The stupid “you’ve got comments” email never arrived for me. I swear, I’m not this much of a snob. 🙂
Thanks, Mel, KittyKelly, Maria, June, Fedora, DD, Joanne and Eleni. You all rock!
But there can be only one winner and her name is — Fedora!
Congrats, Fedora, I’ll send you an email (and the gremlins had better not eat this one!) to arrange prize deliver 🙂
June, I read about July 4 celebrations all the time — I love Jayne Ann Krentz’s description in “Golden Chance” — and envy you that party. Seems a lot like our Australia Day 🙂
To all of you — whether here in Australia or elsewhere — I hope you enjoy a lovely day with family and friends really soon 🙂
Jenny Schwartz (@Jenny_Schwartz)
Jan 17, 2013 @ 21:06:56
And yeah, I’m a bit emoticon-happy 😉
Cooking Games For Kids
Feb 11, 2013 @ 21:41:22
Great site. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends
ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your sweat!