One of the many things I love about writers' conferences is the number of free books you receive. Through these piles of books, I've discovered authors and genres I wouldn't pick up walking through a bookstore. The authors hook me on their storytelling and then I buy their backlist. What do you know – free books work to build an audience! Buying the backlist is even easier now that I have my Nook. I love the fact that I can purchase books that are out of print and the author will still get a royalty. I no longer have to buy the backlists through second hand bookstores.
To my delight, the 2010 WisRWA conference goodie bag included Christina Dodd's Some Enchanted Evening. I've read the book, more than once, but couldn't wait for a new introduction to the lost princesses.
I'm thrilled to say, the magic hasn't worn off. I keep trying to read books as an author, analyzing each plot twist and motivation. Unfortunately, I become too engrossed in the story. Although I can now identify the sub-plots before Clarice, one of the lost princesses of Beaumontagne, does, I still love going through her discovery. Clarice, surviving exile through her wits, knows she should stay away from the hero, but she can't.
The hero, Robert MacKenzie, the Earl of Hepburn, is a wonderfully complicated alpha male intent on justice. As with most men, his focus hasn't allowed him to see beyond his goal. He doesn't notice what is happening in his own family. Princess Clarice opens his eyes and his heart and helps him achieve justice.
An added joy are the quotes at the beginning of each chapter -- little tidbits of wisdom from the old men of Freya Crags or the Dowager Queen of Beaumontagne.
I can't wait to find the next two books, buried somewhere on my library shelves, and follow Princesses Amy and Sorcha's journeys.
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