THE WOMEN OF CHATEAU LAFAYETTE #StephanieDray #CoverReveal #HistoricalFiction

July 14th marks Bastille Day, a pivotal turning point in the French Revolution, now celebrated as France’s national independence day. 

What better day to announce the cover reveal of THE WOMEN OF CHATEAU LAFAYETTE by New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray (Berkley hardcover; on-sale March 30, 2021).

Enter to win an advanced reader copy (link at the bottom of the post).

ABOUT THE BOOK

An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy in three of humanity's darkest hours.

Most castles are protected by powerful men. This one by women...

A founding mother...

1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband's political partner in the fight for American independence. But when their idealism sparks revolution in France and the guillotine threatens everything she holds dear, Adrienne must choose to renounce the complicated man she loves, or risk her life for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A daring visionary...

1914. Glittering New York socialite Beatrice Astor Chanler is a force of nature, daunted by nothing--not her humble beginnings, her crumbling marriage, or the outbreak of war. But after witnessing the devastation in France and delivering war-relief over dangerous seas, Beatrice takes on the challenge of a lifetime: convincing America to fight for what's right.

A reluctant resistor...

1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphan's self-reliance and wants nothing to do with war. But as the realities of Nazi occupation transform her life in the isolated castle where she came of age, she makes a discovery that calls into question who she is, and more importantly, who she is willing to become.

Intricately woven and beautifully told, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a sweeping novel about duty and hope, love and courage, and the strength we find from standing together in honor of those who came before us.

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Q&A WITH STEPHANIE DRAY

What made you fall in love with Adrienne Lafayette and why do you think readers will fall for her as you did?

Thanks to a popular musical, the Marquis de Lafayette is known to a new generation as "America's Favorite Fighting Frenchman"--and there's good reason for that. He's easily the most lovable of our Founding Fathers, and his wife, whom he called his dear heart, is just as lovable if not more so. Adrienne was our French Founding Mother, so right up my alley as a heroine, but at first I worried she was too sweet, devoted, and forgiving. In short, too gentle for a novel. Little did I realize that more than any other historical heroine I've ever written, Adrienne fought and sacrificed for her principles, courageously threw herself into danger, confronted tyrants, and endured trials that would have broken lesser mortals. She truly humbles me, and when I talk about the Lafayette legacy, I think of it as every bit as much hers as it is his.

How long did it take you to write this book? Did the story evolve as you researched, or did you always know you wanted to take on the lives of these particular women?

I was always interested in Lafayette--an interest that grew as Laura Kamoie and I co-authored America's First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton. I think I had the germ of the idea for a Lafayette novel at least seven years ago, but I had other projects in the way. And I was always in search of an angle that would be fresh and unique. That came to me when I discovered that Lafayette's castle in Auvergne, which had been purchased and renovated by Americans, served to shelter Jewish children from the Nazis. Knowing how deeply the Lafayettes both felt about religious freedom, I knew this would have pleased them, and it touched me. I was then determined to know which Americans had purchased the chateau, and when I found out, yet another glorious chapter in the Lafayette legacy was born. That's when the story took shape for me about one special place on this earth where, generation after generation, faith has been kept with principles of liberty and humanity. I find that very inspirational, now more than ever.

The book is centered around Lafayette’s castle, the Château de Chavaniac, and the pivotal role it played during three of history’s darkest hours—the French Revolution and both World Wars. If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive) at Chavaniac, who would you choose and why?

Believe it or not, this is actually a difficult choice because so many incredible men and women passed through those doors. I'd have to start with the Lafayettes--though I hope they would not serve me pigeons, which were a favorite at their wedding banquet. To join us for dinner, I'd choose the colorful stage-star of the Belle Epoque, Beatrice Chanler, because she was a force of nature without whom Chavaniac might not still be standing. Actress, artist, philanthropist, decorated war-relief worker and so-called Queen of the Social Register, she was as mysterious as she was wonderful, and even after all the startling discoveries I made researching her larger-than-life existence, I have a million questions about the early life she tried so hard to hide. I can't wait for readers to meet her!

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Premier Digital Publishing’s Fall Releases Signed ARC {Giveaway}!

Win Signed ARCs of Premier Digital Publishing’s Fall Releases. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter at the end of the post. Good luck!

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And the winner is...

Announcing the winner of my Arch Enemy Giveaway, which I chose using Random.org. 



And the winner is....

Ryan (#4)

I am sending you an email too.  You know the drill so send me your address quick...LOL!

Thank you to everyone who entered! Be watching next week...I have some news regarding a slightly new direction I'll be taking my blog in the New Year and I'm going to have a giveaway in honor of that and reaching 100+ followers recently.

Exciting!!!

REMINDER: Arch Enemy Giveaway

There are just four more days left to enter my giveaway of the ARC copy of Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor.  Giveaway officially ends on Friday, December 11th at 11:59 pm CT.  Here is the link:

http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2009/11/interview-review-and-giveaway-arch.html

I also have a giveaway going on over at my Christmas blog...a copy of The Christmas Box Collection by Richard Paul Evans.  Follow this link to enter:








http://christmasspirit-thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2009/12/announcing-christmas-spirit-giveaway.html


Be watching because I will be having another giveaway here soon...it will be a significant giveaway because I will be announcing a new direction (sort of) for The True Book Addict blog!

Good luck to you if you elect to enter the giveaways!

Happy Reading!

Interview, Review and Giveaway: Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor

Interview with Frank Beddor, author of Arch Enemy, Book 3 in The Looking Glass Wars Trilogy and the Hatter M graphic novel series.

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Beddor for joining me today and taking the time for this interview.

FB:  THANK YOU! The pleasure is all mine.

TTBA: I read in your bio that you were inspired to write The Looking Glass Wars by an exhibit of ancient cards at the British Museum, particularly an incomplete set that had images that reminded you of Alice in Wonderland. Had you always had a keen interest in the story of Alice in Wonderland or was this a new interest?

FB:  Not so much of an interest – I would say more of an ‘emotion’. Until I discovered the cards at the British Museum I was quite ANTI- Alice. My grandmother (whose name is actually Alice) insisted on reading Alice in Wonderland to me when I was about 10. It was a hot summer day and all the other kids were at the pool. Needless to probably say, it wasn’t a treasured memory and I despised the book until much later in life when the discovery of the cards ignited this fascination in me. I think there is some good evidence for predestination in these seemingly random events. My grandmother ‘Alice’, for some reason insisting on reading me Lewis Carroll’s book when I was 10 and then my discovery of the cards years later. If I hadn’t had the powerful ‘negative’ memory of that summer afternoon with my Grandmother would I have been aware of the similarity between the cards in the museum and Alice in Wonderland? If I had been a fan of Lewis Carroll’s tale would I have been so fervent in my search for the true story? Perhaps not. This leads me to ponder the many influences that continue to come to our world from Wonderland. I like to believe that someone somewhere wanted the truth to be told.

TTBA: I also read that you took around two years mapping the world of your Wonderland. Specifically, how difficult was the world building for this series or what kind of obstacles were you up against?

FB:  Because I am someone who enjoys puzzles, clues and mysteries the world building was more of a ‘world revealing’ since the cards lead the way for my research and writing. Along with literally telling the story of Alyss, the cards ‘inspired’ in my mind’s eye images of characters and environments that I described to artists who went on to create the art that is visual the foundation of the Looking Glass Wars.

TTBA: I am a bit of a feminist so I was impressed by the dominant female hierarchy in Wonderland's ruling class. Was this something you believe strongly in...the ability of women to be the dominant figure in society or was it just a natural course given Carroll's use of female characters such as Alice, the Duchess of the House, and the Queen of Hearts?

FB:  Going back to my dear, dominate Grandmother Alice I have always had strong women in my life and I am very thankful for that. Again, this could be seen as a reason for my ‘calling’ to reveal the story of Princess Alyss. I was suited to the task of taking this seriously and willing to devote a big part of my life to it. You have to remember that the story Princess Alyss told Lewis Carroll was not totally ignored. As a writer he simply chose to put his own fantastical spin on it. If you read his books carefully there is much that is valid including the matriarchal rule of Wonderland. He definitely got that much right.

TTBA: It seems there is a "trend" lately with Alice in Wonderland themed books and movies with Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and SyFy's mini-series Alice. And Sasha Soren has an Alice themed book coming out called Random Magic. Do you think you may have inspired this trend? What do you think is the reason for the world's fascination with Alice and her Wonderland?

FB:  Did I inspire the recent trend of Alice in Wonderland themed projects? I doubt it since most are still telling Lewis Carroll’s version! While I can’t say I inspired anybody I have been thinking a lot about the question of “why Alice why now?” There are probably as many reasons as there are fans of the books but in general maybe it’s because today’s world is upside down, chaotic and random. I think people relate to Alice and her journey and in their hearts hope to be as stoic and courageous as she was in exploring (and enjoying!) Wonderland. The popularity of Alice in Wonderland has endured for nearly 150 years and been read by generations so it captures a large part of our shared imaginative history. It’s not just books, film and television that riff on Alice and Wonderland but music, clothing lines, nightclubs, games, toys etc. etc. etc. Across the pop culture spectrum, from artists and musicians to ad agencies and internet moguls, they are all tapping into our shared imaginative history of the Alice iconography to simultaneously reflect the chaotic world we live in (fear) and marry it to the comfort and reassurance of a childhood fairy tale (escape and security) to capture their audience.

TTBA: I read that The Looking Glass Wars trilogy will be making it to the big screen. When can we expect the first installment or will the three books be combined in to one film?

FB:  I anticipate book one of the LGW trilogy to be on big screens in 3 years. I have finished the screenplay and have partnered with producer Chuck Roven who has produced many big films including ‘Dark Knight’. There is too much material to combine all three books into one film so I anticipate that with success I will go on to produce these separately. I also plan to adapt the Hatter M graphic novel series into a film and am considering the unique possibilities for unfolding his realm jumping adventures within the framework of the LGW trilogy.

TTBA: Arch Enemy is the third book and it seemed to pretty much wrap things up. Do you think you will revisit Wonderland and continue on with the series or was Arch Enemy truly the end?

FB:  The Hatter M series continues with Volume 2 MAD WITH WONDER available now.

I plan to complete a total of 5 Hatter M geo-graphic novels to document his 13 years searching our world for Alyss. I’m not sure if you are familiar with the Hatter M Institute for Paranormal Travel, but even as we speak this group of radical cartographers and astral historians are working non-stop to piece together the arc of Hatter’s travels. Through the Institute’s work and communiqués from readers around the world new evidence of Wonderland’s existence and effect on our world continues to mount so you never really know where the portals will take you.

Since the beginning of this journey I have repeatedly uncovered lost and hidden evidence of Wonderland. It seems the more I write the more I discover which naturally leads to additional material to be written. Through a series of fortunate discoveries I released Princess Alyss of Wonderland, which features the lost art and journals of Princess Alyss Heart while she was exiled here in our world. In turn, the information uncovered in these journals opened several fascinating pathways, which lead me to deduce Alyss was not the only princess to have been exiled; in fact, evidence suggests that there is actually a league of exiled princesses spread across our world right NOW.

TTBA: Are you working on any new books of a different subject matter? I'm excited to see what you do next. Can we expect to see more novels from you in the future? (fingers crossed)

FB:  Please keep those fingers crossed! I do have new books in mind that I am beginning to research and outline. When you ask if they are of a ‘different subject matter’ I must answer yes and no. The novels will not focus exclusively on Alyss but rather on a deepening of some of the other characters that readers know from LGW. I am currently investigating information that has come to me with regard to Redd possibly having an heir as well as the unexpurgated school records of Cadet Hatter Madigan from his boyhood days at Wonderland’s Millinery Academy. Both of these slender silk threads could lead to books if the inspiration and imagination continues to flow to me from Wonderland!

TTBA: I would like to thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions and to say that I'm really looking forward to your next project, whatever that may be!

FB:  Again…it was all my pleasure. Thank you for the excellent questions.

Frank

Mini-Review:  Arch Enemy, Book 3, The Looking Glass Wars

Let me just say again how much I love The Looking Glass Wars trilogy and Arch Enemy, the final book, is no exception.  Imagination, the power that Wonderland runs on, has disappeared and King Arch, the chauvinist ruler of Borderland has declared himself king of Wonderland.  In a world without imagination, war is being waged by Arch with heavy artillery.  In the fight to save Wonderland and imagination, old enemies must join forces.

What I loved about this book were the various self-discoveries of the characters.  Redd and Alyss both must confront their pasts.  And Humburg Molly must look inside herself and discover her true worth.  But perhaps the most enlightened aspect of Arch Enemy is the concept of Everqueen.  This quote sums up the genius of the message of The Looking Glass Wars:

"You and others with Imagination will have the gifts with which you were born.  For those of future generations, it will be the same.  Some shall be born with much imagination, others little.  As it is now.  But Everqueen can never be destroyed, nor the inspiration she provides lessened."

I highly recommend the entire series to anyone who loves Alice in Wonderland and really to anyone who just loves a great fantasy read.

The Looking Glass Wars trilogy consists of:

• The Looking Glass Wars
• Seeing Redd
• Arch Enemy

For more information on the books and the author, visit Frank Beddor's site here.

Giveaway:  the ARC of Arch Enemy

Rules:

• United States entries only (sorry guys...so broke right now!)
• you must leave a comment with your email address
• +2 for old followers
• +1 for new followers
• +1 for following me on Twitter (@truebookaddict)--leave your handle
• +2 for Tweeting and/or blogging about giveway (sidebar is okay)--must leave links.  Max. 4 points
• Can do all entries in one comment.
• I will announce winners here and email the winner.  Winner will have 48 hours to reply with mailing information.
• Giveaway ends Friday, December 11th @ 11:59 pm CT

Good Luck!



FTC Disclaimer:  I received this ARC from a publicist for Frank Beddor, which I'm giving away.  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and the opinions expressed are my own.

The Dark Divine Contest

Bree Despain is having a great contest that includes the following: 1. A pedicure kit complete with my new THE DARK DIVINE nail polish! + An autographed ARC of THE DARK DIVINE + $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble. 2. Signed copy of MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS by Sydney Salter + Signed copy of LIFE IN THE PIT by Kristen Landon 3. A $30 gift card to Barnes & Noble. The contest ends on August 29.