c{éçxm XÅt ÄM ãããa_ ÇÉÜxeÉáxUâÜ~tÜwAvÉÅ Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul Author Biography

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1 Author Biography Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take readers back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa ). Fans of classic romances, such as Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility, will find a kindred spirit in Ariana Forsythe, a feisty heroine who finds her heart and beliefs tested by high-society London. Ms. Burkard s novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Her books and monthly newsletter captivate readers with little-known facts, exciting stories, and historical insights. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds happy endings are possible for everyone. Publishers Weekly affirms, Ms. Burkard s command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details, but also in dialogue. Her novels even help non-regencyphiles learn the difference between ladies pelisses and spencers On the whole, it s a tasty confection. Ms. Burkard began writing when she couldn t find a Regency romance with an inspirational twist. There were Christian books that approached the genre, she says, But, they fell short of being a genuine Regency. I knew that many women like me wanted stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God s involvement in our lives. So, I finally gave up looking and decided to write one myself." Ms. Burkard was raised in New York, where she graduated magna cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. Her hobbies include writing four new Regency novels, family movie nights, swimming, and gardening. To request an interview with Linore Rose Burkard: c{éçxm XÅt ÄM Linore@LinoreRoseBurkard.com

2 Interview Questions for UxyÉÜx à{x fxtáéç XÇwá 1. Explain what defines a Regency Romance, and why is the English Regency period so unique? 2. How did you become drawn to the English Regency, and what led you to write Before the Season Ends? 3. What is the inspiration behind the story of your main character, Ariana Forsythe? 4. The Regency period is also associated with Jane Austen and her popular books. How is your book similar to her stories, and how is it different? 5. The English Regency period was 200 years ago (circa ). Yet, what aspects of their society do you think still apply today? 6. Before the Season Ends deals with the message of God s involvement in our lives. What made you want to focus on this theme? 7. Are there many misconceptions today that people have about the Regency period? 8. What is your biggest hope that readers will take away after reading your novel? 9. Before the Season Ends is part 1 of a 3-book series of Regency Romance novels. What can you tell us about the upcoming books? 10. Are there any special ways for book clubs or reader groups to interact with you?

3 Excerpt from UxyÉÜx à{x fxtáéç XÇwá Mr. Mornay took the opportunity of their being alone to say, Miss Forsythe I called upon you to see how you are getting on. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, she replied. He seemed doubly tall and imposing from where she was, near the flowers, at the moment,. She came to her full height and added, Unless Mr. Pellham refuses to recover, I may still look forward to his taking me about. He is still abed? He looked surprised. Perhaps he lacks the right medical man. I will send my doctor to see him. Ariana started to speak her approval, but before she began, he was speaking again. More to the point, Ariana, I ve been stricken with guilt on account of my hasty departure from you. If I had not abruptly abandoned you there would have been no rumour about a decline. He paused, searching her face. Be plain with me. Have you been distressed? Ariana was taken aback by his sudden question, and by the fact he had used her Christian name. And yet it seemed quite natural for him to do so and she liked it a great deal, but it made her flush. I was indeed sorry. She hesitated, wondering whether to hazard the whole truth. Well, why not? Honesty had always been her policy. I thought I should never see you again and I was distressed on that account. She took a quick peek at his eyes. I was not overly distressed; I do not think one could call it a decline. But I did miss your company. She couldn t help blushing furiously. Thank you. I have prayed for you often. Prayed for me? He looked astounded.

4 Yes, for your salvation. All of mankind needs salvation. He thought, She thinks I am the devil himself! There was a silence then, which he broke by saying, Then I have distressed you; I am sorry for it. My dear sir, you needn t be sorry. She looked up at him. I am indebted to your kindness, and happy to pray for you. I promise you there is no one I pray for more often than you. His brows furrowed. But, any words he might have said had to wait. A voice was approaching, exclaiming, Miss Forsythe! What a happy meeting! It was Mr. O Brien coming their way in the company of a young woman and an older one. Did I not tell you about Miss Forsythe? The threesome stopped near them and nodded, smilingly, at Ariana. Allow me to present Miss Forsythe to you, Mama! The older lady was smiling amiably at Ariana, but Mr. Mornay broke in. In a lazy voice that belied the substance of what he spoke, he said to Mr. O Brien: I daresay your mama should be introduced to Miss Forsythe. His voice was lazy and light but hit its mark. There was an awkward silence during which Mr. O Brien recognized Mr. Mornay and paled; the women lost their smiles, and Ariana felt an uncomfortable alarm. With a glowering look at her companion, Ariana said, Do, I pray you, Mr. O Brien, introduce me to your mama! I should be honoured to know her! Mr. O Brien glanced at Mr. Mornay. Perhaps another day, Miss Forsythe. It was an illtimed meeting, I see. Good day. He took each lady by an arm and hurried them off. Anticipating Ariana s reaction Mornay said, He was thoroughly improper. You are by far the social superior and should be treated as such. Ariana could not remain silent. I am beyond words, Mr. Mornay! How will I face Mr. O Brien again? How can I meet his family? They are bound to think I am the most pretentious odious--! You mistake the matter, he interrupted. It was a simple enough blunder on your young friend s part, but I fail to understand why you should be the least flummoxed by it. It was their mistake, not yours. No! It was your mistake!

5 Reader Reviews In Before the Season Ends, country girl, Ariana Forsythe, is sent to a wealthy aunt in London to head off an unsuitable match in this faith-based Regency romance. Linore Burkard s command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details but also in dialogue. The theology is also period authentic. The novel even contains a glossary to help non-regencyphiles get up to speed about the difference between ladies pelisses and spencers On the whole it s a tasty confection. Publishers Weekly Before the Season Ends is well-written, interesting, captivating, romantic, inspirational, and addictive, I highly recommend this book. It shows how God can influence every part of your life without being overly preachy. To be honest, this was my first "inspirational" Regency romance, and I was not expecting much. However, to my surprise, I could not put it down, and I am now recommending it to all my friends. ArmChairInterviews.com For anyone looking for a truly refreshing romance, this beautifully written story is just that and more! This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. It is fast-paced and exciting from cover to cover. Before the Season Ends is one of the best stories I have read, and in my opinion, Linore Rose Burkard is an excellent and intelligent writer. I will definitely be looking forward to more work by this talented lady." ReaderViews.com Before the Season Ends zips along and never fails to entertain and delight. The author has obviously done her research I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency romance from beginning to end. It's exactly the kind of story I like to read but rarely ever find. Funny, touching, romantic--i highly recommend it. Melanie Dickerson HistoricalChristianFiction.com I'm an avid Jane Austen fan and love everything Regency. If you feel the same way, you will adore Before the Season Ends. It was so refreshing to find a novel set in Regency time that featured a Christian as one of the main characters. Linore Rose Burkard is a gifted writer, and I'm waiting with great anticipation for her sequel." C. Hohmann, Amazon Reviewer Finding a book of this quality with a Christian theme woven throughout the story is refreshing and inspiring. I highly recommend the book and am watching for more from this author! Missy C., Amazon Reviewer