Seven Days at Mannerley
by Audrey Schuyler Lancho
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GENRE: Historical Romance
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BOOK BLURB:
The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl's name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.
It's 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary's one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death--and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.
The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley.
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EXCERPT ONE:
She swung the door open, pocketing her key, and grabbed the corner of her dress and held it to walk. Arthur was standing a short way off by the stairs where he had been waiting for her, every golden hair perfectly combed. His pocket watch’s chain glistened on his vest in the lamplight. He heard her and turned to face her.
“Your hair. It’s wild.”
“I’m sorry, I slept too long.”
“I like it,” he said almost too quietly, a bit raspy, and she took his arm. Once again, she was his object, and she didn’t know quite what to make of it.
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AUTHOR BIO:
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Audrey has always written stories. Her very first picture book which she wrote in early elementary school was about a mean, grumpy tooth fairy. Her first “novel”, bound using a cardboard cereal box, was written in the fourth grade. By high school, she was writing secret novels of her own, usually naming her characters by her own initials. By her twenties, she knew that writing was her calling––and she’s so glad you’re reading her debut romance!
Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is completely bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, time with friends, yoga, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor on Upwork, an editor at a literary agency. She also writes contemporary romance under the name Audrey Lancho. Her debut contemporary is due out in May 2025 from Harpeth Road. You can learn more about Audrey by visiting www.audreylancho.com and signing up for her newsletter––she promises not to spam you; she’ll just inform you of big happenings and new releases. Audrey also enjoys connecting with readers and other authors on X/Twitter and Instagram (@audreylancho).
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CONNECT WITH AUDREY:
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GIVEAWAY INFO:
Audrey will award a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
We appreciate you hosting SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY - thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting!! For readers wanting to connect via facebook (and I hope you do!) please look for my public author page Audrey S Lancho -Author, as the above-linked facebook page is my personal, private facebook where I don't post book information! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite writing ritual that you believe brings you luck or inspiration ?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an amazing book.
ReplyDeleteLovely cover
ReplyDeleteI like the book cover.
ReplyDeleteThis should be an interesting novel. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLike to see what author's pin to their Pinterest pages.
ReplyDeleteAre the characters on your covers based on a real person?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book!
ReplyDeleteFavorite funny movie?
ReplyDeleteHope you're enjoying your book tour.
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