Way
back when... last century, late eighties... I began writing my first novel. I
know it’s hard to believe but at that time the genre of Time-Travel Regencies
wasn’t invented yet! I had a yen to see how a modern heroine would handle the
society constraints of the early nineteenth century, so I wrote one myself. The
result is this blog’s latest topic: SOJOURN THROUGH TIME.
As
with many authors’ first novels, this book remained stashed away for quite a
while. Friends and family enjoyed this tale, but I knew it wasn’t ready for
prime time. Many books later, I dusted it off, re-edited it to bring it
“up-to-date” for today’s audiences, and then submitted it to a small publishing
house. Very soon, a contract was signed.
SCARRED BY LOVE: As recently divorced Alexandra Stanford waits for her
flight to London, she has no idea her actual destination will be in the past.
Will she be able to overcome her culture shock and learn to entrust her future
to a most persistent duke?
DROPPED ON THE DOORSTEP: When Malcolm, the Duke of Milcaster, finds Alex
on his estate, he immediately intends for her to be his new mistress. Alex,
however, has other ideas on the subject. Can he overlook her peculiar ways and
convince her that they are meant to be as one?
Artist’s concept cover
Alas,
the historical line of the company folded, and once again I shopped SOJOURN
THROUGH TIME around. Awe-Struck Publishing
(Mundania Press) very happily picked this book up and it has been with them for
many years. However, it’s very possible that the publisher for this book will
change soon. Stay tuned!
What happens when a nearly
betrothed duke discovers an unexpected “package” delivered to his estate?
SOJOURN
THROUGH TIME has become a reader favorite and has earned a “Recommended Read”
from Simply Romance Reviews, and multiple FIVE star ratings from Amazon.com,
Goodreads, and Euro-Reviews, who wrote, “Clever, fascinating and highly
entertaining! Susanne Knight breathes life into endearing characters in unusual
situations that give emphasis to the word UNUSUAL. A must read.”
This
time-travel Regency also achieved bestseller status on the Fictionwise.com
list! And, this book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.
Real
life trivia: I’ve always had an interest in art, and graduated from New York’s
School of Music and Art. Alexandra Stanford, who is an art broker, also has a
passion for art... and history, as I do. When she visits the British Museum (in
1802 located in Montagu House, home of the first Duke of Montagu), I also get
to experience the wonders of the museum. The following scene is with Alex and
Malcolm, the Duke of Milcaster, where Alex views the famous Rosetta Stone.
Wrangling male voices broke through Alex’s
concentration, disturbing the quiet atmosphere. In the corridor a short
distance from her, a group of well-to-do men gestured wildly at each other
while French and English words volleyed back and forth as in a championship
game of tennis. Always curious, she unobtrusively slipped nearer to find out
what the fuss was about. Craning her neck, she spotted the black rock on
display. Her mouth couldn’t help dropping.
"Oh my," she gasped. "It’s the--"
"Catching flies, Alex?" Malcolm suddenly
appeared by her shoulder.
Two surprises at once! She patted at her heart to
keep it from escaping. "Ah, hi, Malcolm, where on earth did you come
from?"
"A rather technical question, my dear." As
he straightened the lace on her collar, he smiled. "I believe the fourth
Duke and Duchess of Milcaster were responsible for my entrance into this
world."
Alex flushed. "No, silly!" She turned back
toward the stone. "Do you know what this is?"
He rubbed his chin. "An oddly shaped slab of
basalt rock?"
What a character! "The Rosetta Stone; the Rosetta Stone! These men say it’s newly
arrived at the museum. Did you know it’s inscribed in three scripts--Greek,
Demotic, and Egyptian hieroglyphs? Once this is deciphered, it’ll provide a key
to understanding hieroglyphs."
"And this is good news to me?"
She made a face at him. "Honestly, Malcolm, this
is big, really big. Imagine. I just overheard these men saying the stone was
confiscated by the British from the French, after they surrendered in Egypt
last year. So that would make the year...um..."
He firmly gripped her upper arm and led her away from
the stone. "’01, to be exact. I find it peculiar how the year eludes you.
I am, to be sure, elated at this news. However, my aunt and my daughter grow
restive peering at moldy paintings, Aunt Olivia’s word, not mine."
Alex quietly enjoyed the touch of his hand around her
arm. Delicious daydreams teased her as she wondered what it would feel like if
he allowed his hand to wander.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I
hope you enjoy Alex and Malcolm’s story.
Happy
reading,
Susanne
Marie Knight
Read
outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
