A Conversation with A.S. Fenichel, Author of 'A Lady's Virtue' @asfenichel #interview

“A masculine, ungloved hand reached toward her. “I’m terribly sorry, miss. Entirely my fault. Are you hurt?” His accent was strange, American perhaps. Having no gloves on, she was hesitant to touch him, but there was no help for it. She couldn’t remain on her back like a turtle. The warmth of his skin traveled up her arm, and her cheeks heated. His fingers were strong and rough. This was no gentleman’s hand. She stood as he eased her to her feet. “Not at all,” she said. “I was distracted.””

--From A LADY’S VIRTUE by A.S. Fenichel

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back. A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in historical, paranormal, erotic and contemporary romance, A.S. is the author of The Forever Brides series, the Everton Domestic Society series, and more. With several books currently contracted, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of edgy romance for years to come. Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the Southern Missouri with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, puttering in her garden and spoiling her fussy cat.

Website Link: http://asfenichel.com
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/asfenichel
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel

Book Description:

Can a broken engagement ignite the spark of true love?

Sylvia Dowder had almost made it to the altar when her fiancé unexpectedly became a viscount, and dropped her like a stale crumpet to make a more “suitable” match. Though Sylvia’s heart has been crushed, her spirit has not. She puts her wits and social savvy to use as a secret gossip columnist—

and as the Everton Domestic Society’s party planner to the ton. Luckily, she’s not in danger of ever falling for an aristocrat again…

Especially not one like Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. Raised in America, Anthony sees no reason to marry when he can enjoy all the perks of being an eligible earl. Determined to convince his family he doesn’t need a wife, he hires Sylvia to act as hostess and decorator for upcoming parties. Yet Sylvia is as adept at captivating his interest as she is at beautifying his home. And despite this Everton lady’s aversion to titled men, some attractions can’t be denied—and love rarely does go where it’s told . . .

Interview:

Welcome, A.S.!  Your new regency romance, A Lady’s Virtue, sounds thrilling! Can we begin by having you tell us more about the Everton Domestic Society?

A.S.: Thank you so much for having me. I think people will really love A Lady's Virtue, the story of how Sylvia and Anthony find happiness.

The Everton Domestic Society is an organization created by Lord Rupert and Lady Jane Everton. It is a place where ladies unable or unwilling to marry can live and work safely and within the strict rules of the ton. When a lady comes to live in Everton House her skills are assessed, and she is given an assignment. Some jobs last a week and other go on for months. Footmen, guards and chaperones are all provided by Everton's as needed for safety and propriety. Lady Jane runs the show, and she is not a lady to be gainsaid. There are rules that each Everton Lady must follow and each assignment is different from the last.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters?

A.S.: Sylvia Dowder (who you first meet in Tainted Bride) is a spirited woman who was happily engaged to the second son of a Viscount. When her intended's older brother dies, her fiancée is elevated and no longer feels she is a grand enough wife for him. He ends the engagement leaving her life shattered. Having endured an extremely long engagement, her family only has enough money left to put forth one of their twin daughters. Since Sylvia is such a disappointment, they choose Serena. Mother is obsessed with getting Serena married. Unable to take the derision of her parents, Sylvia leaves home and joins the Everton Domestic Society.

Anthony Braighton (you can find him in several earlier stories including the Forever Brides series) is an American who moved to England when his sister married an earl. After the sudden death of his cousin, he is unexpectedly raised to the title of Earl of Grafton. He never wanted a title, but he enjoys the attention. However, his mother thinks a proper earl should marry. To prove her wrong and give himself time to pursue his other goals, he hires an Everton Lady to act as his hostess.

They say all books of fiction have at least one pivotal point where the reader just can’t put the book down. What is one of the pivotal points in your book?

A.S.: From the moment Sylvia and Anthony collide (literally) it's difficult to look away from their story. Here are two people set against marriage, for different reasons, but they can't stay away from each other.

Then there's a moment when Sylvia and her chaperone (an Everton Dowager) visit Anthony's new home. He is like a giddy child awaiting their arrival. There's something so charming about his desire to see Sylvia, you won't be able to resist him.

Why do you think a book cover plays an important role in the selling process?

A.S.: You know that old saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover."? Well, everyone judges a book by it's cover.

EVERYONE!

A good cover is why people take the book off the shelf and read the back cover blurb when they've never read that author before. I've been very lucky. The covers for all my Everton Domestic Society books have been stunning while also giving the feel of the story within.

What did you want to become when you were a kid?

A.S.: An actress. For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be on the stage. I was a painfully shy child and becoming someone else for a while was extremely freeing. I studied at Theater Arts High School one day a week during my senior year and went on to college as a theater major. That was where I discovered the life of a starving actor was not for me.

Do your novels carry a message?

A.S.: I write historical romance about empowered women. It's not always easy to create a believable scenario where tough smart women can thrive in Regency London. I want to empower women in any time, and show there are men who prefer intelligence over passivity.

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers and fans

A.S.: I truly hope you will love A Lady's Virtue. Sylvia and Anthony are very dear to my heart. They called out for years to have their story told, and I'm proud to share them with all of you. Enjoy and thank you.