Wednesday 4 May 2011

Cyber Launch Party of Dangerous Deceit!

Just a short note to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make my launch such a fantastic success, whether you left a comment, bought a book or intend to at some time in the future. I'm going to log off for the night now (can't stay awake any longer!), but I'll continue to add names to the hat, if anyone else from a different time zone leaves a comment today (your time). And I shall come back at some point tomorrow and give you the results of the draw, the Jane Austen characters and the heroes! Thank you one and all, dear friends.
Available from Amazon
Dangerous Deceit

A very warm welcome to the cyber launch of Dangerous Deceit and thank you for coming! This is hopefully going to be a fun day to help me celebrate publication of my debut novel. I’ve waited a long time for this, so I aim to enjoy myself. But I want you to have fun too.



First, a huge thank you to all who have already bought my book – and I know many of you have, as it stormed into the top 100 bestseller list on Amazon UK yesterday in Romance, and Historical Romance! Thanks to lovely Janice for letting me know. It doesn’t last as it changes so frequently, but it was a great boost on one day.

Now grab a glass of chilled Champagne from the bottle above on the right and have some fun. Here’s to writing and friendship!

There are quizzes to take and questions to answer below as well as the trailer and an excerpt of the novel. Leave as many comments as you like throughout the day – I’ll be in and out all the time and can chat to anyone who can hang around for a while. I’ve decided to choose two random names from the comments to receive an Amazon voucher for either £10 or $15 (roughly equivalent) depending on where the winners live. The names of all those commenting will be put in a hat and husband will pick out the winners – so the more you comment, the more chance to win! I’ll post the winners names tomorrow to give my transatlantic guests time to enter.

So here we go – dip in and out of everything below. Read and participate as much as you like!

Try the Jane Austen Quiz and let me know who you are, then we can see how many there are for each character. I’ve done it a few times and keep coming out as Elinor Dashwood – not Elizabeth Bennet or Anne Elliot as I thought I might be! Apologies to any men, but you could try it for fun.

Take the quiz

Here’s a little background history to my novel’s setting in 1813.

So what was the Regency period? When poor King George III had his bout of ‘madness’ his son, the Prince Regent, took control until he became King in his own right. Hence the years between 1811 and 1820 were known as the Regency. It still has the power to fascinate as it was quite different in some ways from the Georgian period before, and the Victorian era afterwards, not least in the fashion of empire line gowns. Prinny himself liked a good time and always had an entourage of the haute ton in his trail. Beau Brummell was a particular favourite, even referring to the Prince as someone's “fat friend”, until he fell out of favour and reached a less savoury end to his life.

The Napoleonic Wars were raging between Britain and France, until Waterloo ended in victory for Britain and the allies in 1815. Spies were abroad on both sides, and many young men were in the Regiment, causing female hearts to flutter whenever they were invited to the many balls. Young ladies were expected to be models of decorum, with skills such as painting, singing and playing the harpsichord or pianoforte and, of course, above all else they usually had to make a good marriage. As always, men had a far freer time of it, often indulging in hunting, gambling and profligate behaviour. The Rake is often a figure of the Regency, and beside their clubs such as White's, there was the famous Hellfire Club from the early 1700s.

Jane Austen’s novels and letters to her sister Cassandra spanned the late Georgian period through the Regency until her death in 1817. She tended to write about provincial life and was known for her keen wit and sharp observations. One of her most popular novels, Pride & Prejudice, was published in 1813 to excellent reviews. By the time Emma was published in 1815, Jane Austen was such a favourite of the Prince Regent that he invited her to Carlton House. Not that she was overjoyed to accept as she disapproved of his way of living.

The other great writer about the Regency period was Georgette Heyer, who kept many readers enthralled by her novels from the 1920s to the 1970s. Heyer was the mistress of witty and energetic stories that took the reader on a whirlwind adventure through the lives and loves of the upper classes in Georgian and Regency times. She is still read widely today and her novels were recently reissued. Many writers have continued to write popular Regencies ever since. And, of course, I too felt drawn to the period for my first novel!

This is the trailer I made as a teaser for Dangerous Deceit – if you’ve already seen it, you can ignore it!


And now another little teaser - an extract from Dangerous Deceit, from Chapter 3. This is for the romantics, like me.

*

“I believe you have lost something, Miss Hetherington.”

Lydia’s eyes widened as she watched Lord Sheldon lazily hold out his hand. He was holding a gold ribbon such as Agnes had threaded in her hair earlier that evening! She put her hand to her head and realized, belatedly, that her hair had started to come undone at the back. The ribbon must have caught on the
bush where she’d hidden. She couldn’t think what to say for a moment until she saw the challenge in his stare.

“I fear you must be following me, my lord. I was unaware that the ribbon had come loose as I took a turn around the garden. I wonder that you should know to whom it belongs.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for returning it.”

She saw his shoulders stiffen and was sure he knew perfectly well that she’d seen him with the Frenchman.

Then Lydia saw the speculation in his grey eyes replaced by amusement as he walked towards her. “Allow me, Miss Hetherington.”

Before she guessed what he intended, his hands were on her upper arms and for a moment he was looking into her eyes. Then he gently turned her away from him. Next minute, he was expertly threading the ribbon
through her hair.

Lydia held her breath as she felt his fingers brush against her head. It was as if something was making her skin tingle. Too soon, he had secured the ribbon. Yet still his fingers lingered for a moment against her hair and she hoped he could not hear the loud beating of her heart.

She tried to persuade herself that it was only because of her near discovery at eavesdropping. But she was far too aware of the nearness of his tall frame and the intimacy of the moment, and most especially the effect it was having on her.

Then he was turning her around once more to face him. He stepped back at once and bowed. “I trust you will be more careful where you walk in future, Miss Hetherington.”

Hoping she appeared more composed than she felt, Lydia replied as firmly as possible. “Thank you, my lord. It is my good fortune that you are so comfortable with a lady’s hair style and so solicitous of my well being.”
Lydia returned his stare, determined not to betray how bereft she’d felt as he stepped away from her. There was no doubt that he’d seen her in the garden and was warning her. But against what, she wondered.

*

Now it’s your turn to play. What is your favourite type of hero? Or who is your favourite hero from a book or film? Men can give me their favourite heroine (if you want).

Leave your answer in the comments box and I’ll see if there’s an overall favourite and he can be our pin-up!

Pause for a glass of Ratafia, a sweet cordial which usually contained some kind of fruit and brandy, or punch, or ale, some warm chocolate, or even a cup of tea, and maybe a piece of caraway seed cake.

Punch – favourite late 18th century drink (from ‘A Taste of History’, British Museum Press, 1993)

2 pints claret
½ pint brandy
Grated nutmeg, sugar and lemon juice to taste
Toast to serve

Mix the ingredients and serve in a punch bowl with toasted bread floating on the top. A variation of this was milk punch, with milk instead of wine.

Think I’d prefer it without the bread!

Recipe for Rich Seed Cake (from ‘A Taste of History’)

8oz plain flour     1tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon    1oz caraway seeds
8oz unsalted butter, softened
8oz caster sugar
4 eggs, separated, tepid

Line and grease an 8in by 3in deep cake tin.
Sift flour and spices into a large, slightly warm bowl and add caraway seeds.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly.
In a warm jug, beat the tepid yolks well then add to the creamed mixture gradually, beating well after each addition.
Beat the egg whites stiff but not dry.
Using a metal spoon, fold the beaten whites and flour into the creamed mixture, about a fifth at a time.
Stop as soon as mixture is amalgamated.
Empty gently into the prepared tin and fork roughly level.
Bake in middle of oven at Gas mark 3, 325F, 170C for 1 ½  hours.
Cool in tin 10 minutes and turn on to a wire rack and remove papers.

(Elizabeth Raffald: The experienced English housewife)

If anyone tries it, please let me know what it’s like!

Ladies you might like to use your fan if it gets too hot at this point.


Gentlemen, please do not remove your jacket. I’m afraid you have to remain buttoned up with your snowy cravat in place at all times, like that exquisitely dressed Beau Brummell.    
This is the kind of cravat you were expected to tie.


Ladies - I hope you have on your correct undergarments! Oh, la, la!

Well I think I’ve probably bored you long enough. Please drop in and out to chat throughout the day, if you have a moment. And if you have any questions, I shall try to answer them, or tell you where to find out!

Many thanks for coming to my party.
Romy

108 comments:

Rowena said...

Let the fun commence! Go for it, Rosemary.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Good morning, Rowena. Thanks for being my very first guest! I hope it'll be fun!

Chiew-Siah Tei said...

Congratulations on the launch!

Chiew-Siah

Carolb said...

Have a great day Rosemary and well done on the sales so far.
Now apparently I am Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Chiew-Siah - thanks for dropping in! What do you write?

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Morning Carol - thanks for coming over. I'm Elinor too! Will be interesting to see how many more of us are her.

Chiew-Siah Tei said...

I focus on novels at the moment. You can find out more from my website: http://www.chiewsiahtei.com/

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Chiew-Siah - will check it out after all the excitement is over today!

Bill Kirton said...

Morning Rosemary. Too early for Ratafia (or champagne, as I said in my FB comment - you know how I like to recycle). Fascinating to see how the day goes. I hope you're inundated with guests and sell lots of copies. Have a wonderful day.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Good morning, Mr Kirton - have a glass of chocolate, or a cup of tea. Thanks for dropping in, Bill. I'm hoping for lots of visitors and I know I shouldn't say this, but it's not even about selling the books (okay, of course I want to sell lots). For me, it's more about celebrating the day and having lots of fun and dilaogue with people. Now if you want to purchase the book, please don't let that put you off!

Cheryl o'Brien said...

Good morning Romy alias Rosemary. Apparently I am Anne Elliot of Persuasion, alias Cheryl. Here's wishing your new book every deserved success! Hope launch day goes with a pop!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Good morning, Cheryl - thanks for coming by and for your good wishes. I like Anne Elliot, and you're the first so far!

Janice said...

Hi Romy and congratulations on launch day! Thank you, I've added the champagne to my morning orange juice and created a bucks fizz!
I'm Elinor Dashwood btw - and I loved your explaination of the Regency period - I'm sure it was quite a trial for women in those days but you have made it sound so adventurous and fun that I can't wait to read Dangerous Deceit (which is now on my Kindle!)
Have a wonderful time today - I'll pop back later. lots of love & success to you, Janice xx

Janice said...

Oh, and hero material - well, I like a strong man and other than my own real life at home hero it's got to be Rhett Butler for me! xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Good morning, dear Janice! Thanks for entering into the fun of it - and enjoy your bucks fizz. Another Elinor - that's three of us so far. How nice you regard your husband as your hero (and quite rightly). Hm, wonder if anyone else will choose Rett - he was kind of masterful!

Catherine Czerkawska said...

Morning, Rosemary. Hope it's a great day for you! Will be back later, but meanwhile, love your site, lots of fascinating stuff on here. And heroes? John Thornton in North and South, especially as played by Richard Armitage! Heathcliff, but he's an anti-hero and I haven't seen anyone ever act him properly!
See you later xxx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Morning Catherine - thanks very much for coming along to join the fun. Ah, yes, John Thornton - and Richard Armitage! I wondered if anyone would mention Heathcliffe - I should have known it would be you as I remember you love WH. See you later!

Mary Smith said...

Morning, Rosemary. Congratulations on the launch. Love the blog. A wee glass of Ratafia would be welcome - just the one, though and without the toast. I hope the day continues well and will pop in again later.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Morning, Mary - thanks for taking time to drop in. I've poured you a little glass, or you won't be abel to work! See you later.

Joan Fleming said...

Morning Rosemary - Launch day congratulations! I'm settling for my morning caffeine fix at the moment, but later... I'll go for the champagne. I'm yet another Elinor Dashwood. As to my ideal man (other than the OH, of course) it has to be (yes) Rett Butler. Have fun! Joan

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Good morning Joan - great to see you here! Another Elinor - and another Rett. Thanks for entering the fun.

Henriette said...

OMG! I'm Fanny Price, and she's the Austen character I like the least. Argh!
Congratulations on your publication day. Am raising my cup of Earl Grey to you.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Henriette - thanks for dropping in. Sorry you got the character you least like! I think many of us want to be Elizabeth Bennet.

Myra Duffy said...

Unfortunately I don't like caraway seeds so it'll have to be the punch for me!

Myra Duffy said...

Oops- my earlier post is obviously still in cyber space!Have a great day,Rosemary -well deserved.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Myra, I know you've been rooting for me all morning, thank you! We'll have to think of another type of cake for you.

Jennifer Y said...

Thanks for the inviation - I can't resist a party, especially in the middle of the day. The punch, the caraway cake, the lot.
Rosemary, I'm really looking forward to reading DD.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Jennifer - thanks for coming. Enjoy the party - and I do hope you enjoy DD when you read it!

Myra Duffy said...

I've posted a little bit about your party on my blog ..now I'm off to read the novel!
See you later.

Maureen said...

Happy Launch Day, Rosemary!

Site looks wonderful - I've helped myself to champers, taken the quiz and find I'm Elizabeth Bennet and I've checked, and am pleased to report, that I do indeed have the correct undergarments.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Myra. Hope you enjoy it after all this!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Maureen - thanks for coming along to the party! Glad to find an Elizabeth Bennet at last and I am very pleased you are correctly dressed!

Linda Kage said...

Happy Launch day!!! I took the quiz and am apparently mos tlike Catherine Morland.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Linda - great to see you here! Now that's a different one. That's quite good we're almost covering all the heroines. Wonder who's going to Marianne Dashwood!

Chris Longmuir said...

I'm afraid I'm Elinor Dashwood as well. We'll have to set up a Dashwood Club. I checked my undergarments and they are where they should be, however, I always thought that lots of women didn't wear undergarments way back then. Obviously your heroine has better breeding. Oh, and before I forget I may have discovered a wee bit of romance in my soul after all, because you have just reminded me that I too liked Georgette Heyer way back when.
Have a great launch with lots and lots of readers.

Matthew Wishart said...

Congratulations - just finished reading about you in the telegraph. I am proud to vall you my aunt.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Chris - good to see you. And welcome to the Elinor Dashwood club! Sh, we shouldn't really mention the unmentionables, but I'm very pleased you've remembered your romantic side, however small!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, Matthew - it's great to see you here. Thank you very much - you're a lovely nephew!

Elizabeth McKay said...

Hi Rosemary, sorry I'm a bit late, but thanks for keeping me some champagne. I'm another Elinor Dashwood. My very favourite fictional character is Atticus Finch, but I'm not sure he's particulrary romantic, so I'll go for my second favourite who is Mr Darcy. I never could understand what he saw in that Bennet girl and blame Jane for putting him in the wrong book. Great party. Enjoy your day and congratulations.

Jude Johnson said...

Good morning from the far side of the Pond and across another continent, Miss Rosemary! The instructions in the recipe sound like a Victorian bedroom scene: Empty gently. then Fork roughly! LOL

Sincere congratulations on your debut and wonderful takeoff. I'm so happy for you! :)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Betty - thanks for dropping in and you're not late at all; I'll be in and out until late evening! Atticus Finch - interesting choice. I would definitely take Mr Darcy. And welcome to the Elinor club!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Jude! Great to see you here - hard to imagine it's morning there. Now that was a funny observation! Thank you for your kind comment, it's so lovely to have made virtual friends across the Atlantic.

Maggie Craig said...

Hi Rosemary, great launch party. Love all your extras. Must look for ratafia next time I'm in Tesco's. In the meantime, I'm sitting here with a glass full of bubbles - sparkling mineral water since it's a school night - and a canape. Well, an oatcake at least. Here's to Dangerous Deceit and its author.

I'm for Rhett Butler too.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Maggie - thanks for joining the fun, and do let me know if you find the ratafia! Another for Rett - hm, he seems to be taking the lead.

Ian said...

Fantastic big sis! Here's to the next 40 years of writing great stories.

Lots of love Ian, Denise, Matthew & Daniel

Vikki said...

Hi Mum, Happy cyber launch day! Your blog is looking great. As you know I took the quiz a while back and I came out as Elizabeth Bennet. I've realised that there is a lack of decent heroes in the fiction I've read so I'm thinking Lord Sheldon has potential with his mysterious, brooding manner...x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Ian - great to see you! Thanks for dropping in and thanks for the good wishes from all of you. Next 40 years? I wish!

Janice said...

Hope you have had a fabulous day so far Romy - I say so far because there are many parts of the world who are much earlier in the day than we are - so you'd better stay up late tonight!
Mmmmm - thanks, I will have a glass of punch - how yummy...... Raising my glass to you, my dear friend, to your debut novel and your great success! xxx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, daughter dearest! I remember you were Elizabeth Bennet - and yes, you may borrow my Lord Sheldon. I'll take your Mr Darcy

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, Janice - lovely to see you again, dear friend and thank you. I've had a wonderful party so far and I promise I haven't had too much Champagne!

Maggie Craig said...

Looks like the party's just starting! Meant to say that I absolutely love fans. So good for fluttering. I've got even more interested in Rhett Butler since I acquired my daughter-in-law from the US South. She tells me that some ladies there still waft fans around while declaring, "Ah am feeling the hee-aat." Such a wonderful accent.

Is there another Regency novel on the stocks, Rosemary?

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello again, Miss Craig (we'll pretend shall we?) I also love fans and have two of them, although I haven't really used either yet. Also have two beautiful parasols. Will maybe have fun with them at a 'real' launch.

Another? I do hope so, if I can tear myelf away from other writing to get on with it - and this next one might even involve a masquerade ball! Another thing I'd love to have.

glasweegie said...

Hi Rosemary

Happy cyber launch day (wonderful idea)and congrats. on being in the Amazon top 100. Like Vikki, I'm an Elizabeth Bennet.

Cheers (hic)

Etta Dunn

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Etta - thanks so much for visiting! At least the Amazon top 100 lasted a day or two. Another Elizabeth - that makes only three of you so far!

Alice Muir said...

Hi Rosemary,
Sorry I'm very late. Couldn't get away from the babysitting, then fell asleep! This is all great fun and I enjoyed your blog very much. Great news about being in the bestselling list.All best wishes, and enjoy the royalties.
Alice
PS I was Elinor too.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Welcome to the party, Alice - glad to see you! And don't worry, it's going on for a while yet. And welcome to the Elinor club. Hope you helped yourself to a glass of (virtual) Champagne.

Linda LaRoque said...

Happy Launch Day, Rosemary!!! I'm watching Barnes and Noble and will get a copy just as soon as it's out on Nook.

That punch recipe looks good but i'll have it without the toast.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, Linda, thank you - great to see you! I know - that toast is the strangest thing I've heard, yet it was evidently an authentic recipe. Will pour yours without it!

Kate Blackadder said...

Rosemary - hope you've had a lovely day and I look forward to getting hold of Dangerous Deceit very soon. Will make some punch and cake to go with it!
Kate Blackadder (another Elinor)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Welcome, Kate, to the blog and the Elinor club! Thanks - hope you enjoy the book. Raising my glass of virtual Champagne to you!

Ashley Barnard said...

Congrats on your release and the fabulous news on Amazon!

Unknown said...

Happy Day, Romy! Literary heroes, mmmmm. Cannae think. I wanted to be Gandalf when I was a teenager. Does that count?

Anonymous said...

Hi Rosemary Raising a glass of virtual fizz to you! seems like you've had a splendid launch. well done! I'm posting as anonymous...but it's me...Sheila T xxxx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Welcome, Ashley! Lovely you could join us - do have a glass of (virtual) Champagne, or some of punch!

Joan Fleming said...

Now that the sun's over the yardarm, just dropping in again to say we'll raise a glass of bubbly to the success of DD. Keep the party going!

Joan x

Citizen Smith said...

Hooray! I'm Elizabeth Bennett and Heathcliff rocks my boat everytime...

Best of luck with the book, Rosemary - I wish you every success with it.

Sarah

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi, Michael - great to see you. Gandalf? Hm, thanks for being original in this sea of lovely ladies. Do have some punch.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Sheila - welcome to the party! You know, I'm enjoying this almost more than a real one. Raising my glass in return!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello again, Joan - thanks for joining us again. Still keeping that Champagne chiled for a while yet!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

How lovely to see you, Sarah - thanks for joining the fun. That's four Elizabeth's so far. And two Heathcliff heroes. Do have some cake or ratafia!

Sara Bain said...

Tried to tie the cravat but it ended up strangling me! What a wonderful party and I am really pleased that your local newspaper snapped you up. Now get in touch with the Paisley Daily Express - they cover your part of Renfrewshire. As an added bonus, I'll send you the pdf of your piece in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard tomorrow. Off now to drink a whole bottle of Champagne to myself - but only virtually, got to work tomorrow. Hope you've had a jolly spiffing day. Love Sx

Kate Blackadder said...

Rosemary - meant to say - it's the older man, Mr Knightly, for me, although sadly these days I'm older than he is.
Kate

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, dear Sara - I do hope you've put that cravat well away now! Lovely to see you here - thanks so much for dropping in and for putting me in your paper. Look forward to seeing it.

I've had a wonderful day - so please have a glass of Champagne on me!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi, Kate - I like Mr Knightly too, although I would still have Mr Rochester, I think.

Sara Bain said...

I am Emma Woodhouse - handsome, clever and rich! Well, two out of three can't be that bad.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Wonderful - you're in a class of your own, Sara (of course!). No one else is Emma yet.

Sara Bain said...

Last comment of the party, then I really have to dash - too much punch already! I'm glad you gave me a fan because it's quite heated work thinking up a favourite hero. It often changes (because I'm fickle) but at the moment it is Hitman. Enjoy the rest of your party and don't forget to lock the door behind me - you don't want any last minute stragglers stealing all the champagne!
Sx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hitman... hm, need to think about that one! Thanks again for entering into the fun, Sara - have a good night!

Mary Smith said...

Is the party over? I've only just managed to get back to it. It looks like it's all gone really well, Rosemary with lots of guests dropping in - and buying. I have to wait for the paperback to come out though I'm beginning to drop hints about the usefulness of a Kindle. All best, Love, Mary

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Definitely not over yet, Mary! It's been great fun, with lots of lovely guests. i think a few people have succumbed to e-books who thought they never would. I love my print books and kindle both. And you should put your own on Amazon!

M said...

I think I must. It's the thought of the formatting which puts me off. I ought to set aside a day or two to get it done - then I suppose I ought to have a blog - and I can't even keep my website updated!
Well, if the party is still going strong I shall pour a glass of wine and raise it to the success of Dangerous Deceit. You must be feeling so elated.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

I can understand that after hearing what some of the others went through! Raising my glass back at you!

Frances Garrood said...

What a lovely party, Rosemary! I hope my frock's not too young, with all that bosom showing? I just couldn't resist it.

I'm Elinor Dashwood (apparently) and my all-time hero is Mr. Darcy (not original, but there you go). Lots of luck with the book. Im keeping my fingers crossed for it!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Frances - great you could come and join the fun! Hope you've brought your shawl in case it turns cold. Another Elinor - wonder if it's because so many of us are writers, or practical with hidden depths!

And Mr Darcy - yes, he's up there among the top few on my list. Enjoy a glass of (virtual) Champagne on me!

SharonM said...

Hi Rosemary
Congratulations on the launch and the fantabulous blog - hope you sell oodles of books.
Heroes - Aragorn (as played by Viggo Mortensen); Mr Darcy (Colin Firth version); Captain Johnny Sparrow (or should that be Jack Depp); and we shouldn't forget Sidney Carton: "It is a far far better thing that I do".
Of course, I've got my own imaginary hero, but I like to keep him to myself.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi there, Sharon - thanks for joining the fun! I do like your heroes - every single one of them. Have some punch, or some ratafia!

Anonymous said...

Hiya, This an excellent party! I'm feeling a bit strange though - not used to blogs, but glad to join in the fun! The hero must surely be Steven Seagal - best kung fu moves and one liners, plus one facial expression for all scenerios - genius! Well done - knew you could do it x Will only let me post as anonymous but it's me!Pip

SharonM said...

I think I'll pass on the punch or ratafia. Do you have any cider to go with the brandy for the punch?

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Pip, dear son! Glad you made it in the end - thanks for persevering! Ha, ha, that's a good one about Seagal's facial expression - we like the film on the train. Hope you managed to tie your cravat correctly! And I bet Elaine is in a lovely gown. Thanks for your message!

Bill Kirton said...

87 comments! Brilliant, Rosemary. What a day. Seems like ages ago that I popped in but you've been at it ever since. What an amazing day it must have been. I hope you're going to give us all a breakdown of it at some point.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

I'll see what I can do, Sharon!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello again, Bill! Remember a lot of them are my replies - but what a day. I've loved every minute.

Melanie said...

I finally made it! Was beginning to worry.
Good luck today with your cyber launch! I took the quiz this morning and I, too, am Elinor Dashwood. Going to add the quiz to my blog before the day is out. Wishing you loads of sales!

Heroes... Rhett Butler for sure... Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird - yeah I can see it. But then I've always had a soft spot for Robert Carlyle when he played Hamish MacBeth.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello, Melanie - welcome! I still have some Champagne here for you, or some of that strange ratafia. And welcome to this growing Elinor club! You're only the second person to mention Atticus.

I remember when Carlyle played Hamish, though he wouldn't be my hero exactly! But Rett is up there with a few people. Thanks for your good wishes.

Elaine said...

Hi Rosemary! I'm fashionably late to the party! Many congratulations on your book; may it be the first of many! All the best, Elaine x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Elaine - lovely to see you! Thank you. Now have a glass of Champagne on me - hope you're wearing a lovely gown!

Catherine Czerkawska said...

Hi Rosemary, back again, with the television on in the other room. More interesting over here though! Sounds like you've had a great day, and here's to success, lots of it! x

Allison said...

Hi, Romy. Love your Launch. You asked who your favorite hero is. Mine is the hero from The Quiet Man.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Catherine - thanks for coming back to the party. Sorry I had to give up eventually and get some sleep, and remove myself from being welded to the computer!

Had an absolutely wonderful day. This cyber world is really good fun.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Allison - thank you for dropping by. Lovely to see you. Ah, yes, I remember the Quiet Man - good choice!

Karen said...

Love the cake recipe Rosemary, and congratulations on all the sales!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Morning Karen - thanks so much for visiting. I think there's just enough cake left for you!

Joanna said...

Rosemary, I'm so sorry I've only just made it (Friday)! This looks like it was fantastic fun. My daughter had to be rushed to hospital yesterday so I was completely out of the loop. All is well, thankfully, now and she is home again, but I had no sleep last night needless to say after a long wait for doctors to give her the all clear. It was a suspected blood clot, but it seems she is OK after all.
I'm sure you had a great time and I was thinking of you while we waited for the NHS wheels to turn.
Many congratulations on your fantastic success!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Joanna - how dreadful for you! I'm so glad your daughter is okay. It is so good of you to even think of coming on here this morning. Thank you so much for all your wonderful support. Take care of that young lady.

Elizabeth McKay said...

Morning, Rosemary. Great party. Has anyone else got a hangover or is it just me? Do you need a hand with the clearing up?

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Morning, Betty - all cleared up, thank you, and no hangover. Just a lovely feeling of having spent the day in the company of so many great people. You will be receiving an email shortly, by the way - you obviously haven't seen my next post!

Myra Duffy said...

Here's to the next one!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

You bet, Myra! But I think I should be going to yours!