Maggie Blackbird

Today, author Gina Ardito is guest blogging.  She’s here to talk about her latest historical romance release Echoes of Love.  Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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In a particular scene in ECHOES OF LOVE, royal governess Chesna considers how she should have been a mother of her own children at this stage in her life, and not just a substitute. It’s a particular moment of weakness for her – not something she constantly regrets. And yet, that was probably a common thought for a governess of the nineteenth century. What these women didn’t know was that they were really trailblazers. The role of governess was pretty much the first career available to women where they could earn their own money while not upsetting the delicate patriarchy. But not every woman could aspire to the position. She had to be fairly well educated in the basics, an expert in societal norms, and come from a good middle-class family. Unlike in the romance novel world, though, most of these ladies never met a man who made their hearts thump under their bodices, and they probably died regretting they didn’t do more with their lives. In actuality, they were vital to world history because they raised the men and women who would eventually impact the future, whether for good or bad.

For Chesna, I wanted to create a woman who understood the role she actually played in shaping the minds of the next generation, someone who realized her power was subtle but there, nonetheless. She’s clever and strong and expects nothing less from her charge. For example, when she’s ordered to marry a member of Napoleon’s army, a man she knows all too well, her quiet fortitude is apparent and she changes the situation into a teachable moment for Zarek, the child she’s raised since infancy:

“I’d rather die than marry this pig!”

“If that is your wish, mademoiselle.” The general shrugged and turned to Major Roucher. “Take her back to the dungeon.”

“No!” Zarek rushed forward and threw himself at Chesna’s feet. “You mustn’t die. You promised me you’d never leave me. Don’t leave me! Please!”

“Zarek, be silent,” she chastised.

He quieted immediately, but remained on his knees, teary eyes pleading his case.

“Well, mademoiselle?” the general barked. “What is it to be, death or marriage?”

Chesna stole a glance at Pietor, who stood expressionless, then cast her eyes on Zarek draped across her feet. Kneeling, she helped him rise and leaned close to his ear. “Never show such weakness to outsiders, Zarek.”

I think she’s become one of my favorite characters because of her resiliency and her adaptability. I hope you’ll like her too. Please be sure to drop me a line at gina@ginaardito.com to let me know!

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Title:  Echoes of Love
Series:  N/A
Author:  Gina Ardito
Genre:  Historical Romance

Blurb:  Royal governess Chesna Dubrow must protect the five-year-old king of Amatia from Napoleon Bonaparte’s invading army. To do so, she’ll be forced to wed one of the emperor’s loyal soldiers. But Pietor Gabris isn’t any soldier. Years ago, he broke Chesna’s heart, forgetting the vows they’d made to love each other forever.

Pietor’s return to Amatia is embroiled in subterfuge. Amidst the deceit surrounding him, he clings to the one truth he cannot ignore: his timeless love for Chesna. Yet confessing what’s in his heart would sentence them both to death. To keep Chesna safe, he must portray the role of traitor, ensuring her animosity continues to blow hot and harsh.

As danger and intrigue swirl around the palace, can Chesna place her faith—and heart—with the one man she swore she’d never forgive?

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Editorial Review from Entrada Publishing:

The old saying goes, if you love something, set it free, and if it is meant to be, it will return. In Gina Ardito’s historical fiction novel, she explores the idea of lost love, and bitter-sweet homecomings.

Set in the fictional country of Amatia, Chesna is the governess of the young prince Mikhail, as a means to ease her broken heart. Six years prior, her childhood sweetheart, Pietor was sent off to Russia, and soon forgot all about Chesna. However, fate will soon bring the two lost lovers together again, but under dire circumstances. As Napoleon’s armies march upon Amatia, Chesna finds herself caught between loyalty to her country, and what her heart desires.

Ardito does a masterful job blending real-life historical events, with a beautifully crafted love story. She crafts a suspenseful and engaging narrative, taking readers through historical events, and the inner conflicts within Chesna, and Pietor. The storytelling is beautifully done as Ardito explores the concept of long-lost lovers, betrayal, and learning to follow your heart. The narrative flows in an organic way, with tension masterfully woven throughout. The dynamics between Chesna and Pietor is natural, and their relationship is very well written.

Along with a tender love story, the author sets up a mystery that Chensa, and Pietor must unravel before it is too late. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, as they follow along in the race against time. Chesna must figure out who to trust, and who she can place her faith in.

For those looking for a suspenseful, yet tender love story, Echoes of Love is a fantastic historical fiction novel. Gina Ardito is a fantastic writer, and her novel will pull at your heartstrings, as well as leave you breathless.

“I honestly don’t know. If I believe you, someone whom I’ve known all my life wants me dead. I have nowhere to turn and no one whom I can trust. I am surrounded by enemies on all sides. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?”

“Hear me now, Pietor. I will not allow you to fill Zarek’s head with your twisted loyalties and insurrectionist thoughts. I will raise him as I see fit. Without your treasonous influence.”

“We can discuss the details of the boy’s upbringing later,” he replied blandly. “But now, you should wash up and dress while I tend to Zarek.”

Her hands settled on her hips. “You’re not listening to me. I’ll tend to him myself. I’ve cared for that boy without your help for more than five years. I’ll continue to care for him without your help.”

The morning sunlight streamed through the glass behind her, illuminating the sheer fabric of her sleeping gown and shadowing her legs to perfection. Pietor couldn’t help but stare at the curvaceous hips and tapered limbs peeking from beneath the filmy gown.

Impatient with his growing reaction to the temptations she offered, he tore his gaze away from the inspiring view and growled, “You’ll do as I say, my meek and obedient wife. I’ll tend to the boy while you prepare yourself to go downstairs and dine with us.”

Thankfully, she moved out of the sun’s path, toward her dressing closet. But she gave him a smile as cold as Lake Matya in January. “And you may go to hell, my hateful and arrogant husband. You think I’ve changed since we last saw one another? What about you? My appearance might seem different, but at least my values have remained the same.”

He quirked a brow. “Have they, Chess? When I last saw you, you were still an innocent maiden. You can’t claim that title anymore.”

“And when I last saw you, you swore on the soul of your sainted mother you wouldn’t forget me. What happened to the honorable young man who left Amatia seven years ago, Pietor? How could you follow a monster like Napoleon Bonaparte? What could he possibly offer you that your father couldn’t? Power? Glory?”

“By God, you’re such a little fool,” he chided. “You know nothing about me. You have your own view of what I should be and where my loyalties should lie. And because I don’t measure up to your expectations, you assume I’ve changed.”

“You’re absolutely right.” Although she’d softened her tone, the impact only strengthened the power of her words. “I don’t know you. The man I knew would never betray his country in so violent a manner. Tell me. Were the deaths of so many innocents worth your noble cause? Did you gain enough satisfaction from the rivers of blood that ran in the streets upon your homecoming? Does it please you to know how honorably your father died while defending his country? Was all that savagery enough to sate you? Or will you need more innocent blood shed in the name of your glorious emperor? Who will be your next victim? My boy? Tell me now so I might kill him myself before you and your army of brutes get your bloodied hands on him. I’ll show him mercy with a swift death. But you’ll destroy him slowly and then crush him like an unwanted insect.”

He winced. By God, the woman had a tongue sharper than a rapier. And worse, he couldn’t deny her accusations without divulging secrets he’d sworn to protect.

“Get dressed,” he ordered as he strode away from her vicious words. “I’ll rouse Zarek. When the boy is dressed and ready, we’ll return to escort you to the dining hall. Do not challenge me again, madam.”

 

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I kill houseplants. There. Now you know one of my greatest shames. I’m not boasting. I just figure that if you’re reading this, you’re looking for more than how wonderful life is as a writer. You get enough of that elsewhere. Ditto for political rants, how to lose thirty pounds in a week, and creating gorgeous crafts with nothing more than twine and soup cans. My goal is to connect with you, dear reader, even if you’re not a writer, not a New Yorker, not a mother, not a female. We’re human (unless one of us is a spambot), and what we have in common is flaws. So here are a few more of mine:

I sing all the time. I sing songs most people don’t know–jingles from television, crazy stuff I used to listen to on Dr. Demento, Broadway and movie soundtracks, and I can even bum-bum-bum through instrumental music. I sing in the car. In the shower. While I’m grocery shopping. And I headbop while I sing. When I’m not singing, I talk to myself. Just ignore me and move on. You get used to it after a while.

I don’t eat my vegetables. Seriously. I only started eating salad about ten years ago, but I’d still rather have a cookie.

Given the option, I would live in a mall where I would never have to worry about freezing temperatures or too much sun. I’m extremely fair-skinned and could burn under a 60-watt light bulb.

I can’t sleep without background noise so the television’s on all night. If it’s too dark and too quiet, all I have are my thoughts. And even *I* don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.

Don’t ask me to Zumba, line dance, or march in the parade. I have absolutely no rhythm.

I color outside the lines. Not because I’m a rebel, but because I suck as an artist. My artistic ability is limited to being able to draw Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse. And I don’t even draw that well.

Regrets. I have more than a few.

My favorite activity is sleep, and I’m pretty good at it. I don’t clock a lot of hours, but I can powernap like a Persian cat and rejuvenate within ten minutes.

I consider shopping and dining out excellent therapy for anything wrong in my life.

My feet are always cold. Always. My husband of more than a quarter century claims it’s because I’m an alien sent to Earth to destroy him. (He might be right about that.)

Coming to my house for a visit? Unless you’ve given me plenty of advance notice, be prepared. My floor will not be vacuumed, there will be dishes in my sink, and I only make my bed when I change the sheets once a week (I’m climbing back into it ASAP. Why make it?) Housecleaning is not high on my priority list. Okay, to be totally honest, it’s not on the list at all.

I can resist anything…except ice cream.

Since this is our first date, I figure I’ve revealed enough secrets for now. But if you’ve read this bio and think I might be the author for you, pick up one of my books or stalk my website: www.ginaardito.com.

Find Gina:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Amazon | Goodreads

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