In Which Miss Percy Makes Lists and Leanna partakes of worldly things (Updated)...

Not like grocery lists, but in which Miss Percy Parker's name is listed in the "Favourites of 2009" and such about the interwebs.

I've listed the many places in which my dear Miss Parker has appeared as a 2009 favourite (and I'm grateful for each and every one of them) thus far, and added to this list we now have:

1. The Discriminating Fangirl has listed Miss Percy in her favourites!

2. And Smexy Books lists Miss Percy in her favourites!

3. So does author and blogger Katie Lovett, as she lists Miss Percy as the best debut of 2009!

4. Amy of Romance Book Wyrm lists Miss Percy as a favourite of 2009, and The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker as a great anticipation in 2010!

5. Kate at Babbling about Books and More includes Miss Percy in the top 20 of the year - as well as an honourable mention for best debut! Thanks Kate!!

6. Anna's Book Blog has listed Miss Percy in her 2009 favourites by genre!

7. And Smokin' Hot Books has this most lovely, lovely review of the book - and then K.C. included it as a favourite of 2009!!

8. And Brooke Reviews lists Miss Percy as her #1 of 2009!!! Thanks Brooke!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and are gearing up for the New Year! I certainly enjoyed time with family and friends, religious services and singing in choir. That's always a sacred treat.

In having-a-life-outside-of-writing news, I have seen a few movies and actually finished books I started reading. *gasp* Note: almost all of these have a Victorian bent, so you can see I'm justifying it all as research.

In the book world, I'd forgotten how much I love Elizabeth Peters and her Amelia Peabody series. These books are so outrageously fun. The bombastic Miss Peabody and the irascible Emerson never fail to delight me. Next up, another favourite author, Anne Perry's Execution Dock.

The movie The Young Victoria (happily seen in attendance with fellow authors / Victorian mavens Elizabeth and Hope) was dreamy. I loved it. I thought Emily Blunt was charming, disarming and engaging, the film as a whole was flawlessly cast, and the romance between her and Prince Albert (as it was a true romance) was delicate and passionate, something to cheer for. God Save the Queen indeed.

And continuing, of course, in my Victorianaphile vein, Sherlock Holmes was beyond lovely - it was clever and deeeeeeeelicious! YUM! Yum, I say. I saw it with the boyfriend and with my dear friend and Scandalous Women expert Elizabeth. My beloved is such a good sport, he even tolerated my rhaposizing about how delectable the film was (He's letting his hair grow, was a bit scruffy, so he looks a bit like Mr. Holmes these days and I can't say I mind. I should put him back in that frock coat I bought him. And then I'll swoon.)

And outside of the 19th Century (to indulge my prominent paranormal / sci-fi side) I watched my favourite X-Files episode, Bad Blood (the two-sides to the vampire story) and was reminded why that's one of my favourite shows ever. Next to Dr. Who. And Battlestar Galactica. And Star Trek TGN. And the geek alarm proudly sounds its siren call - blares, in fact.

In other pop-culture outside of the 1800's - the significant other and I finished the Bourne movies - wow they're good! I hope they make more. Now I need to read the Bourne books.

Stay tuned! In the new year I reveal The Darkly Luminous book trailer, excerpts, and launch a new contest!

Did I mention The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is available for Pre-Order?!!

Happy New Year!

STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL RELEASE DAY!

THE DAY IS HERE!

Release Day!



It's a party at Romance Novel.tv! It's another Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour stop, another chance to win a free book, check out my fresh new VIDEO interview, and have a great time! Remember to leave a comment and you might win a book!





Tonight I get to go to Barnes & Noble Lincoln Center and read in that



gorgeous store along with Award Winning authors Charles Ardai, Anna DeStefano, Jack Ketchum in an evening of Genre Fiction with Dorchester Publishing! When I saw my name and book cover on the banner inside the store, I'm not going to lie, I truly swooned. Just like Percy. :)
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And Percy got another gorgeous review from Brooke Reviews! Thanks Brooke!

Brooke says:


"Miss Percy Parker is a lovely tale. Whenever I try to describe this book I always go back to the words "lovely" or "beautiful". Beautiful is quite fitting as it's in the title of the book, right? Percy Parker is a great heroine to follow. She knows nothing of the prophecy, and nothing about her past or the powers she holds. She only knows that she's odd, in that she sees ghosts and that she somewhat resembles them with her pale skin, hair, and eyes. When I say she is a great heroine to follow, I mean that she grows through the whole story - with the help of her Professor - and it's very nice to see this shy young lady grow stronger and into more of a woman.
"It was hard to sit on the "outside" of this book. I just wanted to jump in and help these characters out. I guess wanting to be involved in the story is a good thing right? There are more characters than Percy and Alexi, and all have their separate quirks and personalities. While reading, you can get a good feel for each one, and their likes/dislikes, desires, and powers....Leanna Renee Hieber's education on everything Victorian shines in this tale, and it was a pleasure to watch it all unravel. I look forward to many more LOVELY books from her in the future. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is alluring and haunting and should NOT be missed."
(Read Brooke's full review on her very lovely site)
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Also at Janicu's Book Blog, she calls the story "unique: a mix of historical, steampunk, paranormal and gothic romance. It's the originality that really had me and made it a keeper, with clever twists on Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper." Check out the full review.
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I've an Inspirations and Influences post and review at The Booksmugglers!
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And The Book Butterfly - a most engaging blog visually and in content - has lovely words for Miss Percy Parker!
Kim says:
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker was an exquisite start to what surely will be an engaging series. Leanna Renee Hieber has created an enticing novel by blending together a combination of historical characters, potent paranormal elements and a sweet, satisfying romance. Add a dash of mythology to the mix and you’re ready to serve up a captivating gothic fantasy that should appeal to both adult readers and a mature teen audience."
(Read Kim's full review - and also catch my Contest!)
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I'm also doing my monthly blog today at POPCULTUREDIVAS! Talking about the Gothic Novel!
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I certainly hope you'll pick up a copy of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker this release week! I'm so excited to share it with you!

Blessings!