The Blue Orchid Society

    This series feels more personal to me than others I've done. A few years ago, I was between projects and considering what I'd write next. I read quite a few books and watched some movies, hoping some inspiration would strike. Instead, I was discouraged. The women in the stories and shows were terrible to each other. They were always in competition, or tearing each other down, or cast as a villain or an obstacle. 

     I have rarely, if ever, encountered this in my own life. I'm surrounded by smart, kind, successful women who constantly buoy me up. From my early life with a supportive mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and cousins to in-laws and friends and colleagues, I've always had these women with me. They are my strength and my support. I've learned from them, and laughed with them. We've wept together. When I've had a problem too overwhelming, there is always a woman in my congregation or my family or among my friends that I can turn to for advice and help. I'm surrounded by women as dear to me as sisters. And I have always been.

    This became the story I wanted to tell, and so The Blue Orchid Society was born. These five women are all on the social fringes of high society. Some because of their birth, others because of their personality, and one because of a scandal. The women meet, by chance, in a library during a high society ball, and as they start talking, they realize that they each want more than their restrictive Victorian life allows.

    In a time when women are meant to be silent, Sophronia Bremerton wants to be a journalist.

    Instead of restricting her learning to subjects intended to make her a wife and mother, Vivian Kirby wants to enter an invention in a science exhibition.

    Hazel Thornton wants to work as a nurse in spite of her debilitating panic attacks. 

    Frustrated with the lack of resources for the poor, Elizabeth Miller plans to open a school for disadvantaged young women.

    And Dahlia Lancaster has inherited a steamship company that she intends to manage herself instead of turning the running of the business over to a male counterpart.

    All of these things seem impossible, especially for women in their time period. But, they aren't alone, and with their friends, the ladies of The Blue Orchid Society are unstoppable!

All the things--all at once

Lots and lots of books are close to release...

 For some reason--well, I know the reason, it's because I'm working with multiple publishers, and their schedules-- it always happens this way. All these things are scheduled to come out at once. 

So, first up, in just a week, on September 1, The Shipbuilder's Wife will be released. This is the second in the War of 1812 Series. It deals with the burning of Washington, the battle of Ft. McHenry, and of course, there's a romance...Lydia Prescott made a brief appearance in the last book, now she's the star. 








The Queen's Ball comes out in October. So, since it's a Victorian collection, the Queen is Queen Victoria. I was so excited to visit her summer home on the Isle of Wight last year, and so that's where my story is based. 








Then, next up, we have this book that I wrote years and years ago that finally found a home at The Wild Rose Press. I am so happy about it. It's a contemporary suspense romance, and it takes place in Ireland.

And last, but not least is this Christmas collection that Covenant is putting out. I love all these authors and their stories are so darling. 

Since Covenant hasn't officially released the cover yet, I'm just showing you a little bit of it. 

Another thing that's happening in October is the Utah RWA Reader's Luncheon. It's seriously one of the best events of the year. It's so fun to connect with readers. The speaker will be amazing, and we have a fun lunch, games, and all the authors bring swag. So, win win win. 

So phew! That's the latest, and this fall is going to be a whirlwind!!

All the things

So many things are happening, so let me give you the lowdown...

In just a few days, Miss Leslie's Secret is released. This story is about a war veteran who returns to Scotland to find his home and family gone--not an uncommon thing during this time period. The Highland Clearances destroyed the clans' culture that was such a part of Scotland. Conall meets a woman, Aileen Leslie, who is the beekeeper for the area. She has a naughty red-haired little boy, and a secret.

 

Miss Leslie's Secret is the last book I plan to write in the Regency genre for a while, so it is sort of a bittersweet story for me. BUT, not to fear, I have great plans ahead. I'm turning my thoughts across the sea to the good ol' USA, and working on a series about the War of 1812. So, same time period, but now, the British are the bad guys.

The first book in that series will come out April of 2018. And it has a lovely cover which I'm not allowed to show yet. But seriously, it's lovely. And I'm way excited to do something new.

Also, I did a story for the Timeless Regency Victorian Collection. It's called Falling in Rome (see what I did there?) And it's about a professor of ancient history, Professor Kendrick, and woman who is a chaperone for some young ladies on their Grand Tour. Eleanor Doyle loves history and even speaks Latin (gasp--for this time, that was unheard of.) They're nerdy and wonderful and I think their story is super fun. The cover is great, and I am so lucky to be in a compilation with these other fantastic authors.



Also, this fall, Covenant is putting out a Regency Christmas compilation that I'm lucky to be part of--I'm not allowed to show that cover yet. They like to do cover reveals. I can however, show you this little chunk of the cover:



Writing a Christmas story was so fun. I loved learning about the cute traditions of the time. I might do more of those in the future.

And last, but not least, The Wild Rose Press has accepted a book I wrote about Ireland. It's a contemporary suspense, and there's a mystery and IRA terrorists and all sorts of stuff.

I have bunches and bunches of speaking engagements and signings in the next few months. I don't know why they all come up at once, but I'll be busy for a little while, and I'd love to see friends at them. They get really awkward when nobody comes...



Here's a link to all the stuff coming up:
http://authorjmoore.com/news/

Busy Busy Busy

Things are getting busy.
Summer's always busy with kids, their camps, sports, tutors, vacations, etc. etc. etc.
Plus, in a few weeks, my missionary gets home!!

But when summer ends, it's going to be a different kind of busy.

I have 3 books coming out in August, September, and October.



Safe Harbor is the sequel to Change of Heart. It's the story of Dr. Seth Goodwyn and Melanie Owen. I have loved this series. If you don't know about it, The Wild Rose Press put together the idea with a bunch of authors. We created a map of the town and used each others' characters in our books. It was seriously so fun. Some are historical, some are mysteries, some are paranormal, but they're all romance. So, here's a link to the other books.
http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/242-lobster-cove


September 1 is the release date for A Place for Miss Snow

image coming soon

I'm so excited about this book. It takes place in Greece and it's about the Greek War of Independence. My brother took me to Greece to research for this book and I fell in love with it. I would love to go back, and I'd love to write more books about Greece. Here's a link to my pinterest page about this book...
https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferlmoore9/a-place-for-miss-snow/


Ok, and finally, we have a Timeless Regency.



I love these. And I was so excited to be part of this one with Carla Kelly and Josi Kilpack.
Just look at that cover. It's so beautiful!
If you read Spring in Hyde Park, you'll recognize the characters in this story, Archie and Jane.

And also, Fall is conference time.

I'm headed down to Arizona for the ANWA conference September 15-17.
Then the League of Utah Writers Fall conference is September 23-24.
And Book Academy is September 27.

These are all fabulous conferences for writers at any level.

So, Phew. I think I'll be happy for the holidays to come around so I can finally relax!

Romancing the Novel

So, this was rather wonderful.
Becoming Lady Lockwood won a RWA contest.
Hearts Through History's Romancing the Novel.
Thank you, Covenant Communications for entering my book it was a fantastic surprise. And thank you to RWA.

Golden Quill

The League of Utah Writers is a fantastic organization, whether you're a new writer, learning the craft, or a veteran of the publishing world, there's a place for everyone.

I love the community and the feeling of belonging, and especially the workshops. 

This year, one of my books won a Golden Quill award.

The League gives out a Gold and a Silver quill in 3 categories each year: Novel, YA Novel, and Nonfiction. Lady Emma's Campaign won in the Novel category.

Thanks, LUW! The conference was wonderful and I am so touched that my book was honored.

The Whitney Awards

Two of my books: BECOMING LADY LOCKWOOD and LADY EMMA'S CAMPAIGN were nominated as finalists for the 2015 Whitney Awards.
A Whitney is an award for novels by LDS authors.
And we have a Splendid Gala.

My heart overflows every time I sit down to write this post, and when I look at that beautiful award. I was nominated with the best people I can imagine.
I learned to write from them. I read their books. I idolize them, and I can't even begin to express how proud it made me for my books to be nominated along side theirs and to stand with them on that stage.

The night was overwhelming and memorable, and more special than I can imagine.
Here are some highlights.

My sisters came

My handsome husband was there

My very dearest friends sat with me 

And cheered when my name was called.

I gave a speech that I can't remember.

And I cheered for them too.

Yay for Lady Lockwood!