Tag Archives: Romantic Comedy

Great Blog Hop! Did you win?

Miss Darcy couldn’t be happier about the successful 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop! With all the authors giving away goodies, I hope you won some of the swag. If not, the next one might be your lucky Hop.

Karla Darcy, Regency romance author, is doing a blog hop and giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card

THE WINNERS OF THE 2013 SUMMER SPLASH BLOG HOP:

KINDLE: DENISE ZAKY

$100 AMAZON GIFT CARD: BUZEA LULIAN

$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD: SHADOW KOHLER

SIGNED BOOKS: SADIE LYMAN

GIFTED EBOOKS: JANICE HOUGLAND AND SAVANNAH MILLER

On Miss Darcy’s contest the winners are:

Winner of the $10.00 Amazon gift card:

Barbara Stull

Daily prizes:

July 26th – Andrea Minier

July 27th – Jackie W

July 28th – Lynsey Peterson

July 29th – Mel

And two bonus prizes:

Cynthia Blain & Donna Durnell

Congratulations to all the winners! Miss Darcy hopes that if you didn’t win this time you’ll try again on the next hop.

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Last Day of the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop

Miss Darcy just wanted to remind you that July 29th is the last day of the Summer Splash Blog Hop. What a delightful way to begin the last week of July. You’ll meet 48 independent authors and have a chance to win a Kindle Fire and other grand prizes. Some of these authors may be old friends but it is also an opportunity to meet authors who are new to you.

Miss Darcy is aware you are anxious to learn about the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop and her own giveaway prizes.

To enter Miss Darcy’s contest to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card and to hear the rest of the details CLICK HERE!

And after you’ve entered to win at Miss Darcy’s page check out the rest of these amazing chances to win at the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop main page!

Karla Darcy, Regency romance author, is doing a blog hop and giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card

Have a wonderful day of hopping and I hope you’ll win lots of prizes!

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A Summer Splash Blog Hop with Karla Darcy

Miss Darcy celebrated the beginning of summer with the Daughters of Sweet’s Racing Club. Most of the ladies were overly excited by the thought of the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop running from July 26th through July 29th. Due to their distraction Miss Darcy managed to win at whist once more. She is considering putting out her shingle as a cardshark although she would never consider fuzzing the cards (cheating).

Now Miss Darcy is aware you are anxious to learn about the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop and you’ll find the information below the excerpt.

For those gossipmongers who are anxious to hear the latest titbits, Letitia Bellingham was at the summer card party and she reminded us all of the scandal associated with her ancestor Judith Hallowell. You may not remember the story but at the time the gossip mongers had a field day. And it all began so simply as you’ll see in this excerpt:

The Divided Hearts, A Sweet Deception Regency Novel by Karla Darcy

“You want me to spy on your grandson?” Lady Judith Hallowell’s well-bred voice was tinged with astonishment as she looked over the rim of the bone china teacup at Lady Letitia Bellingham.

Under Judith’s baleful glance, the older woman had the grace to look self-conscious but it was only a momentary lapse. Catching the twinkle of mischief in her goddaughter’s golden-hazel eyes, Letty snorted.

“I always warned your mother, my girl, that you had the tongue of an adder. No wonder you’re not married,” she snapped.

“I know you think I’m quite on the shelf. Twenty-five and still not married. But believe me, my sharp tongue has had little effect driving away suitors. It seems that any young woman with a sizeable portion is fair game in the marriage mart.”

“No need to be cynical, Judith. Your face and figure would assure you of a husband if you hadn’t a groat.” Letty fussed with her lacy cap, ignoring the saucy grin of the young woman. “Now back to my business. I am not asking you to spy on my grandson. That behavior would be prodigious, um, outré .”

“You wish me to question the man as to his principles and political ideals.” Judith leaned forward, her lovely face set in a somber expression. “It would seem to me that no matter how you tie it up in clean linen, the fact remains that I would be spying on the poor fellow.”

“Fustian! Let’s not deal in stupid crochets, Judith. I would never involve you in anything if I felt you would be behaving shabbily. I only wish to find out if Nathanael’s sympathies lie with England or with America.”

“But, Aunt Letty, your family has always been for England,” Judith said, surprised at the request.

“Quite so. But the lad was born in the Colonies and, despite the fact that he was educated here in England, it is possible that he no longer feels an allegiance to this country.”

“But when Nathanael was at Cambridge, you must have had a chance to assess his loyalties. He must have given some indication.”

“I hesitated to ask,” Letty admitted. “I know it was cowardly, but I was so afraid he would make a hasty decision that both of us would regret. All I could do was show him the kind of life he would lead if he were to return.”

“Yet he returned to America?” Judith asked with surprise.

“He was still young, my dear. His father was ailing and he was needed at home. It was no time to force a decision. Now that you’re going to visit your father in America you’ll have plenty of time to get to know Nathanael. And since you’re available you might even consider a betrothal to my grandson.”

“Good heavens, Aunt Letty! You’re not putting out a shingle as matchmaker?”

“The idea has a certain amount of merit, my dear,” Letty said. “After all, Nathanael has both background and breeding. He is well formed, polite and appears to enjoy life. Financially, the lad would make a good catch.”

“I’ve never even met the man and already you’re planning to call the banns,” Judith said, throwing up her hands in exasperation.

“Never mind, child. It was just an interesting thought that crossed my mind. You needn’t marry Nathanael unless you’ve a mind to.” Letty laughed at the appalled expression on Judith’s face.

 Thus begins Judith’s adventures in America in The Divided Hearts.

*   *   *   *   *   *

What an exciting story it is. How was Judith to know that this simple beginning would lead to a scandal that would rock society? Even Downton Abbey hasn’t seen the likes of this!

Now Miss Darcy is aware you are anxious to learn about the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop and her own giveaway prizes.

From July 26 until Midnight July 29th you will have a chance to meet 48 independent authors and win some fabulous prizes.

To enter Miss Darcy’s contest and to hear the rest of the details CLICK HERE!

And after you’ve entered to win at Miss Darcy’s page check out the rest of these amazing chances to win at the 2013 Summer Splash Blog Hop main page!

Karla Darcy, Regency romance author, is doing a blog hop and giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card

Miss Darcy loves to hear from you! Although her correspondence is extensive, she always has time for faithful readers. She answers all inquiries as etiquette requires!

Join her on Facebook or Twitter

Your faithful correspondent,

Karla Darcy, Author of the Sweet Deception Regency Romance Series

PS: There is much to be learned in the coming months as Miss Darcy sifts through the rumors and gossip. Surely you don’t want to be left in the dark! If you’re on her Mailing list, Miss Darcy will send you infrequent emails to make you privy to any news items worthy of her attention, offers of free or discounted books and pre-publication announcements for members only. You can sign up here: Newsletter List

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America Refreshes Downton Abbey

Season Three of Downton Abbey introduced a character from America. Shirley MacLaine spiced up the show playing the American mother of Cora, Countess of Grantham. One of the reasons it worked so well was that viewers could see a striking contrast between the dueling dowagers, one from America and one from England.

The Divided Hearts, A Sweet Deception Regency Novel by Karla DarcyMost of the regencies are set in England so it makes for a very unique story to have one set in America. THE DIVIDED HEARTS is set in Newport, Rhode Island just prior to the War of 1812. It’s a time of rising passions as allegiances between England and America are tested. Now add a romance between an English gentlewoman and an American man. Let the sparks fly!

If you love Downton Abbey and Jane Austen you’ll love The Divided Hearts! This is the 7th book in the Sweet Deception Regency series. At the death of her mother Lady Judith Hallowell decides to visit her father in America. She agrees to find out if her Godmother’s grandson is still loyal to England.

Despite her father’s high praise of the man, she is stunned when Nathanael appears as a pompous dandy with powdered hair and peacock clothing. As she falls in love with a new country, she can’t understand how she can have feelings for someone so shallow and yearns to find someone like the mysterious Palatine who is considered a hero in the fledgling colonies on the brink of war? Or does she?

Don’t miss the opportunity to find out. Grab your copy today! CLICK HERE.

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Love Downton Abbey? You’ll Love The Virtuous Ward!

New chances to enter for the $10.00 Amazon Gift Certificate. Enter Contest Below! And Miss Darcy is worried that you’ll miss the last day, January 26th, to get a FREE download of The Virtuous Ward. Filled with romance, scandal, humor and of course a lovable mutt named Muffin. Look at this sweet face and you’ll definitely want to find out what takes place when Amity arrives for the first time to see her guardian who will be sponsoring her in society. Read the excerpt and then download by clicking HERE.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

Karla Darcy, Downton Abbey, romance, The Virtuous Bride, Jane Austen, Regency

“Come on, Muffin, you lazy slug. Wake up,” Amity muttered, elbowing her companion. When this tactic had little effect, she leaned over and whispered. “I’ll help you look for cats. And maybe even a rabbit.”

Thus tempted, Amity’s companion, an enormous brown dog of unknown and highly suspect origin yawned, his great tongue arching upward between neat rows of white teeth. He stretched all four legs and emitted a low rumbling moan before he turned his head toward his mistress. Muffin’s eyelids raised and he stared at Amity through soulful pools of brown.

“What a lump you are,” Amity said as she hugged her friend, nuzzling one floppy ear. “Ever since we got in the coach this morning you’ve been sleeping. Besides we’re almost there. Coachman said it would be another half hour.”

Thus reminded of their imminent arrival, Amity bit her lip, feeling the jolt of her accelerated heartbeat. She pushed the huge dog off her lap and brushed at the clumps of dog hair left behind. Then reaching up, she untied the blue ribbon that confined her hair at the nape of her neck. As usual a cloud of the bright red curls had escaped and were billowing around her cheeks. She raked her fingers through the shimmering mass of waist-length hair and retied the ribbon.

“My reticule! My gloves!” she wailed, searching the carriage.

She found the reticule at last beneath the plain poke bonnet, which she jammed on her head, but after a hurried hunt, could not find her mittens. She remembered removing them at the last stop and accepted the sad fact that she would have to arrive at her destination with bare hands. The reticule was dusty and she grasped the strings and smacked it against the squabs sending up clouds of dust. Muffin inhaled and sneezed so heartily that the movement propelled the dog upright, where he sat, eyes wide open and black nose aquiver. When Amity giggled at the dog’s expression, he looked so offended that she burst into a loud whoop of laughter. Thus Amity and Muffin arrived at Edgeworth.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

This is the last day that you can enter the contest to win a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate. Even if you’ve entered before you can enter again since the options have been changed in the raffle.

How to enter: Complete the entries on Rafflecopter below:

  • Log in with your name and email or Facebook
  • Click “Do It!” button to read the instructions for each entry option.

*If the rafflecopter form doesn’t appear, please wait a minute for it to load.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Once you’ve entered don’t forget to pick up the FREE download of The Virtuous Ward by clicking HERE.

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Karla Darcy Announces Winners!

Miss Darcy participated in the New Year Blog Hop and couldn’t be more excited to announce the winners.

Miss Angelina Daniels-Shaw is the fortunate  winner of the $20.00 gift card. She will be getting the gift card directly from Amazon. Hope it will make start her new year off just right.

We also had daily winnners who won a free copy of The Scandalous Ward.

Day One winner was: Vera Mallard

Day Two winner was: Shadow Kohler

Day Three winner was: Nuzaifa

Day Four winner was: Karen C

For this blog hop The Scandalous Ward was the featured book. Although Miss Darcy tries not to show preferences, she has to admit that this story is one of her favorites. This excerpt documents Leslie Lathrup’s arrival from India and the introduction of her traveling companions to the Duke.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

“This is Jacko, your Grace.” Leslie indicated the wizened figure standing protectively at his shoulder.

The old man drew himself smartly to attention. “Private Jacko, sir! General factotum to Captain Philip, sir! Right glad to be back in a civilized country, sir!” His voice rasped like sandpaper on wood.

Pax wondered if all Jacko’s sentences ended in ‘sir’? He guessed that the little Englishman was close to sixty, but his remarkably fit body made it difficult to determine. Under a wild mixture of black and white hair, the old man’s face was tanned and wrinkled like ancient parchment.

Silvery-blue eyes shone brightly in the otherwise expressionless face. Arms, impressive in their wiry strength, dangled from a broad muscular chest. Short bandy-legs completed the picture of Leslie’s self-appointed bodyguard.

“And this is my other friend Manji.” Leslie was positively dwarfed by the giant on his other side.

Karla Darcy, Regency Romance, Sweet Deception Regency, Downton Abbey, Jane Austen, RomanceAlthough Pax was six feet tall, he suspected that Manji topped him by at least four inches, and outweighed him by a good six stone. The man was totally bald, the skin of his head gleaming in the late afternoon sunlight, giving a slight haloed effect. But the face beneath the shining dome was far from saintly.

Manji had the look of a fierce brigand with slanted brown eyes under bushy brows, a nose that had a decided list toward the right side and a moustache bristling above and then drooping dispiritedly on either side of a glowering mouth.

“Manji, syce.” The deep voice rumbled threateningly around the room.

“That means groom, your Grace.”

Pax could feel an aura of menace emanating from both the older men, so the boy’s calm explanation was a welcome relief. “And your mother, Leslie?” Pax asked forcing his eyes away from the giant and the gnome.

“She died when I was born, sir. The Captain—that’s my father—was mostly busy with the army. Jacko and Manji pretty well raised me,” the boy explained.

“And I can see they’ve done a fine job,” Pax acknowledged hastily. He eyed the bizarre duo, curious despite himself. “Where did Jacko and Manji come from?”

“I can’t say for sure about Jacko. He was sort of on the scene when I arrived. When Father first went out to India, he took Jacko as his batman. Since then, of course, the Captain wouldn’t move without him. He’s good at about everything.”

The boy grinned as the old man creaked once again to attention. “Sometimes I call him Teach because most everything I know I learned from him. ‘Cepting that Manji taught me to ride.”

“I wouldn’t have thought there was a horse alive that could carry the man,” Pax laughed.

Bristling at the implied criticism, Leslie hurried to Manji’s defense. “He’s really wizard on horseback, your Grace.”

“Give over, lad. I’m not doubting your word.” Pax smiled affectionately at the boy, pleased when the youngster returned the gesture.

“Well, anyways, my father found Manji on the waterfront. He was sick with a putrid fever, but we soon put him to rights.”

There was a note of pride in the boy’s high-pitched voice. “Manji was ever so handy when we were coming out of India. Speaks a lot of languages. His mother was an Indian prostitute, and his father was a Mongolian whoremaster.”

Pax coughed to cover his startled gasp at the blunt words spoken so nonchalantly by the ten-year-old. Good God! What kind of a life had the child led? Pax wondered in horror.

Looking across the desk at the placid expression in the clear blue eyes, he realized with a shock that the boy had little understanding of the words he used so casually. He was obviously parroting phrases, without any awareness of their meaning. Pax realized that he would have to see to the repair of some of the more exotic characteristics of the youngster.

*    *    *    *    *    *   *

What an exciting story it is. How was Pax to know that this simple beginning would lead to a scandal that would rock society? Even Downton Abbey hasn’t seen the likes of this!

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A New Year’s Blog Hop with Karla Darcy

Miss Darcy celebrated the New Year with the Daughters of Sweet’s Racing Club. Most of the ladies were distracted by the thought of the New Year’s Hop starting January 11th. So of course Miss Darcy managed to win at whist once more. She is considering putting out her shingle as a cardshark although she would never consider fuzzing the cards (cheating).

Esther Rutherford was at the New Year’s celebration and she reminded us all of the scandal associated with her ancestor Paxton Rutherford. You may not remember the story but at the time the gossip mongers had a field day. And it all began so simply as you’ll see in this excerpt:

The Scandalous Ward by Karla Darcy

“Bloody ‘ell!”

The expletive burst from the boy’s lips and he grimaced, clapping his hands over his mouth as if to prevent any more colorful language from escaping.

Paxton Rutherford, Duke of Ruhaven, stared in fascination at the boy standing stiff-legged before his desk. Pax still found it hard to believe that the small disheveled figure was a member of the nobility. But according to the papers on his desk, the child, who looked like the veriest street urchin, was Sir Leslie Lathrup, son of his own father’s friend, Captain Sir Philip Lathrup. Dropping his gaze to his desk, Pax assured himself that the papers were still there, then looked up at the discomfited lad.

Lifting embarrassed blue eyes, the boy dropped his hands and straightened his shoulders. “Beg pardon, your lordship, but I was that surprised to hear of the death of your father. Are you the new duke then?”

Paxton Rutherford nodded, waiting as the boy digested this startling information.

“Please accept my sympathy on your loss, your Grace.” Leslie executed a deep bow to show his respect for the late Duke.

“Thank you, Leslie. There was no way that you could have known. It was quite sudden. A riding accident.”

The arrival of the youngster and his two servants had created a most entertaining break in what had been an extremely trying day. Leaning forward onto his elbows, he indicated that the boy should take a chair.

“If it’s all the same to you, sir, I’d prefer to stand. It seems like I’ve been sitting for weeks.” For emphasis the lad gingerly rubbed his backside.

Pax returned the rueful grin and once more took in the sartorial splendor of the boy. Khaki trousers of dubious ancestry had been cut down and resewn by an apparently blind tailor. A once-white silk shirt with flowing lace at the collar and cuffs drooped sadly beneath a hunting jacket, worn and patched from many years of hard usage. Despite the outlandish garments, the lad was good-looking with his intelligent blue eyes, wide mouth and thatch of unruly chestnut hair.

*   *   *   *   *   *

What an exciting story it is. How was Pax to know that this simple beginning would lead to a scandal that would rock society? Even Downton Abbey hasn’t seen the likes of this!

Now Miss Darcy is aware you are anxious to learn about the New Year’s Blog Hop and her own giveaway prizes.

From January 11 until Midnight January 14th you will have a chance to meet 60 independent authors and win some fabulous prizes.

To enter Miss Darcy’s contest and to hear the rest of the details CLICK HERE!

And after you’ve entered to win at Miss Darcy’s page check out the rest of these amazing chances to win at the New Year’s Hop main page!

New Year's Hop

 

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Weekly Words from Miss Darcy’s Dictionary

Miss Darcy was reminded of several other unique Regency words by a fellow Regency Author, Ella Quinn.  It’s great fun to define some of these antiquated words.

When regaling you concerning the rumors surrounding the proxy marriage of Lord Wilton in The American Bride, Miss Darcy used some of these words in context. She’ll add them to the dictionary too.

Karla Darcy, Downton Abbey, Regency Romance, Jane Austen, Pride & Prejuice, Five KissesSo here are several words that you might not know but will help in understanding the Regency world.

Fuddled or in one’s altitudes – additional ways of indicating someone is drunk.

Shot the cat – Such a delicate way of saying emptying one’s stomach or vomiting.

Puffed up on his own conceit– Someone who is very proud of himself and thinks they are extremely important.

Plant a facer – A punch in the face.

Up to every rig and row in town – Someone who is rather cutting edge.

Some of the Daughters of Sweet’s Racing Club have also indicated that they would like to add some words to the growing list. And if you think of one, mention it in the comments below this post. Or if you’ve found a word and can’t figure out the meaning, let me know and I’ll see what I can find. What an adventure for all of us!

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Karla Darcy Announces Blog Hop Winners

Miss Darcy participated in two blog hops and couldn’t be more excited to announce the winners.

Winners of the Holiday Blog Hop!

Miss Jessica Crawford is the fortunate  winner of the $20.00 gift card. She will be getting the gift card directly from Amazon. Hope it will make her Christmas shopping easier and more fun.

We also had daily winnners who won a free copy of The Scandalous Ward.

Day One winner is: Stephani Aimone

Day Two winner is: Kelly Lightle

Day Three winner is: Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

Day Four winner is: Kate Policani

Day Five winner is: Kathy F

Final FiveKisses

 

 

Miss Darcy would like to remind you that if you’re looking

for a sweet Christmas Novella to gift to a friend, you

might consider The Five Kisses.

 

Winners of the Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop!

Miss Eva L. is the fortunate  winner of the $10.00 gift card. She will be getting the gift card directly from Amazon. It’s fun to shop with a gift card.

We also had daily winnners who won a free copy of The Scandalous Ward.

Day One winner is: Tay

Day Two winner is: Phyllis Lamken

Day Three winner is: Miriam Roman

Day Four winner is: Zina Lynch

Miss Darcy has sent emails to the winners telling them of their good fortune. Hopefully all of you have had a fun time and will join in the next blog hop.

Miss Darcy loves to hear from you! Although her correspondence is extensive she always has time for faithful readers. She answers all inquiries as etiquette requires! Three fastest ways to reach her? Leave comments below this post. Miss Darcy loves these.

Join her on Facebook: The Scandalous Ward

or Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KarlaDarcy

Your faithful correspondent,

Miss Karla Darcy

PS: There is much to be learned in the coming months as Miss Darcy sifts through the rumors and gossip. Surely you don’t want to be left in the dark!

Subscribe to Miss Darcy’s musings and as a special thank you present you can collect your free e-book. You’ll find the sign up in the right sidebar below Miss Darcy’s photo here: Blog

If you’re on her announcement list, Miss Darcy will send you infrequent emails to make you privy to any news items worthy of her attention, offers of free books and pre-publication announcements for members only. You can sign up here: Announcement List

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Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop! Miss Darcy Is Thrilled!

Two more days to win big prizes. Miss Darcy was so thrilled with how much fun everyone had at the last blog Hop that she has joined the Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop. She will be participating with 200 authors for a gigantic giveaway. Devil take it! The Holidays are exciting enough but now the opportunity to win big prizes is something that has all the Daughters of Sweet’s Racing Club aflutter. Just imagine the opportunity to win a Kindle Fire, an Amazon gift card or a basket of swag! Christmas is such a wonderful time of year! Miss Darcy was delighted when one of the members of the DSRC gave her the Christmas novella The Five Kisses, the romantic story of Gillian and Chad. Such a sweet relationship and there are kittens too!

 

So from Dec 14th to Dec 17th, all 200 or so of us will be blogging about the holidays and what they mean to us. We may talk about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, gifts, reads, heroes, and so much more. We want to hear about what you do for the holidays, what you read, and who you’ll spend it with. We hope to see you here and happy hopping!

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. That’s right. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger. It’s so easy to enter Miss Darcy’s Raffle for the $10.00 Amazon gift card. Just click HERE.

Once you’ve entered to win Miss Darcy’s giveaway you’ll want to go to the main Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop! There are THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! To go to the main page click HERE.

Miss Darcy loves to hear from you! Although her correspondence is extensive, she always has time for faithful readers. She answers all inquiries as etiquette requires! Three fastest ways to reach her?Leave comments below this post.

Miss Darcy loves these.

Join her on Twitter

or Twitter

Your faithful correspondent,Miss Karla Darcy

PS: There is much to be learned in the coming months as Miss Darcy sifts through the rumors and gossip. Surely you don’t want to be left in the dark!

Subscribe to Miss Darcy’s musings and as a special thank you present you can collect your free e-book. You’ll find the sign up in the right sidebar below Miss Darcy’s photo here: Blog

If you’re on her announcement list, Miss Darcy will send you infrequent emails to make you privy to any news items worthy of her attention, offers of free books and pre-publication announcements for members only. You can sign up here: Announcement List


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