NAKED: A Novel of Lady Godiva
by Eliza Redgold
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Historical
Romance/Fiction
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BLURB:
We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don’t know
her true story.
We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva’s ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for ‘peeping Tom’) and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax.
Naked is an original version of Godiva’s tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.
We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva’s ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for ‘peeping Tom’) and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax.
Naked is an original version of Godiva’s tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Magic sparkled in the sunlight, falling on the leaves as we
reached the edge of the Forest of Arden.
Leofric stroked Wyrd’s neck as we tethered our horses. “This
is a sacred place.”
“How did you know?”
Arden was the home of our ancient spirits but it wasn’t
common knowledge beyond our borders. Many still came to worship in Arden on
holy days, but only those who lived in the Middle Lands.
A shrug was his only reply as we went deeper into the forest
by foot, the oaks, elms and poplars whispering their mysterious welcome. Yet I
swore he bowed as we entered the deep green grove.
Interview:
- How long have you been writing?
Reading and writing have always gone hand in
hand for me. I wrote stories growing up, and as I’m left-handed I had the pen
marks on my palms to prove it.
2. How
long have you been a published author?
I’m an academic as well as an author, so I
was published before I took up fiction a few years ago, but nothing compares to
fiction – and romance.
3. What titles do you have available?
3. What titles do you have available?
“NAKED:
A Novel of Lady Godiva”
was released internationally by St Martin’s Press New York in July 2015.
My ‘Romance your
Senses’ series of contemporary romances are published by Harlequin (MIRA) Australia and Escape Publishing.
They include Black Diamonds, Hide and
Seek and Wild Flower (2015
release). Each one’s a sensual adventure.
I’m also contracted
to Harlequin Historical (London) for two upcoming Victorian historical
romances. The first is Enticing Benedict
Cole is due out in worldwide release in November 2015. It’s a portrait of
passion …
4. What made you choose the subject of this book?
The legend of Lady Godiva has always intrigued me and I
became inspired to write my own version of her tale, especially after visiting
Coventry in England, the scene of the famous ride. How much it had to do with
my consumption of Godiva chocolates I’m not quite sure …
5. Do you have any new titles coming soon?
5. Do you have any new titles coming soon?
Enticing Benedict Cole is a Victorian romance coming out
with Harlequin Historical in November 2015. It’s inspired by the desperately
romantic Pre-Raphaelite artists and models of Victorian England. The beautiful
Pre-Raphaelite paintings are some of the most familiar artworks in the world
today. (You’ll have your favorite - get in touch and let me know what it is!)
6. What is your favorite genre and why?
I love the historical genre – although I’ve
got an idea for a contemporary novel next. Historicals take longer because
there is more research, but I love to be swept back in time.
7. What, to you, is the most exciting part of the writing process?
I have a love-hate relationship with the dialogue I hear in my head when I’m falling asleep – it keeps me awake but I’d miss it if it went away.
7. What, to you, is the most exciting part of the writing process?
I have a love-hate relationship with the dialogue I hear in my head when I’m falling asleep – it keeps me awake but I’d miss it if it went away.
8. If you could co-author a book with anyone, who would you choose and why?
I’d choose Jane Austen – wouldn’t you? But I
get the feeling it might be one-sided J
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
ELIZA REDGOLD is an author, academic and unashamed romantic.
Eliza Redgold
is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. She
was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia.
She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to
the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. Eliza has also written two
upcoming Victorian historical romances for Harlequin Historical. Look out for
‘Enticing Benedict Cole’ in November 2015.
“NAKED: A Novel
of Lady Godiva” was released
internationally by St Martin’s Press New York in July 2015.
Follow Eliza Redgold on
Twitter: @ElizaRedgold
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElizaRedgoldAuthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/elizaredgold
or subscribe to her newsletter at www.elizaredgold.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Eliza
Redgold will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly
drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a great book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteLove a good historical romance.. thanks for sharing the excerpt and interview!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
DeleteSounds good!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy NAKED!
DeleteSounds great, thank you!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure!
ReplyDelete