Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and is enjoying the holiday weekend. Congratulations to Stephanie, who won last week’s drawing for a Vienna Waltz ARC. Stephanie, watch for an email from me so I can get your address and send the ARC on its way. It was so fun sharing excerpts from Vienna Waltz over the holidays. I’ll post some more excerpts and give away another copy of the book closer to publication.
To ring in the New Year, we have a special guest giveaway. Lauren Willig will give a hot-off-the-press copy of her new book, The Orchid Affair, to one of this week’s commenters. I’m so excited to read The Orchid Affair, set in Paris at the time of a Royalist plot to unseat Napoleon. If you’ve already discovered Lauren’s Pink Carnation series, you know her books are a wonderful blend of swashbuckling adventure, intrigue, and emotion-filed romance between fascinating characters, served up with sparkling wit and superb historical detail. (And if you haven’t discovered Lauren’s books, now is the time to start!).
When I visited Lauren in New York in the fall of 2009, she was working on The Orchid Affair and I was working on Vienna Waltz. Here we are discussing Napoleon spies over brunch:
Lauren & Tracy plotting spy missions
It’s a special treat talking writing with Lauren, because we both occupy a rather specialized niche, writing about espionage in the Napoleonic Wars. Which gave me a fun idea for this week’s contest. Which characters from my books and Lauren’s books would you like to have meet up and under what circumstances? Feel free to include as much detail as you like. If you aren’t familiar with my books and Lauren’s, you can post about characters from two other authors’ works you’d like to see have a fictional meeting.
This week’s Fraser Correspondence addition is rather special. It’s a letter, referred to previously in the Fraser Correspondence, that Mélanie leaves with Raoul for Charles in the event he learns the truth about her, and she isn’t there to talk to him. Thanks to Sharon, the letter is in code :-).
Tracy Grant - Novelist 
January 3, 2011 at 2:25 am
I won? What a delightful surprise–I hardly ever get lucky in random draws! Well, I very much look forward to reading Vienna Waltz a bit early, especially since my birthday is later this month.
Meanwhile, just to get the ball rolling, I would say a meeting between Charles & Mel and the indomitable Jane Wooliston has intriguing possibilities, though I suspect such an encounter might be more likely to happen towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
January 3, 2011 at 3:30 am
Happy early birthday, Stephanie!
I love the idea of Charles & Mel meeting Jane. I don’t know where Lauren plans to take the series, but somehow I doubt Jane would retire before the end of the Napoleonic Wars, so I can definitely imagine them all meeting up in the Peninsula. I can see Jane working with Charles and Jane and Mel crossing metaphorical swords. I can also see them working together after Charles and Mel get married. What intrigues me is whether or not Jane would see through Mel. What do you think?
January 3, 2011 at 3:41 am
Jane is formidably sharp, so she might well suspect that Mel is not all she seems. Whether or not she would guess the whole truth or what she would do with it if she did is rather less certain. It might depend on how flexible Jane’s world-view is after more than a decade of involvement in The Game, and how receptive she is to shades of grey.
January 3, 2011 at 3:58 am
I only read the first one. I don’t think that Jane would be very flexible. But I don’t think Melanie would be caught.
January 3, 2011 at 4:24 am
Thanks, Stephanie and JMM! I’m inclined to agree with both of you. Jane is very clever and insightful, so I think she’d suspect Mel wasn’t all she seemed (much in the way Simon does). But Mel is also extremely skilled at deception, so I don’t think she’d reveal enough for Jane to put the pieces together and guess Mel is a French spy. If she did guess, I’m inclined to think she’d turn Mel in. Like Mel herself, Jane is fiercely devoted to her cause. Of course, as Stephanie points out, a decade more of the espionage game could change Jane to some degree. So fun to speculate!
January 3, 2011 at 4:51 am
Charles & Mel meeting Jane would be interesting. It would be intelligent. However, I find myself drawn to the comedy that would most likely occur if they met with Richard & Amy. As much as I adore Amy, she can be a little slow to catch on.
Although, if they met with Jane there’s a good chance of them also meeting fellow agent Augustus Whittlesby. Charles & Mel might be amused by the ‘original’ poetry.
January 3, 2011 at 5:00 am
Wonderful possibilities, Susan! I could actually see Amy (at least a young Amy) stumbling onto the truth about Mel, causing difficulties, and then coming to the conclusion (or being convinced by Richard) that she’s got it completely wrong. And Charles & Mel would definitely be amused by Augustus Whittlesby’s poetry!
January 4, 2011 at 1:03 am
I would love to see Henrietta and Miles encounter Charles and Melanie. Both couples have such an interesting and unique relationship with one another that seems “atypical” for the period but works so well for each other. It would be fun to see Henrietta and Miles try to spy but bungle it for Charles and Melanie who actually are trying to complete a mission
January 4, 2011 at 1:12 am
Great suggestion, Ashley! It would be really fun to see each couple react to another couple that has an “atypical” relationship and to see those around them react to seeing the two couples side-by-side. I could imagine a rather conventional outsider walking up to a group at a ball that includes both Miles & Henrietta and Charles & Mel and being completely flummoxed as first one couple, then the other says or does something unconventional. Love the idea of the “joint spy mission” too!
January 5, 2011 at 1:39 am
I have to say I would like to see Moonflower have his own book. the man integers me.
January 5, 2011 at 4:19 am
So agree, Nancy! The Moonflower positively cries out for a book :-).
January 7, 2011 at 2:02 am
I’m about 100 pages in Daughter of the Game (library didn’t have Secrets of a Lady) and I LOVE it! I can’t believe I hadn’t found your books sooner!
January 7, 2011 at 3:44 am
I have a soft spot for Turnip Fitzhugh, especially after The Mischief of the Mistletoe. I would love to have Mr. Darcy meet Turnip. I can imagine Darcy’s arrogance! 🙂
January 7, 2011 at 4:29 am
Thanks so much, Christine! So glad you’re enjoying it–do let me know what you think when you finish!
January 7, 2011 at 4:33 am
That is inspired, Jen! I think Mr. Darcy would be somewhat befuddled by Turnip (who was just fabulous in Mistletoe). And yet they have the “old school tie” in common (or if they didn’t go to the same school, they went to schools in the same set, as it were).
January 8, 2011 at 12:00 pm
[…] on her website for a copy of The Orchid Affair. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, so head over chez Tracy now for a chance to […]
January 8, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I wandered over from Lauren’s website and am afraid I’m not familiar with your books, Tracy. So: I’d like to see Jane meet up with Barbara Hamilton’s sleuth-version of Abigail Adams.
January 8, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Thanks for the contest!
I think that I would love for Jane Wooliston to meet Charles and Mel, somehow the idea of that meeting just tickles me! If I could tweak the fates a bit, I’d love for the three of them to have tea together at Selwick Hall just to see how Amy meddles into the middle of the meeting! It would be hilarious I imagine!
Thanks for the contest!
January 8, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Hi Tracy,
I just discovered your books, from Lauren’s website actually, and they were top of my Christmas list. I have just begun reading Secrets of a Lady so I am not sure that I could say which of your characters I would like to meet up with one of Lauren’s but I would love to see Turnip Fitzhugh meet Mr. Bingley. I think they would find much in common.
January 8, 2011 at 4:50 pm
My favorite character from Lauren’s books is Mary Alsworthy. I would love to see her meet up with Charles and Melanie. I love witty wordplay.
January 8, 2011 at 5:32 pm
I’m not yet familiar with your books but have Secrets of a Lady at the top of my TBR list. I just read a few of C.S. Harris’s Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries and would love for Miss Gwen to make an appearance and tell Sebastian & Co. what’s what, with some strategic parasol jabs (and make him stop being a prat).
I’m looking forward to checking out your work!
January 8, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Kristen, I haven’t read Barbara Hamilton’s books–they sound great–but the idea of Jane meeting up with Abigail Adams is wonderful!
January 8, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Lauren S., the tea at Selwick Hall with Charles, Mel, and Jane talking about spy missions in coded language as they pass the milk jug and sandwich plate, and Amy getting tangled up in the middle of it, is a fabulous idea!
January 8, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Thanks for putting my books on your Christmas list, Amanda! Do let me know what you think of “Secrets.” I love the idea of Turnip meeting Mr. Bingley. There’s something lovely about a meeting between two characters who are both sort of “side kicks” (though “Mistletoe” proved brilliantly that a sidekick can get his own book). I love the idea of Turnip and Bingley sharing their travails over the women they love.
January 8, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Lauren G., Mary Alsworthy is one of my favorite of Lauren’s characters as well. I love the idea of her meeting up with Charles and Mel. I wonder what she’d think of them? Would she make sharp-tongued comments? Would she see through them to a degree? Charles is just the sort of man Mary would have tried to set her cap at before Lord Vaughn.
January 8, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Pam, I love the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries as well. The idea of Miss Gwen showing up in that milieu is brilliant.
January 8, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Hi! 🙂 Well, I haven’t read your books yet, but I’m sure familiar with all the Pink Carnation books thus far. Who to meet up… the first to come to mind is Miss Gwen and JQ’s Lady Dansbury. They could check out each other’s cane and parasol and give pointers on using them and all that sort of stuff. 🙂
Lois
January 8, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Miss Gwen and Lady Dansbury are a wonderful suggestion! I can imagine a great scene in Hyde Park or at a ball.
January 8, 2011 at 8:52 pm
I would also love to see charles and mel meet mary alsworthy and lord vaughn… rapier- sharp wit here we come 🙂
January 8, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I too have pootled over from LW’s site –
The thought of Turnip Fitzhugh (a very English Chap with only moderate brainage)meeting Micheal Farraday (ragingly brilliant British inventor, with noted short fuse) whilst Jane & Arabella stand back & watch the sparks fly (geddit ?) tickles me immensely…….It’s either that or Jane & the other ladies of the League hitting a notorious nitrous oxide party – with devastating results !
January 8, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Tracy, I only just discovered you from Lauren Willig’s site, so your books are still in the TBR pile. However, I can say for sure that I’d want some of your characters to meet up with the Vaughns. Or perhaps there is someone that Miss Gwen can chat with about the possibility of teaming up to handle explosives. Thanks for the giveaway!
January 9, 2011 at 2:18 am
I, too, have just discovered your books through a posting on Lauren Willig’s website. I am so excited to try one, and am going book hunting tonight! Thanks so much for the contest!
January 9, 2011 at 8:36 am
Rachel Andriana, I love the idea of Charles and Mel meeting Mary & Lord Vaughn. So many wonderful possibilities from witty repartee to various of the quartet seeing past each other’s deception. I think Charles would see Vaughn isn’t quite so cynical and detached as he lets on, and Vaughn might see there’s more to Mélanie than meets the eye.
January 9, 2011 at 8:38 am
Turnip Fitzhugh and Michael Farraday is a great suggestions, Cate!
January 9, 2011 at 8:39 am
Lesley, I so agree about the Vaughns, as mentioned above. Some of my favorite of Lauren’s characters and like my character so much that’s under the surface.
January 9, 2011 at 8:40 am
Thanks for posting, Angie! If you try my books, do let me know what you think!
January 9, 2011 at 10:43 am
Popped on over from Lauren’s site as well.
I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books as of yet, but as far as fictional characters meeting up…I’m sure Lauren’s Miss Gwen could give any hero (or villain) a run for their money. 😉
January 9, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Hm … I think my favourite character from the Pink Series, Turnip, would do well against the seriousness of Charles. I think that would be the best match up – not because of any intrigue, or plot development, but because I think it would be hilarious!
Anyways, thank you for the opportunity!
January 9, 2011 at 7:19 pm
E, I agree with you and the others that Miss Gwen would be a fascinating addition to just about any group of characters and definitely able to hold her own!
January 9, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Ammy Belle, I do love the idea of Charles and Turnip meeting up, because as you say of their differing personalities. I think it would be funny to have Turnip stumble on an espionage mission, as he does in “Mistletoe”, and then either tangle with Charles (Turnip thinks Charles is a French spy) or have to work with him, or one after the other. So many hilarious possibilities–I’m laughing writing this just imaging the conversation where Turnip tries to tell Charles about the evidence he’s uncovered :-).
January 9, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Oh my goodness! What fun to have the characters in the two series interact. Jane is so intelligent that I fear she would see through Melanie and Charles’ posturing. Turnip Fitzhugh, on the other hand, would be ideal to blunder into a new intrique. I should think his presence in the Fraser’s world would be amusing to say the least!
January 9, 2011 at 11:12 pm
It is fun to think about, isn’t it, Darlene! I’d like to see both–I love the thought of Jane seeing through Charles and Mélanie (well, Mel in particular). There’d be a sort of fascinating duel between Jane and Mel, and I’m not at all sure who’d win. And Turnip blundering into an intrigue has endless wonderful possibilities!
January 9, 2011 at 11:33 pm
I would love to see some of your characters encounter the Vaughns at their most formidable! It would be an explosive meeting, I’m sure.
January 9, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Definitely explosive, I think, Alexandra, though I imagine everything would be veiled in wonderfully witty talk. And lots of Shakespeare quotations would be traded back and forth :-).
January 10, 2011 at 12:35 am
Hi! I’ve never read any of your books, but it’s probably very likely that I will start soon 🙂
I think it would be hilarious if Jane and JQ’s Olivia Bevelstoke were to meet up somehow, because Olivia is such a nosy but lovable character, and i’d love to see how Jane managed to deal with Olivia’s meddling nature.
January 10, 2011 at 12:49 am
Great suggestion, Diandra! As with some of the other suggested pairings, I foresee all sorts of hysterical complications. There’s nothing like meddling in a serious espionage mission!
January 10, 2011 at 4:47 am
I think it would be interesting to see a combination of Jane, Mel, Charles, and a litlle Turnip Fitzhugh for some ridiculousness. I think Jane would see straight through Mel, leading to some great interactions, and I don’t know how any of them would handle Turnip. A combination of intrigue and comedy!
January 10, 2011 at 9:15 am
I love that idea, Kathy! Jane and Turnip meeting Charles and Mel seem to have been the most commonly suggested ideas, and I think the idea of all four of them is priceless. A spy mission, complicated by Jane seeing through Mel, with all of them befuddled by Turnip who keeps popping up…
Now if we can just work the Vaughns in there too…
May 30, 2011 at 12:09 pm
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