A few weeks ago I read Mary Waibel’s first novel, Quest of the Hart, which is a lovely reinvention of a fairytale. It’s a reverse sleeping beauty, where the princess goes on a quest to save the prince. The villainous baddie is also a female. It was brilliant. Power to the girls!
I’m delighted to say that the next book in Mary’s series has just been released, and Mary’s here today to tell us all about it. Great to meet you, Mary, and thanks for coming!
Where do you live, Mary? Upstate New York
And where is your favourite place in the world? Being with my family and friends
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Honestly, for the most part, I’ve enjoyed all my jobs. But, I’d say the worst is dealing with the public I deal with in my current job.
What book do you wish you’d written? Hmm. I’ve never really thought about this. There are so many things I want to write that I wouldn’t begin to know what I wish I’d written.
What’s your favourite song? This changes often. Right now, it’s ‘I Remain’ by Alanis Morissette from the Prince of Persia movie.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them? Martha Washington. I’d ask her what it was like to be married to Gen. Washington during the revolution, and how she felt about him becoming the first president. How did his acceptance of that role change her life and did she ever regret it?
That’s an interesting choice! What’s your happiest childhood memory? It’s not of a specific even, more the happiness that comes from remembering a time when I didn’t have responsibilities and everything was fun.
Oh, wouldn’t we all wish to go back to those days!
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? Gard, from The Devil Take You by H.K. Carlton. Not only is he sexy and strong, but he’s compassionate and loyal, a true white knight.
That book is on my Kindle, and I can’t wait to start reading it!
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? Never give up. Keep working and you will get there.
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website!
Charmed Memories (A Princess of Valendria Novel) is the second in the series.
Blurb:
Prince Trevor has always placed duty to his kingdom above the desires of his own heart. But when his betrothed is lost at sea, he finds himself torn between honor and love.
After four years of searching for the missing princess, he begins to secretly long for Lady Bri, the Woodland Guide he works with each day. But the law says he must marry a princess, and Bri is barely a noble.
When Trevor learns that Bri shipwrecked at the same time and place as the princess, he begins to believe he has finally found his bride-to-be. But his happiness is short lived. Bri has no memory of her past, and the princess wasn’t the only girl who disappeared from the ship.
Desperate to prove Bri is his princess, Trevor unwittingly places the two of them in grave danger. Buried in Bri’s memories are deadly secrets someone wants kept from the light of day, and learning who she is may cost more than either is willing to pay.
Available at:
MuseItUp
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
iBooks
and other major retailers
Blog: marywaibel.blogspot.com
Thanks for coming today, Mary, it’s been great to meet you. I absolutely love the idea of a Prince Trevor, and Charmed Memories sounds a charming read! Have a great trip back to NY!
If you have any questions or comments for Mary, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
Fun interview Mary and Helena. Mary, your fairy tale sounds intriguing. I agree, never give up is a great life lesson. Good luck with your book!
Susan Bernhardt
http://www.susanbernhardt.com
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Thanks for your comment, Susan! I totally love a fairytale retelling. And great cover artwork again! Thanks for coming!
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Another great interview, another great cover, and it sounds like another great book!
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Thanks Heather! I much enjoyed Quest of the Hart, and am looking forward to reading Charmed Memories. Thanks for stopping by!
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Helena, thanks so much for hosting me today.
Thanks Heather and Susan for stopping by.
To all the others who pop in after me, I’m so sorry I missed you, but I am with limited internet this week.
I will be choosing a winner at random from the comments for a copy of Charmed and swag. I’ll announce the winner Monday. Good luck!!!
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Quest of the Hart is a great book. Nasty princess. Looking forward to reading the sequel. Good luck with it.
Heather G – Natasha’s Dream
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Yes, the bad princess was great, Heather! Glad you enjoyed it, too. Thanks for your comment!
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Thanks Heather! Glad you liked Arabella. I have some future plans for her.
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Congrats on the new release, Mary. The blurb really intrigues me. Great idea to interview Mrs. Washington. Usually everyone wants to talk to George, Best wishes!
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Hi J.Q, I thought the comment about Mrs Washington was great, too. An inspired idea. There’s a strong female influence in Mary’s interview today – great to see!
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Thanks, JQ. When I was in grade school I read a book about Martha Washington’s childhood. It always made me wonder just what it was like for her after she married and became the first first lady.
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Congrats on your second release, Mary. Great blurb. Definitely captures the imagination. Think you’ve got a great story line going. Good luck with sales of both. Helena, great questions.
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Thanks for your lovely comment, Marsha! Very kind of you to drop by from your blog tour. Hope all is well with you
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Thanks so much, Marsha! Hope things are going well with you new release, too.
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Again another great blog and interview! Thank you both for sharing with us. The books sound very intriguing, especially to readers like e, who love fairy tales.
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Thanks Antje! I thought these fairytales might appeal to you. I hope all is going well with your novel Darinel Dragonhunter. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Thanks, Antje! Fairy tales are so much fun to play with!
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Sounds like a great series. Like some of the other commentators I too love the retelling of fairy tales and these sound intriguing. Also loved the interview as usual Helena.
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Thanks very much, Tina. I like the fact that the women in the novels take the lead. I also love the names Prince Trevor and Lady Bri!
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Thanks Tina.
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Very nice interview, ladies. I grew up with fairy tales and love your idea of switching the roles of heriones heroes. I bet girl readers love it too. Congrats and best of luck to you.
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Thanks Beverly. You’re right, I bet girl readers love it. Makes a change from all the “pink” princesses. Thanks for your comment!
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Thanks Beverly. Sometimes a girl needs to be rescued, and sometimes she needs to do the rescuing. So far, mine prefer the latter, but, I have a girl in need of rescuing, and she doesn’t even know it! (See, I told you I had plans for Arabella!)
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Good luck with your book, Maibel. Your take on fairy tales sounds great! I do agree with you that the best place to be ever is with the people you love, wherever that may be.
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Hi Marie. yes I agree. It doesn’t matter where it is – even waiting at a bus stop. Thanks for your lovely comment!
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Thanks, Marie! And, yes, being with those you love is the best place to be!
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Nice interview Mary and Helena. I think Mrs. Washington would have a lot to say on those topics.
Your books sound like fun reads. Who doesn’t like a good fairy tale.
Best of luck..
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Hi Leopna, Do you know , I never even wondered until now what Mrs Washington would say. I’m so glad Mary gave us such a great answer! Thanks for your comment!
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Thanks, Leona. I think Mrs. Washington would have a wealth of information for all of us.
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Cool interview. I used to live up there in NY. From a guys point of view, capable women are very cool. I love the idea of switching roles and I’m sure this story will do great. You did a good job of catching my interest with that blurb, too.
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Thanks for dropping by, James. It’s great to get the male reader’s perspective, and great that you find Mary’s idea cool. It’s a shame, but a lot of male readers are put off books a)written by women and b) featuring strong heroine roles. Your comment and enthusiasm are much appreciated. Thank you!
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Thanks, James! Role switching can be a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed the blurb.
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Great interview! Yay wonderful fairy tale stories!
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Thanks Samantha!
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Thanks for coming by, Samantha, and your lovely comment :)
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Congratulations, Marie! You’re the lucky winner. Contact me at mewaibel(at)gmail(dot)com by Friday 8/30 to collect your prize!
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