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Yippee! Today I signed a contract with Soul Mate Publishing for Bella’s Band, the sequel to my Regency set novella, Rosalyn’s Ring.

Bella’s Band tells the story of Rosalyn’s colleague, Miss Harris, and yes, there is a coach ride involved!

Here’s the blurb:

Bullets, blades, and incendiary bombs—Major Steven Beauverde, the latest Earl of Hackwell, belongs in that world, and is determined to get back to it. His brother’s murder has forced Steven out of the army and into the title, but he has no interest in being the Earl, and worse, no idea how to salvage the depleted estate.  A rumor that his brother had a son by a woman who may be a) the murderer, and b) his brother’s wife, sets Steven on a mission to find her, the boy, and—Steven ardently hopes—the proof  of a marriage that will set Steven free.

Annabelle Harris is a country heiress, a confirmed spinster resettled in London to find her sister, the mistress to the Earl of Hackwell. While she searches, she fills her home with orphans and street urchins. When the Earl is murdered, Annabelle’s sister thrusts the Earl’s illegitimate child into Annabelle’s care and disappears. Now, with suspicion pointing at her sister, Annabelle has begun a new quest, to find her sister again, and help clear her name.

When their paths converge, the reluctant Earl and the determined spinster find themselves rethinking their goals, and stepping up together to fight back against the real murderer.

This was so much fun to write! Rosalyn and her viscount makes an appearance, and there is an exciting, snowy coach ride. I’ll share details on the cover and release later.