VENICE IN THE MOONLIGHT by Elizabeth McKenna Review, Interview & Giveaway

Book Synopsis:

A Story of Vengeance, Forgiveness, and Love 

After her husband's untimely demise, Marietta Gatti is banished from the family's villa by her spiteful mother-in-law. She returns to her hometown of Venice and her only kin-a father she hasn't spoken to since her forced marriage. Her hope of making amends is crushed when she learns she is too late, for he recently has died under suspicious circumstances. Grief-stricken, Marietta retraces her father's last night only to discover someone may have wanted him dead-and she may be next. When the prime suspect turns out to be the father of the man she is falling in love with, Marietta risks her future happiness and her life to avenge the death of a man she once hated.

Author's Bio:

Elizabeth McKenna works as a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. Though her love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read romance novels until one Christmas when her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). She had always wanted to write fiction, so she combined her love of history, romance and a happy ending to write her debut novel Cera's Place. Her short story, The Gypsy Casts a Spell, is available for free on her website. She hopes you will enjoy her latest novel, Venice in the Moonlight, as much as others have enjoyed her previous works.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn't writing, working, or being a mom, she's sleeping.

Interview:

Where are you from? 

I'm originally from Sheboygan Wisconsin, a mid-size city by Lake Michigan. I still live in Wisconsin, though now I'm in a small village by a small lake.



Tell us your latest news? 

Venice in the Moonlight has been selling quite well in the UK for the past several months - despite one reviewer calling it "rubbish." I try to laugh at that and focus on the many positive reviews!


What inspired you to write your first book?

 My girls were studying careers in school and asked me what I had wanted to be when I was young. I said a fiction author. They asked why I wasn't one. Instead of explaining about bills and the salary of a technical writer versus a fiction author, I started writing my debut novel, Cera's Place. I felt it was important to show them that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Of course, I still have my day job to pay those bills, but everyday, I get closer to living my dream full time.


How did you come up with the title? 

The story is set in Venice - the most romantic city that I've visited - so that part was easy. I have always been fascinated with the stars and moon. I find them very romantic, especially when combined with water. I wanted a title that immediately conjured a romantic image, so I chose "Venice in the Moonlight."


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

I don't consciously write with a message in mind, but the thought that beauty is not the foundation for love comes through in the story.


What books have most influenced your life?  

In grade school, the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys series. In high school, Stephen King's books. In adult life, the Harry Potter series.


Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

I don't think he's new - but he was new to me. I just finished book 2 of the Fifth Wave series by Rick Yancey. I normally don't like 1st person narrative, but he did it very well.


What are your current projects? 

I am working on a contemporary romance called First Crush, Last Love. Here is the description:

Remember your first crush? How your heart raced and your cheeks flushed whenever you saw him? Jessie Baxter does, and it’s happening all over again at her high school reunion. Lee Archer is The One Who Got Away. Despite Jessie’s best efforts, he only wanted to be friends. Fifteen years later, things are different. Lee wants more, but first Jessie has to unload some baggage—the biggest one being a psycho ex-husband. Will Jessie learn to trust again and make her first crush into her last love? Elizabeth McKenna’s latest novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the happiness of true love.


What would you like my readers to know? I love hearing from them - good or bad - I don't care! Drop me a note at elizabethmckennaauthor@hotmail.com. I would love to chat. Take care, everyone!!

Love to get lost in the world of historical romances? Check out my alter ego, Elizabeth McKenna:
Author’s website / Facebook  My novels are available in e-book and paperback format.
Latest release - Venice in the Moonlight - a story of vengeance, forgiveness, and love

Connect with her: Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

My Review:
This is the perfect example of a historical romance. There is the forced marriage, the homeless widow, and of course the new love interest. What I really liked was that the author took the time to include real information and real people from the past. I really enjoy when I can go back in time and feel like I am living with the characters. There were characters to hate, and there were characters that you wanted to find true love. I found myself feeling bad for Marietta, mad at her mother in law, and wishing that she would not end up like her father. This book also has romance and mystery. The ending was good, and I would love to read more from this author. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway