Friday, April 6, 2012

Win a copy of Prize of my Heart by Lisa Norato!

Today, I'm very excited to introduce to you my new friend and fellow author, Lisa Norato!!  Since the tagline in her signature states that she writes  "Seafaring Inspirational Romance of New England's Federal Period", I just had to pick up her latest release, Prize of my Heart!  Not to mention there's a tall ship on the cover!  

Today we are giving away both a paperback book and an e-book version of this wonderful swashbuckling tale!  All you need to do is leave a comment (with your email address) about anything you read on this post. I'll be drawing a name in two weeks on April 20th!


For three long years, Captain Brogan Talvis has been desperately searching for the son his late wife abandoned.  Brogan discovers the boy living in the home of a prosperous New England shipbuilder, where he has been adopted into the family and mothered by the shipbuilder's daughter--Lorena Huntley.  Lorena, who hides a dark truth, finds herself falling for the handsome captain and ex-privateer who's come to secure ownership of one of her father's ships.  She remains unaware of Brogan's own secret, when another's deceit sends her sailing for England against her will.  Haunted by thoughts of her in danger, Brogan is forced to  choose between fleeing with his child or rescuing the woman who's begun to capture his hear
 
  (Gorgeous cover, eh?")






Here is my review:  Being an author and a reader of sea-faring tales, I was most anxious to dive into Ms. Norato's new book, Prize of my Heart. Let's just say, I was not disappointed in the least. The story was extremely heartwarming... who doesn't love a tale of a man searching for his lost son? And what a man! A privateer-pirate with a rough exterior and a heart of gold. What impressed me the most was Ms. Norato's attention to historic detail... something that will sweep you back in time and keep you there through the whole book. There's adventure, kidnapping, romance, and twists and turns that keep you guessing. All combine to make a worthwhile story that I highly recommend.

Lisa Norato first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She also enjoys walks with her Yorkie-poo, the New England seacoast and changing seasons, good friends, Italian food, historical dramas, and British comedy. A lifelong New Englander, Lisa lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. Currently she works as a legal assistant in the corporate department of a Rhode Island law firm. 









Ms. Norato has graciously offered to share a small excerpt with us from the book. Just to wet your appetite!! 

Duxboro, Massachusetts, 1815

Captain Brogan Talvis rounded the stern of his newly-constructed, square-rigged ship, when from across the shipyard the sight of a young woman took him aback.

He’d ventured out for an early, private inspection—his first sight of the 880-ton merchantman—and what a beauty she was!  Soon she would be christened the Yankee Heart.  Until then, she rested complete and ready to be launched on a pair of stocks that sloped down the bank into the Bluefish River.

All he’d wanted was a few, solitary moments alone with his precious ship.  An opportunity to reflect on all that had brought him to this seaside town on the south shore of Massachusetts and the mission that still lay ahead.

Brogan had fully expected the yard to be deserted at this early hour—only moments ago he’d caught his first glimmer of the sun behind a horizon of bay inlets and calm waters—but there, in the flat stretch of marshland beyond, among the tall, gently-swaying grass, sat the girl on a broad, flat rock.

He found it odd that she should be alone in such a place.  Her legs were drawn up, spine curved in a long, slim arc with her forehead resting on her knees, her face concealed from view.  Lengthy whorls of ginger brown hair escaped a white cotton kerchief knotted atop her head.  She wore a checked, gingham dress the color of mustard seed relish and Boston brown bread.  From beneath its ruffled hem, the toes of a pair of serviceable shoes pointed toward the river.

Brogan stepped forward, the soles of his black leather Hessians crackling over a clutter of wood chips—golden new chips scattered and heaped over faded, aged ones.  A summer breeze stirred the air, hinting of salt and carrying the fragrances of fresh lumber and pine tar.

As he looked more closely, he noticed the girl’s muslin apron stained with spots of a deep berry red.  A kitchen maid, no doubt, but what business had she, idling about a shipyard at this hour of the morning?  Her presence annoyed him.

Why should he feel so drawn, so curious about her, when a matter of far weightier import occupied his head and heart? 


 Where you can purchase this fabulous book!



Leave a comment with your Email Address to win! Remember, they'll be two winners!

60 comments:

  1. Friday, April 6th ...
    "Morning MaryLu and Lisa" ...
    Thank-you for introducing us to Lisa Norato, and her new book, "Prize of my heart".
    Yes, I love the cover of this book, and was immediately drawn in with interest. From the excerpt you shared Lisa, I already know I'll be a fan ! Loving stories that take place from that era, along with it being a sea-fearing and historic adventure (with kidnapping, romance and twists)... it sounds absolutely wonderful !!! My kind of reading, for sure !
    And added to all of that ... I really appreicate it when MaryLu takes the time to introduce us all to a new author and a great new book. If MaryLu likes it so very much ... then I know I will too !
    Thank-you !
    Take care, and, God Bless,
    In Him, Brenda Hurley
    brennie7@hotmail.com

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  2. As one of your biggest fans, thank you, MaryLu, for welcoming to your blog and introducing me to your seafaring friends. I just love the view from here!

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  3. Hi Brenda! Thank you so much for your encouraging comments. It's a great way to start my morning. MaryLu's endorsement means more to me than I can say, because I have been a fan of hers from her very first novel. So I am extremely honored to be here today. Thanks for sharing the moment with me, Brenda. Bless you!

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  4. After participating in my first FB banter with Lisa, I have been intrigued to read her new book. I hope to win a copy. Thank you for the opportunity. Hope Johnston
    hopester8@gmail.com

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  5. I would love to win.
    angelac@mchsi.com

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  6. Thank you so much for joining me again here, Hope!! It was great chatting with you on the FB banter. Best wishes with MaryLu's drawing!

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  7. TY MaryLu for this lovely intro to Lisa! and for hosting Lisa's generosity! TY Lisa ~ it would be nothing but pleasure to continue reading what you've shared here today...!

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  8. I have not read any of Lisa's books yet, but love historical fiction, so look forward to adding her to my reading list

    babykf629 at gmail dot com

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  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Thanks for the great review! Would love to win a copy of this book.
    Thanks
    betcee63@gmail.com

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  11. Thank you Faith, Kim and Betsy for stopping in today. I really do appreciate your uplifting comments and wish you all good fortune in winning the drawing(s)!

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  12. Lisa, this is such a promising start to a novel. The time and setting are so appealing. I look forward to reading it very soon! Best of luck with your new book!

    Fondly,
    Karen

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  13. I've seen this book out, but haven't yet gotten a chance to read it. I would absolutely love to be entered to win a copy. :)

    What a beautiful cover!

    Lisa, in your opinion, does the cover fit the story?

    Thank you for hosting, MaryLu. I'll be sure to send folks your way. :)

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  14. Interesting. I haven't read this author yet, and would love a copy of her new book. Always looking for new authors to recommend! :)

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  15. Seems like a fun book! I can't wait to read it. Meekermomma@aol.com

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  16. Hi Everyone! I'm finally waking up over here on the West Coast!! But wanted to welcome Lisa Norato and all of you lovely guests! I'm writing down all your names and emails for the contest, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed with this book! It's fabulous! Tell your friends to drop by too!

    And Happy Good Friday to you all.

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  17. Thanks for stopping in here today, Karen! Good to hear from you! I really appreciate your kind comments.

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  18. Hi Sheri! I'm glad you like the cover of Prize; I do, too! Yes, I do feel it is a good representation of the story. In fact, the marshland in the background is exactly the landscape of the area of Duxbury, Massachusetts, where the story takes place. The ship in the distance is perfect because, the bay is too shallow for ships to sail in close to shore. I also think the cover artist did a good job representing my heroine (though in the novel her hair is much curlier). Hope that answers your questions and thanks so much for spreading the word, Sheri! Blessings!

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  19. Yay! I need some new sea voyage reading for the beach this summer. looking forward to it

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  20. Wow! This looks like a great book! Definitely one on my reading list!! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

    sarah45431@hotmail.com

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  21. Happy Good Friday, MaryLu, and to all! Tina, Heidi and Sarah, thanks for stopping by!! I wish you all best of luck in the drawing!

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  22. Congrats Lisa Norato!!! The book looks like a great read.

    4barnes@bellsouth.net

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  23. It sounds wonderful, can't wait to read it, and I love the cover.

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  24. I love the cover of this book!!!

    painthorses15@gmail.com

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  25. The book is even better than the cover! Have a happy Easter ladies and you know I have already read and ENJOYED this book!!! Looking forward to having Lisa to visit on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help in a little over a week. Blessings!

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  26. Good morning! This book sounds great. When I saw the cover, my first thought was Is this the same author who wrote Pirate of my Heart? Similar titles and covers. But that's where the similarity ends. After reading about the story, I really want to read it. If I do not win it, I will still own it one day.
    ****
    MaryLu: You said you were giving away a paperback and an e-book? Is the e-book from CBD? I have a Sony eReader, so I cannot upload e-books from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
    ****
    Back to the book: I love the story line, it sounds exciting. And if MaryLu recommends it, you know it's good.
    Very good excerpt, I definitely want to read more. :)
    So, Lisa, what was the title of the children's book that you wrote and illustrated? Was it published? Just curious. And you have a Yorkie-poo? I have two chihuahua mixes. It sounds like you live in Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light town. Sounds heavenly!
    Well, congrats on the book. Looking forward to reading it one day.
    *****
    MaryLu: please be praying for Petey, he has been a bit sick all morning.
    God bless.

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  27. Carrie, you are such a sweetheart! Thanks for your kind comments and support! I'm looking forward to spending time with you on OTT-WGH soon. Have a blessed, happy Easter! XO

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  28. Hi Debbie! Thanks for joining me today and for all your encouraging words. I wish you luck with the drawing, and hope you enjoy Prize of My Heart once you get a chance to read it. I couldn't ask for a better recommendation than from MaryLu! She's the best! The children's book was only an assignment for a college course; it was never published and never will be. The title (I'm embarrassed to say) was "Tartan the Unicorn and the Day the Eggs Hatched." (quite the mouthful!) Bless your precious little Chihuahua mixes! I will also pray for Petey. Have a blessed Easter!

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  29. Thank you, Jill! I hope you will enjoy what's inside the book as much as the cover! Blessings!

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  30. Wow, I just love the Cover art. Just beautiful. Prize of My Heart sounds like quite an adventure. I would love to win an ebook copy of the book for my ereader. Please enter me to win.

    hindsfeet_highplaces@hotmail.com

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  31. This books sounds absolutely wonderful! I love the father searching for his son storyline. I'll have to pick up a copy eve if I don't win!

    God Bless

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  32. Thank you Liz and Louise for stopping by! Good luck with the drawing and have a blessed Easter!

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  33. This book is on my wishlist! I'd love to win.
    Jesusfreak324@hotmail.com
    ~Melissa~

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  34. Sounds like a very good read. Would love to win!

    Karen Gervais
    kmgervais@nycap.rr.com

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  35. I would love to win this book. I have several reasons for wanting to read this book.

    1. I have been a big fan of the inspirational fiction genre.

    2. The author has glasses on like mine. :)

    3. I too love the large ship on the front cover of the book.

    4. I trust MaryLu's judgement in recommendation of books.

    5. I love to read and find myself with lots of time that reading is all I can do.

    6. I will post a review of the book if I win it.

    villageanne AT yahoo DOT com

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  36. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Sounds like an awesome story. Please DO NOT enter me,as I have this wonderful story,already!Next on my list to read and review.
    Thank you again,for sharing with us all.
    AprilR
    tarenn98 at yahoo dot com

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  37. Ahoy! Ye have gotten me very interested 'nd intrigued with this novel 'nd Lisa Norato! So grateful I am being open up to new and wonderful Christian Fiction Novels through here! Love novels that have some swashbuckling in them! :)

    Everyone have a blessed weekend. He is risen!

    CoopaTroopa04 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  38. Ooooh!!! It looks so interesting!!! I really want to read it. Happy Good Friday to everyone!

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  39. Looks great and that cover does look gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

    Kdwoodmansee(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. Oh, I love a good romance and with the ocean and ships involved...YEAH!!!! I don't have an e-reader, but if I win, I'd love the paperback copy :) Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

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  41. My favorite kind of tale! :)

    biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Thank you for the giveaway!

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  42. I heard about this book just recently....now that MaryLu has recommended it....I know I want to read it! Thanks for the chance!
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  43. Oh, my, Prize of My Heart looks interesting and if MaryLu recommend it, the I know it will be fab!

    Would love to win a Kindle version!

    Robin Oakley
    oakley5@bellsouth.net

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  44. Sorry about the typos above. Field trip with my kindergarteners to the zoo today must have done me in!

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  45. Hi Lisa ~ Thanks for stopping by here so that we could meet you. I just wanted to post a comment and say that your cover art is especially stunning! Blessings as you use your talents for Him. : )

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  46. I am so excited to be introduced to this new author. This book is definitely going on my wish list, if I don't happen to be a winner. I absolutely love the cover and the synopsis and excerpt really grabbed my interest. Thank you for sharing this book. -Sarah R.

    Ericswifey@aol.com

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  47. This book looks awesome! I'll definitely have to read it. I agree that the cover art is good.
    Cortney

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  48. I have "Prize of my Heart" on my too read list! The cover is beautiful! I would love to win a copy!! :)

    emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. Sounds like a great book. I agree that it is a wonderful cover.
    greenduckie13 at gmail dot com

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  50. I would love to read this book for two reasons:

    1) Being a history major in college, I love reading historical romances and especially Christian romances.

    2) I'm primarily a non-fiction writer trying my hand at writing fiction. I've pitched a romance to a publisher who wants to see the novel (no contract yet) and I'm studying everything I can hold of both non-fiction and fiction about this period to study.

    Carolyn
    authorboyles at swbell.net

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  51. I super duper wanna win this one! Sounds fantabulous!
    michellegriep@gmail.com

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  52. I'm reading all these comments and smiling! Thank you all for your interest and kind words. I feel so honored to be here on MaryLu's blog. I wish everyone a blessed, happy Easter!

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  53. Thanks for praying for Petey, he is doing a whole lot better. God bless.

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  54. Happy Easter!Jesus is our risen Savior!

    This book sounds like I must read it! I love all the attention to detail and historical facts. Thanks for sharing.

    hisprincess117@sbcglobal.net

    Jennie

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  55. How exciting! I love seeing new authors come out; especially in the historical fiction/1600-1800's era. It gives me encouragement that I can do it! Haha.

    Thank you, MaryLu for offering up this offer. Thanks Lisa for being here with us!

    ~Joleen
    joleeng@trclife.com

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  56. Would love to read this! Thanks for the opportunity!
    crochetsisters at earthlink dot net

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  57. Wow, I love the cover too! The girl herself I am drawn to most though. She's beautiful, and what must be on her mind makes me curious. Ah! That excerpt really does it!
    -Esther
    boogies96@gmail.com

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  58. Indeed it is a beautiful cover, and I'm always anxious to discover another new writer who can spin a good tale. Would love to win this.

    csteward@gmsa.org

    BTW, MaryLu, I just preordered your upcoming release. Too bad it's going to be so long before I get it!
    -Diane

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