Biography

Eileen Charbonneau began her writing career in journalism. She's worked for The New York Times, Lady's Circle, Romantic Interludes, and Mothering Magazine. Now she devotes her time to writing novels and screenplays.

Forge is Eileen's publisher for her American historical novels. WALTZING IN RAGTIME is set in the California of 1900-1906. Olana Whittaker is a timber heiress struggling as a journalist on the Gold Coast Chronicle. Her life is never the same once she meets and spars with Matthew Hart, a forest ranger at the new Sequoia National Park, who is trying to save his beloved trees from men like Olana's father. Waltzing in Ragtime was published in 1996 in hard cover. It’s now available in its paperback edition, which was a lead title in June 1997 from Forge. Publishers Weekly called Waltzing in Ragtime a "lively historical novel...(the) mix of sexy romance and melodrama provides plenty of entertainment." The Washington Post said it "has an almost made-for-TV miniseries sheen to it, even as it grapples with large and complex social issues such as the birth of the environmental movement and the role of post-Victorian American women."

The Literary Times praised its "strong hero who has a huge capacity for love, healing, and the gift of sight," and AOL's Ann Ruisi said "Charbonneau has a way with prose that shines as brightly as the sun sparkling on the waters of San Francisco Bay. Waltzing in Ragtime is a beautifully crafted novel, one that will win its writer a well-deserved legion of fans who love historic fiction."

Waltzing was named a finalist for the 1997 Heart of the West Award.

Eileen's second novel for Forge, The Randolph Legacy, set in Federal Period Virginia was just published as a paperback (from hard cover lead title in 1997). It tells of a love between a Quaker woman and a wealthy plantation owner's son in the early 1800s. It's won the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romance Communications. Mary D. Pinto says: "With an extraordinary talent for storytelling, Eileen Charbonneau's newest novel tells the most beautiful love story of the decade. Magnificent!"

Susan Scribner of The Romance Reader says "Eileen Charbonneau gets my undisputed vote for 'Discovery of the Year'...get this novel into your hands..."

AOL's Anne Ruisi calls The Randolph Legacy "Bittersweet and achingly beautiful...magnificent...a rich and wonderfully complex tale of love, hope, and sacrifice."

The Publisher's Weekly review states "Charbonneau fills her book with touchstones of early America: plantation culture, the frontier, the underground railroad...a lively plot, narrative tension, and convincing characterization... shows impressive command of the elements of historical romance in a tale of suffering, revenge, redemption, and, of course, love..."

THE RANDOLPH LEGACY was nominated for a HOLT Medallion award and a Rita in the Long Historical catagory. It was named as a top five romance novel of the year by The Washington Post Book World.

Eileen’s latest is her hardcover lead title from Forge, RACHEL LeMOYNE. Read the The Romance Club Review!

This powerful new Women of the West novel is based on a poignant, little-known incident in American history-- when the Choctaw Nation fed Ireland's starving people during the Great Famine.

"...Rachel LeMoyne is a deeply moving account of how one oppressed people helped another..."
--Andrew M. Greeley, author of Irish Lace

"...travels the Trail of Tears in 1832, visits Ireland during the potato famine and ends with the 1848 Wagon Train in Oregon......colorful atmosphere and brave, resourceful heroine."
--Publishers Weekly

"...exquisite, a beautiful tale of blended cultures and the gentle strength of love...will live in your heart long after the pages are turned."
--Susan King, author of Laird of the Wind

Glorious...a compelling tale...
--Anne Ruisi, America On Line

One of the top five Americana novels of the year
--Harriet Klausner, Painted Rock Readers Colony

Readers will fall in love with Rachel LeMoyne for its wealth of history and its endearing and memorable characters.
A must-read for those who love American and Irish history.
-- Gloria Lower, The Literary Times

Eileen Charbonneau sets a bountiful table... uses rich, expressive language...which greatly enhances the reading experience...enjoy.
--Romance Industry Newsletter 5 Hearts: highest rating

...a distinctively fresh voice in American historical fiction...her novels breathe with the hunger for freedom, and readers will walk away with a clearer picture of what forces helped forge our nation-- Chere Coen, Baton Rouge Advocate

Compelling...superb...I read slowly, savoring...Rachel LeMoyne is a book that I am looking forward to reading again.
-- Ellen Michelett, All About Romance rating: A

Tor Books for Kids has published Eileen's highly acclaimed young adult series of novels, The Woods Family Trilogy. The Ghosts of Stony Clove (Rita winner) was followed by In the Time of the Wolves (American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults nominee). The third novel, Honor the the Hills was chosen as a Best Book by the Children's Book Council for the Social Studies curriculum. All are available in paperback.

Eileen co-wrote an award winning educational film narrated by Christopher Reeve, ENDOWMENT FOR THE PLANET. Her original screenplays have been optioned by producers three times and have won awards including the Christopher Columbus Society Discovery Award.

Eileen lives in the Hudson River Valley of New York State with her husband and three daughters. She enjoys visiting schools, meetings, and bookstores as a guest author, teacher and storyteller of Native American and Celtic tales. She loves to hear from readers, and will be happy to send any her newsletter upon request:

Eileen Charbonneau,PO Box 20, Cold Spring, NY 10516-0020

Biography | Bookshelf | Guest Book | Home | Newsletter

 

 

 

Special Offers for Authors on book promotion and web design

Get 2 BOOKS + a mystery gift  from  eHarlequin.com

 

Do you have some old dolls in the attic? If you have an old doll that's just collecting dust, or that's stored away in a box somewhere... Author Laura Mills-Alcott and her daughter restore old dolls from the 1920s - 1940s. They are currently buying dolls for a very special project, and may be interested in buying YOUR doll(s).  To find out more click here.

AUTHORS

The Romance Club Home Page