"You will not be able to read it only once in your life... Absolutely unforgettable!" ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

"Excellent... a wonderful, interesting love story. What a joy to find a refreshing 'new' voice in the romance genre." ~ Vickie, Romance Reader at Heart

"(Laura Mills-Alcott) has crafted an amazingly intense and totally sensual tale, so complex and riveting that it will simply take your breath away..."  ~ Marilyn Rondeau, Historic Romance Writers

"I enjoyed 'The Briar and the Rose' very much." ~ Dolly Parton

 

Interview.

Dear Readers,

It's December, and it's almost Christmas. And almost a new year.

I can't say I'm sad to see 2008 end, and I'm looking forward to a new year. A better year.

Early in 2008 my mother was diagnosed with cancer - one with a 6% 5 year survival rate. She underwent an aggressive treatment schedule, which included 3 days of chemo, with 18 days off before the next round, for 5 months, and then several rounds of radiation on the cancer site (sometimes on the same days as her chemo treatments), and ultimately 10 days straight of whole brain radiation.

I'm glad to report that the cancer is finally gone, and now we wait with baited breath, praying it doesn't return (it often does but I believe in miracles). She's been through a lot, and has been courageous and strong, and she is an inspiration. Gradually she's regaining her strength and we celebrate Christmas thankful we are able to celebrate it with my mom.

My aunt was diagnosed shortly after my mother with the same type of cancer. Though she was stronger physically when the diagnosis was made, hers wasn't caught as early, and so far they have not been able to kill the cancer. We pray for her every day, that she will find her miracle, too.

Then in November, my uncle died very suddenly of a heart attack, very much like my father (his brother) died in 1992.

My son, Jared, is a US Marine, and he's spending his second Christmas away from home in Iraq.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to 2009 very much:) My son will come home, and hopefully, it will be a much better year for my family. And I hope to get back to my writing.

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has read THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE. The emails and snail mail letters I've received are very much appreciated, because it lets me know that all the work that went into writing this book was worth it.

The hardcover version of THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is out of print, but may be available as a paperback soon. You can also order a limited edition e-book (the purchase link is on the excerpt page).

The Briar and the Rose, set in late Regency Era England and Ireland, is based on the old and tragic ballad Barbara Allen. I invite you to read the reviews and a two chapter excerpt from the book.

Here's some fun I put up on the website for readers:

Listen to excerpts of BARBARA ALLEN, the ballad THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is based on!
Read the Lyrics

WMA: Windows Media Player     RM: Real Player

Emmy Rossum Emmylou Harris Dolly Parton
WMA      -     RM WMA     -     RM WMA     -     RM

If you would like to purchase a CD copy of the ballad
THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is based on (from Amazon), click here.

As for future books, THE LOCKET is in the final rewrite stages, and should be completed soon.

This story begins in the slums of London, during the coldest winter most have ever known. Mare, an orphan girl, near death, is found in the alley by Aidan, a young naval officer. He plays the good Samaritan by taking her to a boarding house, where he summons a physician, and then bargains with the proprietor to care for her in return for a monthly payment brought to her by his solicitor. Believing he's gone above and beyond the call of duty, and that she's well cared for, Aidan doesn't give the girl another thought. Little does he know the hell the Mare endures for the next seven years, and when a turn of events forces her to flee London, fate steps in and reunites Mare and Aidan. He's now a captain of his own ship, and she's no longer a twelve year old child, but a breath taking beauty.

Aidan and Mare's story takes them from a battle with assassins on the high seas, to the ballrooms of London. But a secret from the past threatens to steal any hope they may have of a future together.

After THE LOCKET is finished, next in line to be written is either A ROGUE'S SEDUCTION or LORD RAKE'S BRIDE.

Happy reading!

 

"The emotional pull of The Briar and the Rose is astounding... One of the best historical romances that I've read in a while... definitely not to be missed.  ~ Sharyn McGinty, In the Library Reviews

 

 PRESS Order

Burning Country published a feature on The Briar and the Rose and its basis on the ballad "Barbara Allen"

This book is now out of print and sold out at online booksellers.

 

 


 
 
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Laura's favorite charity is the IMAGINATION LIBRARY, a literacy program that helps bring FREE books to children each month, from birth to 5 years. Read more about this wonderful program and the woman who started it! Donate any amount and receive a free book!