Category: Book Launch Blog Blitzkrieg
A Very Special Review
Reviews come in all shapes and sizes. Obviously good ones are better than bad ones 😉 But once in a while an author receives a review that stands out, not because it is a rave (though it often is), but because the reviewer GETS the book on its deepest levels.
That is a euporic moment for the writer, because conveying meaning–our own particular meaning–is what we live for.
Today Médicis Daughter received such a review from Erin at “Flashlight Commentary.” Yes, Erin liked the book: “Atmospherically, the novel swept me off my feet. Perinot’s depiction of the French court was beautifully drawn and I was wholly captivated by both the political and social interaction that unfolded among its players.” But more importantly she understood my heroine, who is no cardboard princess, but very human and very flawed but still–in my estimation–laudable:
Margot fascinated me in her own right. She isn’t an easy character, but her layers and complexity are hard to ignore. Her family is ruthless and self-serving and while she possesses many of the same characteristics, she plays them much differently and distinguishing herself as a somewhat unique force. Her goals and ambitions are relatively modest, but her loyalties are often at odds. Her courage and tenacity are intriguing and while I didn’t always agree with the course of her actions, I found much admire in the determination and resolve required in carrying them out.
From where I am sitting this feels like a huge victory.
You can check out the rest of what Erin had to say here.
It’s Launch Day!
It’s launch day my friends! After many months of research and writing and more months still in the production process, Médicis Daughter steps out on stage. If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy (and if you have, thanks and please take a picture of your copy “in the wild” and share it with me on social media), you can now find it wherever books are sold. For easy, on-line, purchase links just click over to the Médicis Daughter page of this website.
I look forward to hearing what readers think of my Valois heroine and her family.
Much to Be Thankful For!!!
“Thank you to Sophie Perinot for introducing me to a whole new section of historical fiction to now become obsessed with (move over Tudors)!”
Thank YOU Colleen at A Literary Vacation, and readers everywhere. Without a receptive audience what we writers do would be a little like a tree falling in the forest with no one to hear it. 
Yes I am SUPER thankful for readers, and particularly readers who take the time to review. Because here’s the thing: word of mouth is still the most powerful tool in the world when it comes to supporting novels.
So Thanks A Literary Vacation for this doozy of a review! For embracing the characters I lived with for so many long months and letting them become as real to you as they are to me:
I think one of my favorite thing about Margot (and really all of these characters) is that she isn’t perfect, not even close. Sophie Perinot did an astounding job of making each character so well rounded and complex that they felt wholly real to me, not just glitzed up or vilified representations of what someone might want them to be.
And for understanding and perfectly expressing the essence of Médicis Daughter:
With all this going on (and there is a lot of action and intrigue to delight in, perfectly presented by the author) the real heart of the story, to me, is much smaller: that of a beautiful, intelligent girl long held prisoner to her family’s demands, threats and machinations finally learning how to break free, at least in part, from their control to become the woman of honor she longs to be.
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
One Week to Go!!!
Brilliant. This is what I call a “WOW” book.
…doesn’t read like a history book, but like a fantastic tale.
The Reviews Debut . . .
This week it was a review-a-day for Médicis Daughter, and all of them good!
Peeking Between the Pages highly recommended the novel, declaring:
Well researched and rich in historical detail Medicis Daughter is sure to please any historical fiction fan and it’s one of my favorites of the year.
And Darlene paid me a great compliment in saying that my “talent at weaving history with a captivating story is what makes her novels so entirely readable.”
Over at The Mad Reviewer (where Médicis Daughter earned 5 of 5 stars), Carrie said:
Perinot’s descriptive writing style … brings the court and the characters to life. She can be beautifully descriptive but also knows when to pare down her writing for the sake of pacing.
A theme picked up by Just One More Chapter:
Sophie Perinot writes with rich details, her descriptions made it so easy to visualize what was taking place – I was totally absorbed in her story.
Both The Maiden’s Court (where Heather gave the book 4.5 of 5 stars) and The Eclectic Reader (Teddy) appreciated the coming-of-age aspects of the tale. Saying:
There is a real sense of Marguerite’s growth as the novel progresses, fueled by the machinations and ill-treatment by her family, naivety fast becomes awareness and intelligence and a strong moral compass hold her in good stead challenging her family in doing what she believes is right. (Teddy)
And
. . .we see a coming of age story from a young, innocent girl into a woman of the Valois court who makes decisions for herself, goes toe-to-toe with her powerful mother, and ultimately who becomes a strong woman (Heather)
Well thank you ladies all! I am blushing! For those of you who are not sick of me saying it already, Médicis Daughter: A Novel of Marguerite de Valois releases in 11 days. It is currently available for pre-order at Amazon, B&N, Indiebound and (for the international set) Book Depository (though it appears they will be shipping out later). If you order today then you will have it in your hands more quickly!
Fans Matter
Fans matter. I know I’ve said this before, but I am saying it again.
First and foremost you bring the characters to life. True, I write them, but if characters speak or acts on a page but nobody reads it they remain vision, vapor, not living and breathing flesh. Writing is solitary enough in the doing, the thought of the results going unread—that would turn solitude into loneliness. So THANK YOU for not letting that happen to my words.
But if fans provide a reason to write they also give writers the ability to continue. Because this is a business, make no mistake about that. Our publishers are not just putting our books out there on charitable impulse. We measure up to whatever their goals for us are, or they move on. So when fans do a few simple things they support us in important ways. What simple things? Ha, aren’t you glad I asked for you?
1) Add the books of your favorite authors to your goodreads TBR pile. This is one click. Please click. Here is the link for Médicis Daughter
2) If you want to wait to pick up a book at a library that’s great. My first paid job was shelving non-fiction books at my local library. I love libraries. If, however, you are inclined to buy a book and you have the means to do so, pre-orders or purchases immediately after a book releases pack a whallop. Here’s my famous (infamous) blog on that subject.
3) Review. It doesn’t have to be two paragraphs. It can be two lines. You don’t need to post everywhere. But sharing what you thought of my work—or any author’s work—at a couple of locations if you have an on-line presence . . . no greater gift my friends.
4) Recommend. Readers talk books. We can’t help it. And we should not try to. Word of mouth remains the most powerful tool for helping good books to do well. Reader enthusiasm is contagious. So mention books you like to other bibliophiles. Your author friends will bless you.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words . . .
In the last few days, as I gear up for all the pre-release madness for Médicis Daughter, some wonderful images representing the book have been created. Wanted to share them with you all. I just love <3 them!!! I also wanted to remind everyone that pre-orders are the gift that keeps on giving from an author’s point of view. If you already know that you are going to be snapping up Médicis Daughter as soon as it hits shelves, please consider pre-ordering from your favorite source (B&N, Indiebound, Amazon . . . wherever you like best)! Because not all sales are reated equa–even if they are sales of the same title, in the same format for the same price 
In the hierarchy of power purchases the pre-order is the heavy hitter. Why? Because print runs (the number of books initially printed) for books coming out in hardback or paperback are set, in part, based on a title’s pre-order numbers, and how much support a book will get from booksellers is also heavily influenced by whether they perceive there is an enthusiastic audience for the title.
Médicis Daughter Cover Reveal
Voila mes amis! I am very pleased and proud to introduce you to the visually stunning cover for my next novel, Médicis Daughter: A Novel of Marguerite de Valois. Yes, that is Marguerite in the forground and the goreous, iconic Chateau de Chenonceau in the background (a palace that is one of the settings from the book). What’s my favorite thing about it if I can’t say everything? The small, sinister, dark bird Margot is looking at in the sky. Psst, readers, keep an eye out for black birds as a recurring theme in the novel.
For those of you who are super eager, as of today you can pre-order Médicis Daughter on Amazon.
New Release– “A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii”
At long last, this riveting story about the final days of Pompeii is available in e-book and print!
“This truly is the finest book I have read this year, an emotional roller-coaster that educates while it entertains. Its impact will stay with me for quite some time.” ~Parmenion Books
“Despite knowing what happens in Pompeii and to the majority of its citizens, A Day of Fire is a book full of suspense, fear, and unexpected bravery.” ~Ageless Pages
“I can’t praise this book highly enough. It’s a rattling good tale of disaster, death, resolution and rebirth.” ~Dodging Arrows
“I LOVED this! The writing style, the choice of stories told, the evolution of characters, the drama. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” ~The Maiden’s Court
“…the premise of A DAY OF FIRE drew me in — the last days and hours of Pompeii, seen through the eyes of citizens throughout the social strata. And gods, am I happy I read this book! I couldn’t put it down.”~ LeAnne.Me
“Each one of these authors deserves a huge amount of praise for putting this impressive piece of art together.” ~Steven McKay
And of my story, THE HEIRESS, Steven McKay says:
This is very powerful writing – in my notes I’ve put “10/10 – Excellent!” at the top of the page for this section….this is historical fiction at its very best.
DESCRIPTION:
Pompeii was a lively resort flourishing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius at the height of the Roman Empire. When Vesuvius erupted in an explosion of flame and ash, the entire town would be destroyed. Some of its citizens died in the chaos, some escaped the mountain’s wrath . . . and these are their stories:
A boy loses his innocence in Pompeii’s flourishing streets.
An heiress dreads her wedding day, not knowing it will be swallowed by fire.
An ex-legionary stakes his entire future on a gladiator bout destined never to be finished.
A crippled senator welcomes death, until a tomboy on horseback comes to his rescue.
A young mother faces an impossible choice for her unborn child as the ash falls.
A priestess and a whore seek redemption and resurrection as the town is buried.
Six authors bring to life overlapping stories of patricians and slaves, warriors and politicians, villains and heroes who cross each others’ path during Pompeii’s fiery end. But who will escape, and who will be buried for eternity?
Buy Now:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
And add “A Day of Fire” to you Goodreads list!
Win a Necklace Fit for a Pompeii Patrician
Win a necklace fit for a Roman patrician. 
This beautiful 18″ necklace and earring set was inspired by jewelry from the ancient world. Handcrafted of real carnelian, the most popular semi-precious gemstone of the ancient world, it was designed to commemorate the release of “A Day of Fire.” Wear it yourself and imagine you are in Pompeii (not on the day of disaster of course), or, with the holidays approaching, it would make a great gift for a fan of ancient roman historical fiction. Perhaps paired with a copy of “A Day of Fire?”
Enter below, and please follow our “A Day of Fire” blog tour between now and the close of the giveaway on December 5th.
Embed: a Rafflecopter giveaway