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Pumpkinnapper
Pumpkinnapper, Regency Halloween comedy, available from The Wild Rose Press. Buy link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/pumpk...
BLURB:
Pumpkin thieves, a youthful love rekindled and a jealous goose. Oh my!
Last night someone tried to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe's pumpkins. She's certain the culprit is her old childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, whom she hasn't seen in ten years.
Henry, Baron Grey, who's never forgotten the girl he loved but couldn’t pursue so long ago, decides to catch Emily's would-be thief. Even after she reveals his childhood nickname--the one he would rather forget. And even after her jealous pet goose bites him in an embarrassing place.
Oh, the things a man does for love.
EXCERPT:
"Emily, even with Henry, formidable as he is--" Hank glared at the goose. The goose glared back "--you need protection. I will send over some footmen to guard the place."
"No. Turnip Cottage belongs to Charlotte's husband. What will the townspeople think, with Lord Grey's servants about my house?"
Her refusal increased his fury. The sight of her hand on that damned goose's head didn't improve his mood, either. He balled his fists as his patience thinned and something else thickened. "I'll find you a guard dog. You must have some protection out here all alone."
"But I have Henry." She patted the goose's head and the bird snuggled into her hand. Again.
Heat flooded Hank, part desire for Emily's touch, and part desire to murder that damned goose, who was where he wanted to be. His insides groaned. "Very well, then, you leave me no choice. I will help you catch the culprits."
"But--"
He changed his voice to the voice that either melted a woman or earned him a slap in the face. "Who knows, mayhap we would enjoy ourselves as I lie in wait with you." I would love to lie with you.
Her eyes widened. Had she understood the innuendo?
"I cannot stay alone with you, and you know it," she said, her voice severe.
"You are a widow in your own home and no one will see. I will make sure of it."
"No." She marched back into her cottage and slammed the door. Henry smirked and waddled away.
Hank grinned. He would be back, whether she liked it or not.
BLURB:
Pumpkin thieves, a youthful love rekindled and a jealous goose. Oh my!
Last night someone tried to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe's pumpkins. She's certain the culprit is her old childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, whom she hasn't seen in ten years.
Henry, Baron Grey, who's never forgotten the girl he loved but couldn’t pursue so long ago, decides to catch Emily's would-be thief. Even after she reveals his childhood nickname--the one he would rather forget. And even after her jealous pet goose bites him in an embarrassing place.
Oh, the things a man does for love.
EXCERPT:
"Emily, even with Henry, formidable as he is--" Hank glared at the goose. The goose glared back "--you need protection. I will send over some footmen to guard the place."
"No. Turnip Cottage belongs to Charlotte's husband. What will the townspeople think, with Lord Grey's servants about my house?"
Her refusal increased his fury. The sight of her hand on that damned goose's head didn't improve his mood, either. He balled his fists as his patience thinned and something else thickened. "I'll find you a guard dog. You must have some protection out here all alone."
"But I have Henry." She patted the goose's head and the bird snuggled into her hand. Again.
Heat flooded Hank, part desire for Emily's touch, and part desire to murder that damned goose, who was where he wanted to be. His insides groaned. "Very well, then, you leave me no choice. I will help you catch the culprits."
"But--"
He changed his voice to the voice that either melted a woman or earned him a slap in the face. "Who knows, mayhap we would enjoy ourselves as I lie in wait with you." I would love to lie with you.
Her eyes widened. Had she understood the innuendo?
"I cannot stay alone with you, and you know it," she said, her voice severe.
"You are a widow in your own home and no one will see. I will make sure of it."
"No." She marched back into her cottage and slammed the door. Henry smirked and waddled away.
Hank grinned. He would be back, whether she liked it or not.
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About the author
Linda Banche
11 books219 followersWelcome to My World of Historical Hilarity!
I'm Linda Banche, and I write witty, sweet/sensual Regency romantic comedy with nary a rake or royal in sight. Some might also contain fantasy, paranormal or science fiction. But comedy is my love, and I've created my own wacky blend of humor and Regency with stories that can elicit reactions from a gentle smile to a belly laugh.
Like many other romance authors, I read romances for years before I wrote my own. Once I tried, I quickly discovered how difficult writing is. Did I stop? No, I'm persistent--that's French for "too stupid to quit".
I'm a two-time EPICON finalist, I live in New England and I like aerobics and ducks. So, laugh along with me on a voyage back to the Regency era. Me and my ducks. Quack.
A list of all my books and there availability is available on the catalog page of my website, http://www.lindabanche.com
I'm Linda Banche, and I write witty, sweet/sensual Regency romantic comedy with nary a rake or royal in sight. Some might also contain fantasy, paranormal or science fiction. But comedy is my love, and I've created my own wacky blend of humor and Regency with stories that can elicit reactions from a gentle smile to a belly laugh.
Like many other romance authors, I read romances for years before I wrote my own. Once I tried, I quickly discovered how difficult writing is. Did I stop? No, I'm persistent--that's French for "too stupid to quit".
I'm a two-time EPICON finalist, I live in New England and I like aerobics and ducks. So, laugh along with me on a voyage back to the Regency era. Me and my ducks. Quack.
A list of all my books and there availability is available on the catalog page of my website, http://www.lindabanche.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 15, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This wonderfully funny story is superb and unique, perfect for Halloween. A sweet romance, I totally adored it and couldn’t put it down. Henry the goose is hilarious and Emily and Hank are both truly wonderful. I loved the story and the atmosphere. A must read.
Opening Scene:
Lindsell, Essex, England
Late September, 1816
“You-you-pumpkinnapper!”
The Review:
Someone is trying to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe’s pumpkins. She is certain that it is her childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, who she hasn’t seen in ten years. After all, he arrives back and the same night someone tries to steal her pumpkins.
Henry, Baron Grey, has never forgotten the girl he loved and couldn’t pursue so long ago decides he will catch the pumpkin would-be thief for her. After all it does mean he gets to spend time with her. What he doesn’t bank on is a jealous pet goose biting him in an embarrassing place.
Notable Scene:
Hank pressed his lips together to prevent himself from roaring out his laughter. Never in his life had he seen a woman look as flabbergasted as Emily did now. He tipped his top hat. “And good afternoon to you, too, Mrs. Metcalfe.”
She shut her mouth with a snap. “Good afternoon, Lord Grey. How may I assist you?” She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. “Are you here to torment me more?”
“No, I am not. Please, Emily, we are no longer children playing pranks on each other.”
“The last time we met you were seventeen and I was fourteen. We were not children, and yet you still pulled my plait.”
“And I regretted it.” No I did not. Pulling your hair was the only way I could touch you. “I had no idea that was the last time I would see you until today.”
The apology appeared to soften something in her, because her foot stopped, and she lowered her arms to her sides. “I was sorry I never saw you again, either,” she said, her voice quiet. Then she stiffened again. “If only to pay you back.”
He laughed. Her lips quivered as she attempted to retain her anger, but then she laughed, too. Still smiling, she stepped back into the narrow hall and beckoned him into the parlor. “Sit down while I make tea.”
“Please do not trouble yourself over me, Emily. I can come to the kitchen.” Hat in hand, he followed her down the hall past the stairway to the upper floor. The kitchen, a large airy room with windows on three sides, spanned the entire back of the house.
This wonderfully funny story is superb and unique, perfect for Halloween. A sweet romance, I totally adored it and couldn’t put it down. Henry the goose is hilarious and Emily and Hank are both truly wonderful. I loved the story and the atmosphere. A must read.
Opening Scene:
Lindsell, Essex, England
Late September, 1816
“You-you-pumpkinnapper!”
The Review:
Someone is trying to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe’s pumpkins. She is certain that it is her childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, who she hasn’t seen in ten years. After all, he arrives back and the same night someone tries to steal her pumpkins.
Henry, Baron Grey, has never forgotten the girl he loved and couldn’t pursue so long ago decides he will catch the pumpkin would-be thief for her. After all it does mean he gets to spend time with her. What he doesn’t bank on is a jealous pet goose biting him in an embarrassing place.
Notable Scene:
Hank pressed his lips together to prevent himself from roaring out his laughter. Never in his life had he seen a woman look as flabbergasted as Emily did now. He tipped his top hat. “And good afternoon to you, too, Mrs. Metcalfe.”
She shut her mouth with a snap. “Good afternoon, Lord Grey. How may I assist you?” She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. “Are you here to torment me more?”
“No, I am not. Please, Emily, we are no longer children playing pranks on each other.”
“The last time we met you were seventeen and I was fourteen. We were not children, and yet you still pulled my plait.”
“And I regretted it.” No I did not. Pulling your hair was the only way I could touch you. “I had no idea that was the last time I would see you until today.”
The apology appeared to soften something in her, because her foot stopped, and she lowered her arms to her sides. “I was sorry I never saw you again, either,” she said, her voice quiet. Then she stiffened again. “If only to pay you back.”
He laughed. Her lips quivered as she attempted to retain her anger, but then she laughed, too. Still smiling, she stepped back into the narrow hall and beckoned him into the parlor. “Sit down while I make tea.”
“Please do not trouble yourself over me, Emily. I can come to the kitchen.” Hat in hand, he followed her down the hall past the stairway to the upper floor. The kitchen, a large airy room with windows on three sides, spanned the entire back of the house.
November 1, 2016
The Pumkinapper is a fun quick story with a dash of supernatural thrown in to keep things lively. Henry and Emily have a comfortable relationship from the start--having been childhood friends and (unbeknownst to them both) crushing on each other for years. I'll admit I'm happy that Emily's first husband, a dashing Naval officer, made her happy and didn't follow the normal cliche that she married too young and regretted it quickly. She held genuine affection for him with only the remote regret of 'what could have been' with Henry.
Her goose, also named Henry (she calls the Baron 'Hank' however) was a quirky addition to the cast. Its not the first time I've seen a goose as a guard-animal, but its not too common. The Baron's friend was just there--he wasn't rounded out or given much backstory other then his ties to Hank. Similarly several other characters are mentioned (the Viscount and his wife, Emily's mother), but not given much backstory or time. This is a short story so by necessitation it had to stay focused on the romance between Hank and Emily.
The true Pumpkinapper is part of the supernatural element, but overall only plays a part in drawing Emily and Hank together with little else use. I did learn something however, I didn't realize that pumpkins weren't a well known part of England. I found it interesting that Emily and Viscountess were busy trying to grow them in wake of the bad crop year. And Emily figured out how to make pumpkin pie.
This review was originally posted at Night Owl Romance
Her goose, also named Henry (she calls the Baron 'Hank' however) was a quirky addition to the cast. Its not the first time I've seen a goose as a guard-animal, but its not too common. The Baron's friend was just there--he wasn't rounded out or given much backstory other then his ties to Hank. Similarly several other characters are mentioned (the Viscount and his wife, Emily's mother), but not given much backstory or time. This is a short story so by necessitation it had to stay focused on the romance between Hank and Emily.
The true Pumpkinapper is part of the supernatural element, but overall only plays a part in drawing Emily and Hank together with little else use. I did learn something however, I didn't realize that pumpkins weren't a well known part of England. I found it interesting that Emily and Viscountess were busy trying to grow them in wake of the bad crop year. And Emily figured out how to make pumpkin pie.
This review was originally posted at Night Owl Romance
September 24, 2009
This is a fun quickie historical from The Wild Rose Press. Its sensuality rating is "sweet"--I'm used to spicy, but I still heartily enjoyed it and loved the Halloween-themed story. Banche is an excellent writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works.
September 17, 2018
'Pumpkinnapper' is a sweet tale of childhood sweethearts reunited, despite the antics of a jealous goose. It's a fast-paced, sweet story, perfect for Halloween, indeed for any time of year.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews