Patience by Lisa Valdez TBA **Now with Intro & Excerpt**
Friday, April 13, 2007 13:32
Patience by Lisa Valdez
A WOMAN CALLED PATIENCE. A DESIRE THAT WOULD PUT HER NAME AND HER LOVE TO THE TEST.
Known for her exceptional beauty, Patience Emmalina Dare has been pursued by admirers ever since coming of age. But suitor after suitor fails to inspire her love or her desire. Certain she will never find a man who touches her deeply, she decides to forgo marriage in favor of pursuing her music. But just when Patience thinks she has her life well in hand, a passionate kiss with her enigmatic brother-in-law awakens a powerful need in her. How will she reconcile her desire for him and her desire for a life that’s her own and what will she do when he shows her a deep and hidden part of herself that she never knew existed?
When the secret of his illegitimate birth pushes Matthew Morgan Hawkmore from his place in society, the darkly handsome half-brother of the Earl of Langley plots his resurrection and his revenge. Betrayed and abandoned by the women he believed loved him, he swears to never again be controlled by love. But despite his vow, he is unable to resist the beautiful Patience, whose strength and self-reliance hide a need that he is perfectly suited to fulfill. Can he have her without loving her? What will he give up to keep her? And will her passionate surrender be the one thing that can stop him from making a tragic mistake that could destroy them both
Good day, dear Readers! Mrs. Valdez is terribly busy click-click-clicking on that thing that seems to be strapped to her lap of late. So she has asked that I, Mathilda Dare (Aunt Matty), come here in her stead–which, of course, I am only too happy to do since the Swittley sisters did NOT invite me to accompany them on their tour through the Lake District. Not that I care, mind you, because they’ve really become quite tiresome of late now that their nephew is on the stage–of all places. Which brings me back to Mrs. Valdez, who has, thank goodness, not gone upon the stage. No, indeed. And contrary to rumor, she did not sell all her worldly goods and move to a cave in the Himalayas. She wasn’t blinded by a palm frond, nor crippled by the heel of a passing gentleman at the museum. And she most certainly wasn’t killed because she stored her picnic cutlery under her seat during a thunderstorm.
What? You don’t know what picnic I’m speaking of? Oh, that’s right, you haven’t read PATIENCE yet, have you? Dear me, but Mrs. Valdez certainly has taken a dreadfully long time with that book, hasn’t she. I’m completely fed up with her myself. Which is why I am so grateful to the wise, beautiful and tenacious Lady Sybil for wringing a little snippet of the book from Mrs. Valdez’ clenched fingers. Just between us, it was quite a scuffle. But Mrs. Valdez really must be taken in hand–I’m only glad that I was there to see it.
Well, I simply must be off. I hear my maid coming with the tea tray. I hope you enjoy the bit of PATIENCE that Lady Sybil was able to acquire for you, and at such great risk to herself, too. I tell you, the woman is a heroine. Joan of Arc would have envied her… Frannie! Where is my tea?
A LETTER OF LITTLE CONSCEQUENCE
My Dear Henrietta,
You simply can’t imagine all the scandalous goings-on! You’re missing everything! Of all the times for you to be in Italy! I tell you, my dear, there isn’t likely to be a grander entertainment than this in our lifetimes. And wait till you hear who is at the center of it all. I daresay, you shall never guess. For, until his engagement, he was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in England. Have you guessed? It is none other than the very man who you had once hoped to match with your daughter. Yes, Mr. Matthew Morgan Hawkmore!
Oh, Henrietta, where shall I begin? Let me just say that once you have heard what’s happened, you will be thankful that Mr. Hawkmore never took to your Amarantha. Had he, you would now be embroiled in a scandal from which you would never recover. Never, I tell you!
Are you ready, my dear? You should sit down if you aren’t already seated.
It turns out that the rich, handsome, charming and popular Mr. Hawkmore is a bastard! Yes! And to make matters ever so much worse, his father was a gardener! Yes, it’s really true! And the whole thing came to light in a most shocking and unseemly way.
You remember from my last letter that his brother, the Earl of Langley, had become engaged to a commoner by the name of Charlotte Lawrence? Well, it turns out that the chit’s mother was blackmailing the earl into marrying her daughter. The woman had in her possession some letters which revealed the truth of Mr. Hawkmore’s parentage. And the disgusting fact is that the letters were written by none other than Lucinda Hawkmore, herself. Though how a mother—a Lady—could write such letters, I’ll never know. One was actually printed, my dear, and spread all over London. I saw it myself in Lady Winston’s parlor, and it was perfectly awful. In it, the Countess gloated, and spoke of how it pleased her to see her little bastard in the Hawkmore linens. She even spoke of the possibility of him inheriting the earldom one day! Can you imagine?
The whole blackmail scheme was revealed in The Times. Though no names were mentioned, everyone knows exactly who was being referred to. Oh, and it turns out that the revelation of the truth was very fortunate for the Earl of Langley. Who knew, but it seems that he really is in love with a commoner—only it isn’t Charlotte Lawrence. It’s some widow from Lincolnshire! A Mrs. Passion Elizabeth Reddington (have you ever heard such an outrageous name?). Apparently he is head-over-heels for her, and is to marry her within the next fortnight. Some have the idea that she’s a distant relation of this Charlotte Lawrence, but I don’t have that on any authority. Anyway, it’s all too romantic, and everyone is just dying to meet her.
But as for Mr. Hawkmore—well, the Lady Rosalind has broken with him. And her father, Lord Benchley, is in an absolute fury. He believes Mr. Hawkmore knew of his true parentage all along. Which might be true because apparently the late Earl knew the baby wasn’t his own. And if he knew, Lord Benchley says that surely Mr. Hawkmore learned the truth as well at some point. This, of course, would make him not only a bastard, but a liar and a fraud as well.
God knows what the truth really is. Right now, opinions do seem to be split on the matter. Some agree with Benchley, some are uncertain, but everyone is striking Mr. Hawkmore from their guest lists, so I suppose it doesn’t really matter.
If you come home now, Henrietta, you won’t miss whatever is to come—for, surely, there is more to come. Who is this bride of the earl’s? Does she have any family? Will the Lady Rosalind get engaged again? If so, to whom? And perhaps most interesting of all, what will become of Mr. Matthew Morgan Hawkmore?
Yours,
Augusta
CHAPTER ONE – PATIENCE, A PRELUDE
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair, thou hast doves’ eyes. Song of Solomon 1:15
June 30, 1851
Wiltshire, England ~ Hawkmore House, County Seat of the Earl and Countess of Langley
Moonlight, soft and pearlescent, filtered through the windows that lined one side of the long portrait gallery. Rectangles of illumination fell upon the carpet and crept up the opposing wall, revealing a path of alternating light and darkness that traversed the entire length of the gallery.
Patience Emmalina Dare paused just inside the broad entrance. A tentative stillness filled the space—as if, only a moment before, something or someone had stirred the air with some small movement. As if the inhabitants of the ornate, gilded frames might have just ceased their whispered conversations, and were merely waiting for her to pass before they resumed.
Patience strolled slowly forward. Long ago, when she had suffered so many sleepless nights, she had made friends with the dark. It didn’t frighten her. Indeed, for some reason, the long room of light and shadow beckoned her. It was as if some sort of magic were at work.
Her silk dressing gown swished softly as she meandered her way through the gallery. She stopped here and there to study the faces of the Hawkmores, to whom she was now related by marriage. Such an old and noble family.
Patience sighed. In one day, she had gone from simple vicar’s daughter to sister of the Countess of Langley. Her new status would, no doubt, bring a whole new horde of annoying suitors down upon her. She wanted none of it. Her decision to remain unmarried had been made long ago.
And yet…
She twisted one of her long curls around her finger as she crossed to a window.
Earlier that day, as she had watched her sister pledge her troth to the Earl, she had seen the beautiful, transcendent love in their eyes and a tremor of doubt had shaken her resolve.
Leaning her forehead on the glass, she stared down at the well manicured side garden. She had passed through it that morning as she had escorted her sister to the chapel.
What perfect happiness Passion and Mark seemed to have found. Patience sighed and her breath briefly clouded the window. She would never have what they had—romantic love, the comforting sacrament of marriage, or the miraculous joy of motherhood.
Instead, she would have her cello. And the freedom and independence that came with having to rely upon no one for her happiness. She would continue to teach music at the church school. She would care for her father in his declining years, and she would be a doting aunt. It was a trade she had felt comfortable with—until today.
Today, she’d watched her sister find joy.
A sudden vision of dark, intense eyes floated through her mind.
And today, Matthew Morgan Hawkmore had watched her.
A warm thrill coursed through her as she moved away from the window and continued through the gallery. Was her handsome brother-in-law the real reason for her sleeplessness?
Her body tensed with an answering rush of desire.
That morning, as they had stood across from each other, siblings, each of them, to the bride and groom, there had been a moment when he had captured her in his unwavering gaze. Dark and demanding, his eyes had touched her and held her as tenaciously as the firm grip of a hand. Unable to move or look away, she had submitted to his determined regard as he had seemed to delve into her heart—searching for…what?
Then, as she’d stood powerless to hide herself, he’d blinked. And in the blink of his eye, he’d suddenly seemed to have some certain knowledge of her.
The experience had completely unnerved her. Yet, it had also left her flushed and warm, as if he’d truly touched her.
Patience paused before a portrait of two boys. The moonlight washed away color, but she recognized the deep, soulful eyes of the younger boy. They were like dove’s eyes, calm and soft, yet dark and knowing.
She smoothed her hand over her fluttering stomach. Of course, Matthew couldn’t possibly know her. No man had ever really known her. Her heart slowed. No man ever would.
And yet, she couldn’t assuage the feeling that he had, for a moment, looked inside her heart. What had he seen there? What was the inexplicable bond she felt when she looked into his beautiful eyes—as if some important and inescapable connection existed between them?
A small pulse beat once between her legs. She closed her eyes with a gasp of consternation. And why did she feel such tenacious desire for him?
She looked again at the portrait. He hadn’t attended the wedding luncheon, so she’d had no opportunity to speak with him. In fact, other than a stiff introduction, they’d never conversed—a point that was conspicuous in its oddity.
She leaned closer to the painting, but found no answers in the silent face of the young Matthew depicted there. A small sigh escaped her. She didn’t like not knowing the reasons for things. But as she reached out and made a tiny adjustment to straighten the frame, she acknowledged that God did not owe her any explanations. If her path was to cross with Matthew’s, then God would make it so.
Clasping her hands loosely behind her back, Patience moved on. She glanced up at two life-sized portraits, one of a man and one of a woman. She recognized the woman as Lucinda Hawkmore, Mark and Matthew’s mother. The other must be the late Earl of Langley. Patience frowned. Though handsome, his face was creased with sorrow. How terribly exhausted and defeated he looked.
A narrow table separated the two portraits, as if to keep them apart. Patience stepped forward as she noticed a paper lying on the marble top. Picking it up, she lifted it to Athena’s bright light.
June 20, 1851
Mr. Hawkmore,
Patience paused for a moment. She shouldn’t read a letter not meant for her. It was wrong. Yet, even as she acknowledged the thought, she found her eyes rushing to the next line.
I resent the necessity for this letter. But as you refuse to accept my father’s word regarding the dissolution of our engagement, I find myself in the unpleasant position of having to write to you myself. Please accept all that I shall say as my true and sincere sentiments.
It should be obvious to you that we will not suit. The shocking revelation of your parentage, the publication of your mother’s disgusting letter in which she revels over your illegitimate birth, and the scandal which accompanied its disclosure, have made a match between us utterly impossible. It should also be obvious to you that I could never, ever, marry the son of a gardener.
Now, while I did, at one time, feel some measure of appreciation for you, I assure you I no longer harbor any such feelings. Indeed, upon reflection, I believe you will come to realize that you always cared more for me than I for you. So, perhaps your disgrace is a blessing in disguise, as it has saved me—and you—from a marriage that would have proven unsatisfactory in time.
Finally, as my father has already told you, we find your protests of innocence in this matter to be completely unbelievable. Were you a man of honor and nobility you would admit your deceit, but clearly your ill breeding disallows such honesty.
Mr. Hawkmore, I demand you do not write to me again, or attempt to visit. My father has already informed you that neither you nor your missives will be permitted past our threshold. Do not embarrass me with further attempts.
Sincerely,
Rosalind Benchley
Post Script ~ Your mother would do well to stay in Austria where I hear tell that she has fled. Perhaps you should join her there.
Patience’s chest felt tight as she lowered Rosalind Benchley’s missive. It was an awful, ugly letter—a disgusting letter. She blinked back the sting in her eyes. A letter that reminded her too much of the one she had received long ago.
“Now that you’ve had a look, I’ll take that.”
Patience whirled and stared into the shadows that hung heavy between the windows on the opposite wall. The moonlight blinded her, so she stepped slowly into the shadows herself. Only then, did the whiteness of a shirt and the dark silhouette of a man appear. He was sitting on the dim shape of a couch set against the wall.
Patience’s blood rushed and sudden warmth touched the nerves just beneath her skin. She hadn’t expected that God would direct their paths quite so quickly.
“Hello, Matthew.”
* * *
katiebabs says:
April 13th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I heard this book will not be release this year or even maybe next year!? I thought it was coming out in May? Do you have any news about this? Thanks!
Gwen says:
April 13th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Oh WOW! What a tease! That’s a great excerpt!
Maureen says:
April 13th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Thanks for the excerpt. I’ll be looking for the book.
Wendy says:
April 13th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Um OK, this is nice and all – but when will the book be in bookstores that’s what I want to know….
Sybil says:
April 13th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I know she was talking with Cindy about it yesterday. And I know they want is to get it out as soon as they can.
Yeah so I know jack all…
but I have hopes we will know really soon…..
Rosie says:
April 13th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Wonderful promo here Sybil. I hope we get news of a release sooner than later.
ladydawgfan says:
April 14th, 2007 at 12:36 am
WOW!!! I absolutely LOVED “Passion,” and I have been eagerly awaiting this one!!! So when is it coming out??? It has been on my TBB list since I closed the cover of “Passion!!”
Andrea says:
April 14th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I am also anxiously awaiting this one as I loved PASSION as well. I hope they release it soon!
Karen Scott says:
April 14th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Delicious excerpt!
Daniela says:
April 14th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I hate to say this but if they delay the book even more and then delay the 3rd book in the series, most readers must very well forget about this author. I loved PASSION, but I really have no desire to wait years for a series novel. Am I the only one here?
Daniela says:
April 14th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
may very well…I can’t write
Kris says:
April 14th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Loved this excerpt, but it makes the wait even harder because it’s so good and I want more!! Daniela, I agree that Lisa and Berkeley are risking her fan base with these delays. The only thing that may help is Passion continues to grow in favor with a grass roots effort and really good word of mouth. As we all complain about waiting for Patience, people around us go out and buy Passion to see what the fuss is about.
Lisa says:
April 14th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
I feel the same way Daniela, its quite anoying having to wait so long for a series. I liked Passion a lot, but this is too much, might as well forget about it.
Willa says:
April 15th, 2007 at 5:44 am
The delays are frustrating, especially when it is a series, but I know that I will be buying Patience when it eventually makes an appearance. Loved Passion – and the excerpt for Patience. Thanks for posting Sybil.
The Good, The Bad and The Unread » Lisa Valdez’s Newsletter and Excerpt says:
April 15th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
[...] And her excerpt can be found here. [...]
LindaG says:
April 15th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Thanks for posting this Sybil! I’m very excited about it and will be buying it whenever it comes out. I’m just relieved that it’s coming out.
jaq says:
April 15th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
I’ll wait for this. Finding keepers reads has been all but impossible lately, when I find a author with Ms. Valdez’s talent, whose voice really works for me, she can pretty much count on my sale. Having said that, I do wish the book had come out on it’s original release date, but I’d rather wait for something kick-ass, than have the book pushed/rushed and end up with sub-par. I’m on her newsletter list, but thanks for the early sneak peek excerpt!
brownone says:
April 16th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Okay, this HAS to be categorized under cruel and unusual punishment. Now that I’ve read MORE excerpts, I’m even more anxious for the book to come out. I guess I’m going to have to be patient for “Patience”.
Lee says:
April 16th, 2007 at 11:26 am
MORE! I NEED MORE!
Lisa Valdez says:
April 16th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Hiya Gals,
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the excerpt!
And Daniela and Kris, I completely understand and accept what you’re saying. You’re right. I just want to reiterate that Cindy and Berkley wanted this book to be released a long time ago. The responsibility, the growing pains, and the major intrusions by life, have been all my own.
*waving at Jaq*
Ciao bellas,
Lisa
Caroline says:
April 16th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I agree this is cruel and unusual punishment. I am NOT happy. Enough with the excerpts – bring on the book, please….I’m begging you!
Sybil says:
April 16th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I think right now they are looking at the puzzle. Because you bring out X amount of books per month. Her slot was in May. And well now it is a matter of finding another spot to fit her in.
Along with other factors and such I am sure…. but it isn’t just a matter of poof I want that month and so it shall be. So it does completely blow that May was uh… blown.
I don’t know though which is better getting it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE or getting both books close together a la Kresley Cole? I am thinking it would be cool for them to reissue Passion at a cool rate but sadly Berkley doesn’t ask my opinon on such things *G*
Allison says:
April 16th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
From the postings circulating and since Ms. Valdez is currently working on Primrose, it sounds like Patience is ready to be released — it’s just finding a new release date?!? Well, if only Berkley and the editor Cindy knew/know of the great interest and anticipation for this book they would surely set the earliest possible date! It would be fabulous to have it in reader’s hands “now” but all good things are worth the wait if need be – Yes!
dana mann says:
April 18th, 2007 at 2:10 am
Dear Lisa,
I don’t care how long it takes, I will buy the books when ever they come out! In the meantime those of us who are obsessed can go back and re-read our favorite parts of Passion.
mary says:
April 18th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
WOW!!!
What a promo…can not wait for the book to come out.
Do we know if it is coming out this year or next.
SAZ says:
April 19th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I have been reading since I could ! and there have been oh so many authors that have bought out a series dragged it on and on and on only for there to be a anticlimax when eventually they have wrung as much money off sales from the series as possible the book the one that should have been published months ago is eventually released.
Passion was a great book but is in danger of becoming cold before we are given the next in the series and that is the tragedy, all us faithful readers who thought we had found a new and great author are the ones dissapointed, are we not the ones buying the books hmmm. More thought for your readers please Ms Valdez, and Berkerley less for your purse.
Karen Scott says:
April 20th, 2007 at 2:03 am
More thought for your readers please Ms Valdez, and Berkerley less for your purse.
Erm…I’m pretty sure this wasn’t a financial issue Saz.
SAZ says:
April 20th, 2007 at 10:47 am
You sure about that Karen, Passion sales have risen. I believe they will wring has much out of the first book before releasing a date for Patience. The book has been written for months, the original release date being 08/2006. Ms Valdez is already starting the third in the series. Erm im pretty sure, yeah it’s money as always.
Sybil says:
April 20th, 2007 at 11:18 am
hmmm, well that is an interesting take
To me it isn’t a marketing idea and can’t see it working if it was. As a reader, if I were to remove what I know of the situation… I would react in the other direction. Which is what I see more people first reaction being.
A well hell I have book x and x and x and x. If I read it I read it. If I don’t whatever.
And I can see people being pissed because they are Ssssssssoooooooo excited and want want want and feel jerked around.
Two things I don’t see as pluses in a marketing sense.
Interesting theory though… but I would be willing to beat money that isn’t the reason.
Brooke says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:15 am
This is all very frustrating, but I still can’t wait for the Patience to be released. At the same time I don’t want to be disappointed with Patience, after all the build-up(and excerpt). So I hope when the release date does finally come, it will be well worth it. This is the only book (in all the years I have been reading romance) that I am absolutely excited about. Please Mrs.Valdez and editor release this book ASAP-we are all excited and waiting! Whatever the issue I will still purchase the book. Thanks!
Tirza says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:59 am
Hi! My paranoia is rearing its ugly head folks. Strange doings! I expect Berkeley to explain what the problem is even though I may not believe what they say!
SAZ says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Sybil I so hope you are right but unfortunatly I am still a little weary. If Berkerley is not in this in this business for money then what for?? Please I really am not here to be a grouch or mud sling carn’t spell the darn word I mean! My point is Cindy is in this for money, Ms Valdez is in this for money and so is the publishing house. So yeah it’s about money it always will be unfortunatly. Ms Valdez seems like a really lovely lady going by her web site and this is not about slating her honestly.
But having been a reader for too many years to mention, I have come across this time and time again with other publishing houses including Berkerley. Yes I really did want the book released, at least on one of the given dates, didn’t we all I just feel cheated once again by the big wigs who feel they can squeez has much money out of us as possible. Will I buy the book? probably if Ms Valdez is still remembered amongst us readers looking and finding new authors.
Rocio Rosado says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:23 pm
I guess this is my Karma for all the drama and complaining I made in the past about authors working so fast in a serie after the first hit, that all they were able to do was come with a bad imitation of the first book as a sequel. I have said so much that I rather wait for a long time in order to get a “as good as the first sequel” that I finally got my whish!
I will hate Lisa until I get my book and if she delivers as promise, she will be my idol again, that is of course until the wait for the third book make me hate her again!!
Sybil says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:24 pm
maybe there is a language barrier here… I am confused… okay fine maybe I am just not getting it *g*
It is a lovely thought that writers would sit around and do nothing all day but created books for me to read and not get paid. ::blink:: HEY! if there is anyone out there doing this… WESTERN setting please and thank you… Although an even better thought is me getting to sit around and read and get paid for it! Damn I need a gig like that, it would be sweet. le sigh
oh sorry where was I? Money! yes
Of course Berkley wants to make money as does Cindy Hwang. For them to make money – a book would need to be released. Right?
Sure they ‘could’ still make money off Passion but unless I missed it, Passion hasn’t suddenly hit the lists as of late. It isn’t back on bookscan, not on the NY Times, not on USA Today’s list. And it has been out so long that it is easy enough to find in the used bookstore. In fact I would say the money off Passion would come from new readers finding Patience and needing to get the first one. All of JR Ward’s books end up back on bookscan after her last book released. All four… they weren’t there before even though everyone knew the book was about to come out.
The people who are disappointed in the delay (not counting Berkley, Cindy Hwang or Lisa) are the READERS. And I mean the caps. Not the ‘general’ everyday reader but us. The net stalkers who are looking for that next great book to covet.
And for the most part – we already have the book. The ones that don’t, well you honestly think a savvy internet reader is going to fork over full price for a book that as of right now doesn’t even have a release date for the next book?
Of course not. They are gonna ubs it, or paperbackswap it. They are gonna check out the library or borrow from a friend. This isn’t a money thing and I am not even saying that because I know the story, I say that because I happen to think Berkley is an awesome publisher and Cindy Hwang has edited some of my favorite books. So it is my feeling they aren’t stupid and they know the cow ain’t giving up more milk this way.
I do have two other questions for you if you make it this way though… did you read somewhere or were you told by someone that the book was complete? A complete book isn’t a deadline for a book. I am sure there is an author or two around that can tell us that a date has nothing do to do with finishing the product. Yes it means it is due. Yes that means you better have it in or have a really good reason not to… well I would guess.
But using the little I know… I would think it goes something like:
A book can be done and still need to be edited. Edits then need to be done. It is possible the editor would then need to reread it. Then the author. Hell that could ping pong back and forth depending on issues and where the book is and after all that is said and done then a line editor gets it. Then ARC’s are made and there could STILL be changes/corrections ::coughmeljeancough::. This isn’t even including the cover art or binding or whatever other mysterious things have to happen to make a wooden book and make it a real boy.
So is it honestly believable all that work was done, for a book MANY people want. (and when I say many – omfg I mean many – I would bet this would have so made the NY Times list if just the people who have hit my site in the last week bought it) So you think all that work was done and they just sat on it; pissed off a fan base and didn’t make the lists and roll the dice those people will still be there in x amount of time?
It is like you said publishers are in business to make money. So why would they choose to NOT make money instead?
My second question would be who all have you seen this happen too? I can’t think of anyone. Kresley Cole but a book on hold while she had another series taking off. So that isn’t the same thing (to me). Elizabeth Lowell and Nicole Jordan both left series books not complete because the publisher said X isn’t selling why not do this for a bit. And they never went back. ::mean glare:: But again not the same thing. Josie Litton and Katherine Kingsley’s both had books scheduled, on amazon and all but they weren’t series books or their second books. To my knowledge nothing has ever been said about why the books didn’t come out or what the authors are doing. So I would love to hear the other people.
You have far more knowledge about it since you have been reading romance for so long. I think I am coming up on three years? Or something.
Karen Scott says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Are we still talking about this? Ro have you been drinking again? *g*
Anyway, what Sybil said.
Lulu says:
April 22nd, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Ok, just a few things, I’ll try to keep it short but I’m bad at that. First, the book Passion was amazing, not just a good romance, but I think Lisa Valdez has found a whole new semi-genre for herself, if there is such a thing. It’s a little more than romance, but has a lot more substance and emotion to it than erotica. It’s a great medium that will have a bigger fan base than the publishers know. Valdez has got talent coming out her ears, but obviously needs to work on the timing thing to reach her full potential. And second, a question. Someone earlier mentioned something about the second and third book coming out close together since the second has been so delayed. Just wondering if anyone knew more about that. I think if that happened it would go a long way toward redeeming the torture us readers have been put through so far.
Vanessa says:
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Lisa Valdez says she is wholly responsible for the delays. I believe her. I shall buy PATIENCE, PRIMROSE, and any other book this talented author produces, for well written romances bring hope as they enchant and enrich my life. Perhaps all of us should join cyber-hands in hopes that Ms. Valdez not only delivers very soon, but that she becomes prolific. Wouldn’t THAT be a treat!
Claire says:
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Just FYI – a book goes onto the publisher’s release schedule when it is bought from the author. In pencil. Often (usually) it is bought on a proposal, with a contractual agreement that the author will deliver by a specific date. Usually this date is a year before the publication date. If the author misses that date, there’s some wiggle room, but if the author’s really late, the slot has to be reassigned. The book will then be scheduled when it actually comes in, at least 8 months after the publisher has it in hand. Typesetting and packaging and sales functions take time, and to rush these production processes would risk the success of the book. Depending on the slots though, and what books have already been put onto the schedule (and delivered on time) there may not be empty slots available immediately for the late book.
Ginger says:
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:14 pm
I say, Bring it On!!! Can’t wait to read the book ex. was a tease Lisa you are a wonderful writer.
sarah says:
April 24th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
well trying waiting for it in the UK! even as late as last year Uk amazon had an extra year on the release date! before you say try getting it from the states its actually quite difficult and a lot more money!
but hopefully soon we will get the sequel!
R.L. says:
April 24th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
I will be patient for Patience. I believe that something good is worth waiting for, for as long as it takes. I will be interested in reading this book whether it is released tomorrow or 2009. I loved Passion and I know that I will love Patience. When do you start writing the book after that?? Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
Janie says:
April 26th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
I read Passion four times before I finally gave it away and now I’m sorry since Patience won’t be out until who-knows-when. However, having read Passion from cover-to-cover so many times, I will be able to pick-up with Patience without any problems.
As so many have said before, I’m going to buy it regardless when it is released … provided I am still alive! I’ve read scads of different historical romance authors and Valdez has her own niche; her own style and a resoundingly refreshing one at that! Regardless of the reasons for the delays, it will, no doubt, be worth the wait … to me anyway.
michelle lane says:
April 27th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
when will this book come out because i getting tired of the delay
I loved the first one but getting very mad about yet another delay
shelly says:
April 27th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I enjoyed passion.I am eagerly waiting for patience.I’m getting frustrated because its taking so long.Please let it be released soon.I have several favorite authors but if new books don’t come you soon loose interest in the authors.
Karen P says:
April 27th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Another delay? I give up! At first all these delays raised my expectation for the book, but now I must conceed my expectations have been seriously reduced. Is there something wrong with this new book? Are people reading ARC’s and finding it aweful? Is it in yet another round of editing? I know the reason for the earlier delays, and I aplaud LV for ensuring her story meets fans expectations. Something tells me Passion is going to be a one-hit-wonder. (But the truth is I will still buy/read Persuasion no matter what the reviews say! I loved Passion that much!!)
KAE says:
April 27th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
This has been quite a build up. At first I found it interesting to nuture anticipaton then enhance it by delaying the release a little bit longer. However, it has now reached fustration point and I am sure that a number of your fans Mrs. Valdez agree with me. Make the date be sooner than later as I am anxiously awating the release of PATIENCE so I can relax under a tree and have a good day’s read. I have enjoyed your other novel and I really like the plots of your novels but I am running out of patience waiting on PATIENCE.(this is like a child who has been promised a gift for Christmas and did not get it but keep on looking for it month after month hopeing it would one day turn up)PS. I am starting up a collection of your books.
Karen Scott says:
April 28th, 2007 at 5:48 am
I guess the answer to the question, is yes, apparently, we’re still talking about this.
Now, where’s that blumming unsubscribe to comments thingie?
Sybil says:
April 28th, 2007 at 8:24 am
But then you will miss how one can start a collecting an authors books when they only have one book out.
Karen could your life be complete without knowing this?
Mai says:
April 28th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
OMG!!! Why did it have to stop there!!!! I heard the horrible news about Patience not coming out in May, and I thought this would make me feel better about that( I should’ve known there would’ve been a cliffhanger!)I hope it comes out soon, after reading Passion I’m very eager to read Patience, I’ve even dreamnt of buying the book!! So hopefully my dream will come true soon
Layla says:
April 30th, 2007 at 1:08 am
Oh crap!! another year of suicide watch,oh well i guess i give myself temporary amnesia about this wonderfull book and they only thing that can snap me out of it is seeing that book on the bookshelf….
Your the BEST L.V.
Yvette says:
April 30th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Any idea when Patience will be in the stores. I have been waiting patientely. Suzanne Enoch book is due in June and that is what is keeping me interested in reading at this point. Please Hurry!
Soni says:
May 1st, 2007 at 2:53 am
Please dont make me wait another 6 mo., at least tell us when it will be published
mabie says:
May 1st, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I just wanted to see if anyone knows the release date for Patience yet? I went to the Berkely website to see if they had when it would be released and it publishing date as Dec 2025!!!! Please tell me that this is not correct!!! I loved Passion and have been axiously waiting for Patience but if the release date is that farrrr away I doubt Ill even remember who Lisa Valdez is.
Trudy says:
May 1st, 2007 at 1:44 pm
any word on the release date? I’m dieing here!!!!!!
brownone says:
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I was over on Amazon and they aren’t even offering it anymore. Hmmm….
sarahr says:
May 5th, 2007 at 3:28 am
please tell us when it will be released … i keep checking in the book stores, they are starting to know me by name…when???
A Lifetime Reader says:
May 5th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I have read romance novels since I was a teen. I usually buy them as soon as they are released.Needless to say I’ve read thousands.I’m pleased to say Ms.Valdez has caught my attention with the first in the series (Passion).I have repeatedley looked for the next release of(Patience)and no success.As a dedicated reader, please appease the masses and release it soon. Thank you!
JessE says:
May 6th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
There are things in life that are worth waiting for and Lisa’s book is MOST assuredly worth it.
Jennifer says:
May 9th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I have been reading romance novels for over 25 years now (I’m 34 LOL). I have followed so many series by so many different authors it’s not even funny. I laughed, cried and sighed while reading Passion, and have waited most impatiently for Patience. When you find a story that good, you just can’t wait to get more. Please, Pretty Please, tell us WHEN we can actually expect to get Patience.
JS says:
May 10th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I’ve been a serious reader for almost 30 years and I’ve had to wait for a few books in a series to come out. If I’ve liked the first book I’ll generally buy the second and subsequent books when they come out. Ms Valdez did a fabulous job of Passion and I would prefer to wait for the best possible copy of Patience rather than get a rushed book that I feel disappointed by.
Having said that, I’ve been waiting for the wrap up to the Clan of the Cave Bear series – Earth’s Children by Jean Auel for so long (20+ yrs) that whenever Ms Valdez gets her next book released, I will buy it. I will, however, stop asking for Patience at my local book store.
Lisa says:
May 10th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I guess what we just have to do is forget about it, and when it actually comes out (if ever), just be pleasantly surprised. And in the meantime entertain yourself with other great authors like Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Nora Roberts. By the way you guys should read her In Death series, they are amazing.
sacha says:
May 13th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Will have to wait again…
Lisa Juhlin says:
May 16th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
This is getting CRAZY…………….. I hope like hell that the release date for Primrose is written in stone. I cant go thru another wait like this.
Irene Gray says:
May 17th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Take heart all critics of the delay in publication release date for Lisa’s “Patience”. Lisa’s writing is wonderful and her characters well developed. I continue to await this new addition to her list of published work. I will also re-read the others prior to this new one just to get into the ‘zone’ which Lisa creates so beautifully. Here’s hoping that Berkeley hurry to publish and distribute. All the best from an Aussie fan.
Glenys says:
May 17th, 2007 at 1:46 am
Yes i was looking forward to Patience’s story….so maybe readers of Passion may suggest other titles that we could be reading while we wait
Isis says:
May 17th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
I agree with Glenys’s suggestion. If any readers know of any similar titles that we can read until Patience comes out that would certainly help me get out my severe disappointment!
Oletha says:
May 26th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Well, I hate to be a bother, but my librarian informed me that the new release date isn’t until 2008. Please tell me I don’t have to wait another year for this much awaited story.
Sybil says:
May 27th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Sorry Oletha, I really can’t say for sure. I have emailed Berkley and I know last I emailed with Valdez there were a few dates being tossed about but she wouldn’t speak them aloud until they were set in blood.
Ok, no blood was mentioned but you get the idea. I think there is/was a chance for this year as I noticed other books in her line moved up but I think – just wild guessing – if there is a chance at all of making it out this year. We will hear something soon. If not – I am guess 08 will be the deal.
I think it is best to expect 2008 and hope for the better. If it does turn out to be this year you can squuuee with delight instead of being bummed out more if it is 08.
Glenys says:
May 29th, 2007 at 1:57 am
Hey guys still waiting for your suggestions
brownone says:
June 6th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
“A Lady’s Pleasure” by Renee Bernard was a good one.
Natasha says:
June 19th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Hey!!
I love the exerpt and all but when is the book going to be out?????
I mean, I’ve waited a long time for this book and yet there hasn’t been any up dates about whats going on!!!!!
really great so far!!!!
Marilyn says:
August 13th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Just checked Berkeley Website – No Lisa Valdez listed. ???
Katrine says:
August 20th, 2007 at 1:21 am
Been waiting along with everyone else, but along with marilyn i cant even find mention of Patience anywhere in berkeley or penguin’s sites.What i can find is gossip and rumors in romance forums. Patience is a virtue but it was never one of mine. Any new news?
Sybil says:
August 20th, 2007 at 10:32 am
When I am told I can, I will post a date.
I am guessing nothing will be announced until it is printed in stone but I could be wrong.
Maggie says:
August 29th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Thank you Sybil, but it is really frustrating to wait this long. Will it be several years between all the books in this series??!!
Gwen says:
August 30th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Maggie – only the author could know that. We’re just worshipping at the altar that is Lisa Valdez’s fictional world.
jess says:
September 15th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I’m just a little worried as time goes on that Valdez could never hope to live up to the hype we’ve all ascribed to Patience, and maybe that’s why it keeps getting pushed out.
Sybil says:
September 16th, 2007 at 12:26 am
It is natural for readers to wonder but I don’t think she has posted anywhere why the book was pushed a second time. Often we ‘decide’ things for authors and assign actions, motives and ideas to them. There are many ‘maybes’, ‘could bes’, ‘I thinks’ and ‘I heards’ out in romanceland and I have yet to see one get it right.
We will get some ‘official’ news soon. Of course I just posted something I was suppose to put up like a month or two ago, so soon is relative in my world. I am not worried about the book being finished, she did sign a two book deal, is working on it and I plan to read it. Then I will decide if I like it or not.
Other than deciding to read it or not… we don’t really have much of a say in the process or timeline. It is an interesting idea though… as a reader do you (the general you) plan to punish the book because you are annoyed at the author for making you wait? Can you pick up the book and read it without thinking, well if this was published two years ago I would have LOVED it but I waited 3 years for this?
I don’t ever open a book WANTING to hate it. I open it wanting to be entertained, amused, taken to another world, to fall in love with the characters love story and discover new spins on old topics. I enter every book thinking I will love it, even though I know I will not love all books… it is still a hope.
Is that odd? I just assume all readers do that otherwise why bother reading?
jess says:
September 17th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Mmmm, yes. Right. Myself, I want to see how Patience gets out of Matt’s room with nothing on but the tatters of her Persephone costume, that’s all. She’s been tied to the bedpost for well over 3 yrs…can you imagine how Victorian fashions have changed in the interim??
Reread your Patience excerpt from the last pages of the Passion ppbk, kiddos…THAT’S why we’ve been tapping our collective toes!
jess says:
September 17th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Oh, and the last pub date I saw somewhere was May ’08…..
Oletha says:
September 19th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
I am such a huge fan, I no longer care when Patience comes out. I will take a page from the title and have-patience. I will just keep reading Passion over and over, because I know that any book by Lisa will be worth the wait.
Sheila-GA says:
September 25th, 2007 at 11:18 am
After Lisa gets “over-the-hump” with Patience–then Primrose and Charlotte (last in quartet) should go quicker.
Natasha says:
September 27th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
LISA!!!!
C’mon now!!!!
All of us are very interested in this book but there is no point in waiting if its going ot take this long!!!!
The book was to be released in what??? May???
So then whats the hold up???
I mean i loved Passion but we would all love to see the next book
Shay says:
November 9th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
OK Girls…..Here it is November, what’s the latest news? Oh and Glenys, you should read Karen Marie Moning’s “The Immortal Highlander” and “The Dark Highlander” (my personal favorite).
mag says:
November 13th, 2007 at 2:40 am
though I haven’t even read “Passion” yet, but the excerpt of “Patience” totally hooked me up! it’s just cruel that it stopped at the scene when Matthew and Patience finally spoke.
anyway, “Passion” is def on my “to buy” booklist, and I cant wait for “Patience”‘s release!