to catch a coronet | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it

Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.

After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth.

Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?

"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend!"

--Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile Designs

publisher: kregel publications

release date: may 21, 2024

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excerpt

By the time her apple pie was ready to come out of the oven and her second batch of vanilla scones was ready to go in, she had a comforting sheen of sweat on her brow and her prayers had turned into singing—or rather bellowing—her favorite hymns. Wiping her hands on her apron, she worked out a recipe that she thought would be a match for the sponge she had tasted and promptly dropped during her calls this morning. She rose on her tiptoes to reach the tin marked Flour on the third shelf in the dry larder, which was acceptable if one was of an average height, but Muriel, being only an inch over five feet, could only scrape the bottom of the ten-pound tin with her fingertips. She snatched her wooden rolling pin from the table and used the tip to scoot the tin to the edge of the shelf, intending to catch it as it fell.

A man’s large, calloused hand shot above her head and seized the tin. “Allow me to assist you.”

Her song strangled itself in a gasp. Whirling, she rammed into his arm, causing the tin to slip from his grasp and the heavy pin from her hand. Both knocked him on the head, loosening the lid and showering them with flour as he fell to his knees with a grunt and then collapsed face flat onto the brick pavers.

“Lord, have mercy.” Muriel clutched her hand to her throat and sank to her knees beside the crumpled giant. Grabbing his muscular right shoulder with all her strength, she flipped the man onto his back and saw at once that his left arm was in a sling. His large, Grecian nose trickled blood from his fall to the bricks. Other than that and the lump already forming just below his thick chocolate hairline, he was in marvelous physical condition. With his impeccable jawline and the sun-kissed skin that she glimpsed beneath the flour, she knew he had enjoyed fine health before waltzing into her kitchen. She leapt to her feet and ran for the pitcher of water on the counter. Pitcher wrapped in her arm, she dipped her fingers inside and flicked water onto his flour-covered face as if he were a pie crust, continuing the practice until a fine paste had formed on his forehead and a moan escaped his full lips.

“Oh, thank God. I haven’t killed him,” she whispered, sinking onto her heels and wiping her forehead, feeling the grit of flour roll across her skin. She leaned over him, her dark hair spilling free from her coiffure over her shoulder, flowing down to his chest. “Sir? Are you hurt badly? Sir? Can you hear me?”

about the author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter.

Connect with Grace by visiting gracehitchcockbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of To Catch a Coronet, a bookmark, and book-themed goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 29, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 5, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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