FFBC: Welcome to the club, The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

The Heir and the Spare
by Emily Albright
Publisher: Merit Press
Release Date: January 18th 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit, British Literature, New Adult

Synopsis:

Family can be complicated. Especially when skeletons from the past pop up unexpectedly. For American Evie Gray, finding out her deceased mother had a secret identity, and not one of the caped crusader variety, was quite the surprise. Evie’s mom had a secret life before she was even born, one that involved tiaras.

In this modern day fairytale, Evie is on a path to figure out who her mom really was, while discovering for herself what the future will hold. Charged with her late mother’s letters, Evie embarks on a quest into her past. The first item on the list is to attend Oxford, her mom’s alma mater. There, Evie stumbles upon a real life prince charming, Edmund Stuart the second Prince of England, who is all too happy to be the counterpart to her damsel in distress.

Evie can’t resist her growing attraction to Edmund as they spend more time together trying to unravel the clues her mother left behind. But, when doubts arise as to whether or not Edmund could ever be with an untitled American, what really ends up unraveling is Evie’s heart. When Evie uncovers all the facts about her mom’s former life, she realizes her mom’s past can open doors she never dreamed possible, doors that can help her be with Edmund. But, with everything now unveiled, Evie starts to crack under the pressure of new family responsibilities and the realization that her perfect prince may want her for all the wrong reasons.

Hello Emily! Welcome to the FFBC ! We are super excited to have you in our FFBC tours! 

Thanks for having me! 

Could you tell our Book Addicts a little bit about The Heir and the Spare?

The Heir and the Spare follows American Evie Gray on a quest throughout England as she discovers the true identity of her deceased mother. On her journey Evie uncovers a long lost family member, a strength she never knew she had, and a love she never expected. I like to think of it as a modern day fairytale and I’m so excited to share Evie and Edmund with readers.

If you had to pick one adjective to describe Evie and Edmund what would you choose?

Sweet

How did you come up with the story? Did you find inspiration in any other story/movie/show and how has this affected your writing?

When Prince William married Kate Middleton it sparked an idea. I wondered about Prince Harry and how his life might differ from his brother’s, especially in the romance arena. Once that little seed got planted, everything else fell right into place.

What is your favorite quote from the book?

“It was like Emily Post on crack meets Martha Stewart on acid.”

Is there a specific scene that you had the most fun to write?

That’s got to be the Eiffel Tower scene. :) 

Was there anything you had to research for this book, that you would be worried if someone found in your browser history?

I did quite a bit for this book. I researched Oxford, London, Paris, the different aristocratic titles and their proper forms of address, art history, and lots of other little bits and pieces. There were things that I wanted to use, but ultimately couldn’t, so I had to take some liberties. But it was all fascinating. There really wasn’t anything I researched that’d make me cringe if someone saw my history. Then again, I’m not someone who gets easily embarrassed. 

What authors are auto-buys for you? 

Diana Gabaldon, Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead

What you would you say is harder to write: The first sentence of a story or the last?

Both. If pressed I’d probably have to go with the first sentence. 

What do you find yourself fangirl-ing over?

Right now, Downton Abbey and Outlander. I’m so bummed it’s Downton’s last season. But I’m eagerly awaiting season two of Outlander this spring. 

What is your favorite snack/drink to eat when you read?

I have to have my iced peppermint tea, but that’s about it. I don’t usually snack when I’m reading. I’m afraid I’ll get food on my books or e-reader.

Favorite book of 2015? 

Ugh, I’ve gotten so little reading done this year (which makes me so sad!) and my TBR list is a gazillion miles long. I haven’t even caught up with all the series I read that had new releases this year. They’re all just sitting on my Nook, waiting for me. (Bet you guys can guess one of my New Year’s resolutions.) Most of the reading I did in 2015 was for books that are coming out this year. I’ve got a great list for 2016 though! ;) 

If you could pick one author dead or alive to have a drink with who would you choose and why?

Hmm, that’s tough. I’d probably say Jane Austen. I’ve loved all her books and I’d love to ask her more about her own life and maybe even get a closer look at her writing process. It’d be fascinating to pick her brain for a while. 

Thank you so much for everything, Emily!

Anytime! Thanks again for letting me be here today.

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Emily Albright's debut novel, THE HEIR AND THE SPARE, is releasing January 18, 2016 from Merit Press.

She's a writer, a major bookworm, a lover of romantic movies, a wife, a mother, an owner of one adorable (yet slightly insane) cockapoo, and uses way too many :).

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