Who Will Be My Valentine? Out-Of-The-Ordinary Just Right For Author

Remember the old warning to be careful what you wish for?

Local author Susan Christina has created a contemporary heroine who seeks relief from an unhappy marriage - and winds up in early 19th century England, where she struggles to overcome her disorientation with what historians call the Regency period, ruled by George, Prince of Wales.

The novel “Lord Darver’s Match,” Christina’s first, will be published later this year. She also authored today’s installment of “Who Will Be My Valentine?”

“It’s very difficult to get published,” says Christina, who manages the business side of public television’s locally produced “Sit and Be Fit” exercise program.

“When I first finished (“Lord Darver’s Match”), time travel wasn’t a hot topic. And my story is different - it’s longer than normal regencies and less steamy than most historicals.”

Christina eventually found a publisher with a taste for out-of-theordinary romances. Her next goal is to get a literary agent.

“Finding out my book would be published was like finding out you’re pregnant,” recalls the 42-year-old mother. “It’s something you can’t describe, it’s just so amazing. Emotions flood your whole body.”

Of course, even ecstasy can be tempered by economic reality.

Asked if she would be passing out courtesy copies of “Lord Darver” to all her friends, Christina replies with a laugh, “Well, the goal is for people to buy them.”