Book Spotlight & Giveaway

Welcome! Today I have with me author SG Rogers, who's giving away a free copy of her book, The Magical Misperception of Meridian.

Blurb:
Railing against convention in the kingdom of Meridian, Jona thinks a girl should be able to wear trousers, fight like a boy when necessary, and marry whomever she pleases. She happens upon the queen’s nephew, Lee, who stammers and cannot speak to girls at all…that is, until he meets Jona. When the queen hires Jona to help her nephew acquire proper social graces, Jona experiences a blissful summer of pure enchantment. Jona and Lee learn to dance, perfect the art of polite conversation, and discover which fork to use at the dinner table. Although they become best friends, Queen Gaia considers Jona a mere servant. At summer’s end, Jona’s job in Meridian is done. Lee and Jona keep in contact through a set of magical mailboxes given to Lee by the Wizard Farland. When the friends are finally reunited after ten years, their budding romance is torn asunder by an edict from the queen. Against impossible odds, Jona and Lee will fight for an uncertain future. But unspoken secrets and mysteries long in the making have yet to be revealed.
Will true love be denied…or can the differences between commoners and royalty be shown to be just a matter of magical misperception?

Excerpt:
At tea, Jona made sure to cross her ankles and comport herself properly. When the teacart came around, she took only two little sandwiches, even though they were her absolute favorite deviled ham, and she was careful to eat only one eclair. Every time she glanced at Lee, he gave her an impish grin gushing with creamy pastry filling. Jona crossed her eyes in return.
“Lee, Mr. Rapp informs me you have applied yourself to your dancing lessons in a creditable fashion,” Queen Gaia said.
Lee’s face instantly assumed a look of innocence and he was forced to swallow. “Yes, Your Majesty, I have,” he managed.
“And I have heard from Mr. Phipps that your conversational skills are much improved.”
“I believe they are, Your Majesty.”
“Good. I shall expect you to demonstrate your progress at our annual end-of-summer ball. The Wizard Farland has consented to provide the entertainment again.”
Jona’s face glowed with excitement. “The Wizard Farland! How absolutely marvelous. I can hardly wait.”
The queen peered at her. Jona clapped her hand over her mouth as she realized she’d spoken out of turn.
“I’m sorry, my dear, but your attendance at the ball would be entirely inappropriate,” Queen Gaia said. “The household help do have a festive dinner of their own, to celebrate the occasion. You will be most welcome at that.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Jona said, staring at her plate.
Despite the fact her cheeks were stained with humiliation, she tried to maintain a pleasant expression. Her friendship with Lee had made it easy for her to forget her status, but Queen Gaia would never fail to remember Jona Barbara Haever was a commoner—and a servant.