Cozy Wednesday With Author Julie Hyzy (Giveaway too!)

Welcome To Cozy Wednesday!

It’s been about a year since Julie stopped by for a visit and then it was over at Dollycas’s Thoughts. I am thrilled to welcome here today. I love the way she writes! Whether it be Ollie at The White House or Grace at Marshfield Manor, I am always excited when a new book comes out. Those ladies always have a unique way of getting right in the middle of the mayhem.  

It’s a little hot and sticky in the Midwest today so help yourself to a glass of ice cold lemonade and pull up a chair as we visit with Julie today.

Hi Julie!!

Hi Everyone! I am happy to be here.

My love affair with Marshall Field’s

By Julie Hyzy

From time I was very little, I’ve loved Marshall Field’s. The flagship State Street department store in Chicago loomed large in my life especially around Christmas when my mother would take me and my little brother there to visit Santa, marvel at the decorated (and animated) windows, and stroll through the toy store.  We didn’t eat under the enormous Christmas tree in the Walnut Room back then, mostly because such a luxury was out of my parents’ reach at that point. Honestly, my brother and I never thought twice about it. We got to see the sparkling tree through the windows in the floor above the restaurant, and really—what more did we need?

When I started college at Loyola University I got a part time job at a bank on State and Wacker after classes each day—just about a block away from Field’s. That job turned into summer employment and an eventual full time position after graduation. I spent almost every lunch hour at Marshall Field’s. I loved that store and grew to know it very, very well. From the cosmetics and fragrances on the first floor, through the furniture high on eight and nine, I had the place memorized. Back then I had an aunt who worked in the candy kitchen making delicious Frango Mints. She invited me to come up to the very top floors to visit—and to watch the chocolates being created—and it was my first time up in the off-limits areas of the massive store. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

When my husband and I got engaged, we registered at Field’s. There was no other serious contender to my mind. When our daughters  were born—and then old enough­—we took them to Field’s at Christmastime, thus bringing traditions full circle. And trips into the city weren’t complete without lunch in The English Room, a loving gaze up at the Tiffany ceiling, and a purchase of Frango Mints to enjoy on the ride home.

Things change. We all know that. And as much as I like Macy’s in New York, I sincerely wish it had remained there. It’s a great destination—a real jewel of the city. But it belongs in New York. Not in Chicago, and not in our former flagship store. Marshall Field’s was taken over by Macy’s in 2005 and the State Street store was renamed in 2006. Some good news: The brass nameplate on the State Street store’s building is considered an historic landmark. It can’t be removed. That’s something. And the iconic Marshall Field clocks on the building’s corners are still there. Also good. But the store, as we all knew and loved it, is gone.

Why am I telling you all this today—and what does it have to do with my newest Manor House Mystery, Grace Among Thieves?

Well, if you’ve read any of the books so far, you know that Grace’s boss is Bennett Marshfield—of Marshfield Manor. Yep, I named the estate in honor of my beloved store, in gratitude for all the wonderful memories it’s provided to me and my family over the years.

 

When you read Grace Under Pressure, Grace Interrupted,or the new Grace Among Thieves, you can feel how much Marshfield means to Grace. I drew on my own deep love for Marshall Field’s to write that part of the story. Although the mansion doesn’t resemble the store in the least, the feel is the same. There’s so much to explore, so much to experience. History and mystery. In abundance.

I know that the store is gone, but the happiness it brought me lives on. And, in my own small way, I’m hoping to keep the memory alive, not just for myself but for everyone who still misses our beloved Marshall Field’s.

I hope you’ll come visit my Marshfield Manor. Come for the tour… stay for the murder!

Website page with Marshall Field Clock
http://www.juliehyzy.com/ebooks.html

~Julie

Thank you so much Julie for sharing that wonderful story!

All About Julie*
Julie Hyzy is the New York Times bestselling author of the White House Chef Mysteries and the Manor House Mysteries. She won the Barry and Anthony Awards for Best Paperback Original for State of the Onion in 2009, and the Lovey, the Derringer, and the Phobos awards for her novels and short stories. Her first Manor House Mystery, Grace Under Pressure, earned a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. Julie loves to read, eat out, and watch old movies and TV shows with her husband and three daughters.

 

Grace Among Thieves
(A Manor House Mystery)
3rd in Series
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
The Berkley Publishing Group
Published by The Penguin Group

Cover Illustration by Kimberly Schamber
Cover Design by Rita Frangie

 

Grace has her hands full. There is film crew making a souvenir movie of Marshfield Manor and the owner’s stepdaughter has dropped by for an unexpected visit. The last thing she needs is the news she received from former professor. Apparently historic places like Marshfield Manor are being targeted by thieves. She is confident in their security team until a guest is murdered and another one shot. There is just not enough manpower to spread around.

Grace has reason to believe the killer and thieves are lurking about. The two things may even be connected. She will do anything for Marsheild Manor and its owner even if it means putting herself in danger.  Grace my just find herself armed and dangerous.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
I couldn’t wait to read this story. I have become invested in the people at Marshfield Manor. Grace, Frances, Bennett and even Hillary. They is never a dull moment when she is around.

Grace again gets involved in all the drama with all the best intentions. Frances tries to keep everyone in line and Bennett watches over everyone.

The author reeled me in with this one and had me hook, line and sinker. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. So much excitement and suspense I forgot it was a cozy!

Julie Hyzy writes wonderful stories and each one is better than the last. If you were waiting for this one like me you will really enjoy it. If this is a new author for you start at the beginning, read them in order, and enjoy. I can’t wait to she what kind of trouble Grace gets into next!!

Would you like to win a copy of this fabulous book??

Thanks to the people at Berkley Prime Crime
I have 2 copies to giveaway!!

U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
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something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

Leave a comment for Julie for 5 Bonus Entries !

If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End July 4, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winners Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here.

Click Here For Entry Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

*From Amazon.com