Ever Since the Ball by Kate Ellington
Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories. After graduating from college with an art degree, she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.
When not writing, spare time is devoted to reading novels and baking family recipes.
A little bit about Author Kate Ellington…
Although I’ve been an avid reader all my life and wrote stories for fun back in high school, I never dreamed I could be an author! I’ve been writing professionally for about thirteen years and my first book, Seaglass And Fireflies, was published in 2023.
This is Author Kate Ellington’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
Inspiration to start writing…
One day an idea for a story drifted into my mind and I wrote it down as a lark. It started as a tiny piece of notebook paper but became a 200k word novel! I revised it quite a bit before it became my second published book, The Secret Cottage. My preferred genre is historical romance. I love the beauty and simplicity of bygone eras, and the conflicts that can arise from something as simple as a missed letter.
Kate’s works…
Ever Since The Ball Blurb (Released on July 2, 2025)
Miranda Harlake’s only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham betrothal to her best friend, Peter, who proposes solely to save her from a loveless marriage. She gratefully accepts, though both know they’ll never wed. Piqued by her parents’ scheming, Miranda secretly attends a masked ball and dances with a fascinating stranger all night. Upon discovering her partner was the insufferable George Rockford, she tries to forget the romantic evening they shared. George, lonely despite his popularity and roguish ways, is intrigued by Miranda but she’s apparently immune to his charms. Miranda must listen to her heart and find courage to be honest with everyone-especially herself-if for once she’s going to fulfill her own dreams.
One of Kate’s favourite scenes from Ever Since The Ball…
It couldn’t be dawn yet. Miranda Harlake turned on her side to read the mantel clock by light of the dying fire. Two-thirty. Still unsure of what had awakened her, she curled up and tried to get back to sleep. Almost on the verge of a dream, she heard the noise again. It was coming from her balcony.
Miranda looked over just in time to see a figure, bathed in moonlight, climb over the railing.
“Peter…” she muttered and closed her eyes.
She stayed in bed. He knew the way in.
Sure enough, the French doors opened and closed quietly, followed by footsteps creeping across the floor.
“Miranda,” Peter whispered, shaking her shoulder lightly.
“I’m awake,” she said, turning onto her stomach and pulling the blankets over her head.
“Miranda. Get up.”
She pointed vaguely toward the balcony. “Come back tomorrow.”
Peter walked over to the hearth and stirred the embers until the fire glowed, then went around the room lighting candles. “We need to talk.”
Blearily brushing the hair out of her eyes, Miranda sat up just enough to lean back against the pillows.
Peter perched himself on the edge of her bed. “We have to get engaged. Tonight.” He pulled a ring out of his waistcoat pocket.
