Cornwall, England, 1818
 
This Regency tale embraces an ancient estate with a troubling reputation. Being a companion for her cousin Jane, will not be the needed escape that Julia Twethewey anticipated. Chapter one sets the dangers and mystery afoot as tall, blond Isaac Blake interrupts a crime. Sarah Ladd skillfully lures her readers through mystery, mayhem, and danger that is quite captivating. The characters dispersed throughout the story are rich and varied. The mystery kept this reader glued to the pages ever wishing to find out—yet equally wishing the tale would never end! Dangers within and without kept the tension taut.

I really liked both the heroine and hero, and their struggles to grow through their challenges were well laid. Sarah Ladd certainly knows how to widen the tension beyond the manor and into the neighborhood, which has a partnership with the concerns and troubles pushing the characters onward.

Yes, yes, indeed, I loved this story.  Every time Sarah Ladd releases a new novel—I’m running to purchase it! As is my sister, Pat. Sarah always provides excellent depth in her characters and adventures for them to frolic within. This is an excellent read that I’m happy to point your attention toward, for it is worth every bit of time it takes to read this novel.
 
You may find Sarah Ladd online at sarahladd.com to see her book news and or join her newsletter and discover her promotions. 

Buckhannon River, West Virginia, Spring 1770  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

 
Fresh as spring redbud and dogwood blossoms embellishing the banks of the Buckhannon River, An Uncommon Woman beguiled me deep into the pages of story. My desire to experience this frontier settlement through Tessa Swan and Colonel Clay Tygart’s eyes only grew as I spent time with them. Trouble and tensions brewed naturally among Shawnee, Cherokee, and white cultures. Battles over freedom from slavery, growing provisions that were necessary for survival, and the white man’s presence intensified becoming extremely life threatening.

Tessa Swan’s concerns and fears were valid and understandable and I loved seeing how she faced her heart-wrenching challenges and losses. Somehow, I always feel as though I’ve come away knowing a new friend or friends when I read Laura Frantz’s novels. Stating that this is a novel feels too confining for the experience of delving into the hearts and trials painted with language adorned with the cadence befitting the time, place, and mood Laura shares. I feel that I’ve come away enlightened about those who braved the frontier. Their dangers, worries, and courage to press on—though their very lives were at stake. Yet, this tale also made me embrace the concerns of the Indian tribes struggling with these intruders to their land, their way of life, and future of their children. Disease, a seemingly silent warrior, stole their numbers, making them vulnerable.

An Uncommon Woman is a precious story—another favorite—and definitely highly recommended! Laura’s superpower is to land characters on the page that will not allow me to walk away! Memorable and endearing, these are characters who make me want to walk taller and strive for decency ever harder. Bravo Laura! This story holds my heart, leads me in adventuresome thoughts, and challenges me to consider more deeply those who lived here long and those who settled under terrifyingly dangerous situations.
 

DiAnn held me spellbound as she led me to Sudan with her novel, long walk home. What intrigued me most about this story was the emotional investment that DiAnn obviously spent to share the very real struggles of people from three different cultures in the face of civil war. Getting to know the complex main characters: Paul Farid, Dr. Larson Kerr, Colonel Ben Alier, and Nyok opened my heart to the people they represent in a memorable way.

This story was full of surprise and unexpected angles that were engaging and thought-provoking. long walk home is well written, captivating, and inspiring. I love the hope and struggle that DiAnn weaves throughout the characters’ challenges with expertise that seems easy to create. I couldn’t put this novel down, and I challenge you to say differently! Yes, this is a tale that put my boots on the ground and my heart on the line. This story has everything--entertaining to informative and heart-rending. Knowing that people live under extreme fear, oppression, and strife while we live in very safe locations is eye-opening.

DiAnn asks her readers to pray for the Sudanese. Their struggles are real and overwhelming, and thankfully we have a God who can answer prayers for people an ocean span away that will affect eternity for so many! I found the scripture DiAnn chose to introduce this story quite fitting, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."    2 Corinthians 4:8-9 

DiAnn Mills is an award-winning spunky writer who I am honored to recommend! Find out more about this very author-reader engaged writer on her website, https://diannmills.com/.

I found DiAnn's A Note from the Author so excellent and informative that I do not offer an interview with her at this time. May her account of how her novel came about thrill your heart too! 

Thank you, DiAnn, for how you share and encourage others along their journey!
 

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​Book 1 of the Grace by The Sea series, Matchmaker’s Rogue, is a beautiful step back into 1804 Dorset, England. I can feel the camaraderie from inside the hot mineral springs Grand Pump Room, hear conversations from hopeful introductions and the tunes played by Maudlyn at the harpsichord. Jesslyn Chance and Larkin Denby had known one another from a previous relationship and find themselves in an awkward reconnection.  He needs to visit this spa for clandestine reasons and she needs to hold her position.  

I love the personal interactions the glue that holds the characters together and tensions working to pull them apart! Regina’s entertaining plot uses the right amount of history to make this work. Oh, the mystery and intrigue and the beautiful location! I’ve read about hot springs and how people flocked to those for improved health before, but this is the first mystery that I’ve read that included one for the location!

Well done Regina! I always enjoy your adventures and can count on a pleasing and interesting story all the way through!
 
QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

What led you to use the hot springs spa for your story? (Great location, by the way!)
I visited Bath in England some time ago, and the setting fascinated me. All those strangers coming in and out, the elegant assemblies, the making of new friends, hearts connecting. Of course, I had a story in mind as well, and Bath was a little too far inland for its purposes, so Grace-by-the-Sea was born!

Are the spa or Castle How true historical locations in Dorset England? If so, have you visited them? Any photos?
Grace-by-the-Sea is my own creation. I had this picture in my mind, and I went looking for a likely spot. Dorset seemed perfect. Then I discovered Lulworth Cove! It is exactly how I pictured Grace-by-the-Sea, complete with a castle on the headland, the Lulworth Cove does not have a spa. I have not had the pleasure of visiting yet, but it’s on my
bucket list of places to go in England.










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If Grace-by-the-Sea is not a real location, did you draw a map of how the spa and the Castle were laid out?
Absolutely. I have a map of the town as well as the layout of the castle itself. It plays a much bigger role in the second book, so I needed to know more intimate details.

Who was the very first character in this story that you developed, and why?
Jesslyn Chance, my heroine, was the first. I’m not sure why. She just came to me, smiling her welcoming smile, so organized and efficient. Maybe I secretly wish I was as organized as she is! 😊

Do you have any fun facts about spas and their popularity in the 1800s?
Bath was the most famous, with its Roman hot water soaking baths. Lyme Regis just down the coast from Grace-by-the-Sea in Dorset was also very popular, though more for the seaside bathing and shops. Jane Austen visited both frequently and lived with her family in Bath for a time.

On Regina's website, I enjoyed the historical elements that she posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/


Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

Sometimes our dreams can take an unexpected twist and can bring us up short in a place of decision. Deborah Raney catches her main character, Joanna Chandler, in the middle of such an impasse in “CHASING DREAMS,” the second book in the Chandler Sisters Novel series. Joanna set the bar rather high for her future, and she needs to reevaluate several aspects: her career—both current and her abandoned goal, as well as possible romantic interests.

Both Ben, who is an old flame, and wedding DJ, Lukas Blaine, desire Joanna’s attention. I believe that many single women would feel tugged by the circumstances Joanna experiences in this story—especially when dealing with truths and half-truths.

Deborah Raney has time and time again captured the heart-felt struggles and challenges that many people experience. I personally enjoyed this story’s varied characters and how they grappled with problems. I related to some of the family dynamics because I’m blessed by my sister’s rich support, and it was entertaining to see how the Chandler sisters interacted. Deborah connects with situations so relevant to today’s life in America. That is why Deborah Raney is an RWA RITA Award-winning author who has published thirty-five novels in Twenty-five years. Her first novel, “A VOW TO CHERISH,” was made into a movie! I do recommend Deborah’s novel, “Chasing Dreams,” and I invite you to check her out soon!

QUESTIONS FOR DEBORAH:

I sense that you enjoyed writing this novel, is that so?
I DID! And I’m thrilled that it showed. :) I really did have fun with the novels in this sister series, probably because it made me think of my own sisters and what fun we have together.

Has “Chasing Dreams” been simmering inside you for a long time?
Not like some of my novels! It really came about as a result of having a new series requested. And maybe that was part of the fun of it: something totally new that hasn’t been on a back burner for a while!

Who is your favorite character in this novel?
Mateo quickly won my heart! But I keep coming back to Quinn, now Phee’s husband, and he is my favorite character in the whole series.

Who was the most challenging character to write into this story, and why?
Definitely Joanna because she has so much growing to do. It was hard to make her likeable while she’s holding very unlikable attitudes! I’ve heard from some readers who were frustrated with that. But Jo came around in the end, and I hope those readers will too.

I remember that you volunteer, helping others that have challenges to overcome. I believe that you have moved. Do you plan to continue to dedicate your time to help others? How?
I’ve volunteered in many ways throughout my life, a result of my parents’ example. I took calls for a crisis hotline for teens, I’ve volunteered in a homeless shelter, in our kids’ schools, in our church, in the community. We did move from Kansas to Missouri and we’ve done some traveling in between so we are just now getting established in a new church and in our community. But yes, I expect the volunteering will continue in one way or another here in Missouri.

Do you like to snack on something special or drink coffee or something when you write?
I’m a huge coffee lover, with heavy cream, no sugar, thank you. :) Coffee Nips and M&Ms are some of my snacks of choice, but there are many, none of them too healthy, alas. ;)

In what way would you like your readers to share their enjoyment of your novels? (Word of mouth, on the internet….or other ideas?)
ANY way they’re willing! I’m not sure readers realize how much we writers appreciate when they write reviews, tell their friends, buy my next book, etc. etc. But we DO appreciate it so very much! Thank you!

How do you want your readers to connect with you?
I LOVE social media and have many ways for readers to connect:
http://www.deborahraney.com
http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
http://instagram.com/deborahraney
http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
https://twitter.com/authordebraney
http://amazon.com/author/deborahraney
http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com
http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/
 
Thank you for a wonderful review, Deborah! Your enthusiasm comes through and I appreciate getting to know you better, as I'm sure that your other readers will also!  :)

This 2014 large cast drama was directed by Harold Cronk and produced by Pure Flix Production Company. A list of leading stars is as follows: Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A. R. White, Dean Cain, Trisha LaFache, Jennifer Taylor, Benjamin A. Onyango, Korie Robertson, Willie Robertson, Cory Oliver Lenore Banks, Cassidy Erin Gifford, Paul Kwo, Dean Cain, Hadeel Sittu, Pat Boone, Newsboys among so many others. As you can see, I was not joking about this large cast story of merit.

Okay, I love this movie. The story is so relevant for today. Christians’ have been pressured and challenged for years to separate personal beliefs from their social interactions. That is just as impossible as individuals cloning themselves into an edited—unoffendable copy. Discouragement and out and out blatant opposition toward anyone who dares to share hope in Christ at Universities as well as their employ is finally really being challenged. God’s NOT Dead is a fictional story of Josh Wheaton’s college experience that sadly reflects our son’s and daughter’s experiences—at least those willing to stand up for Christ, whom they believe in.
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I love how the character’s varied stories intertwine and converge into a very inspiring and hope-filled story. The plot and characters were first-rate and engaging. This is a memorable tale if ever there was one! This is a movie that matters!  

To see what other films Pure Flix Production Company offers visit them on line at:
http://pureflixstudio.com/movie-library/
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Serena Winthrop, an artist of true merit and sensitivity, has suffered a terrible blow that causes her to abstain from using her God-given gift. Her struggles are relatable for far too many readers, and yet Carolyn Miller weaves heart, hope, and challenge—creating an engaging story that is beneficial.

I admire Serena, the main character, and her unpredictable hero, Viscount Carmichael. Both of these characters held my interest and caused me to cheer them on! I especially love the depth and familiar feel of how these characters could be modeled after someone I know for they are complex, endearing, and frustrating—sometimes at the same time! I luxuriated in the setting and the breath-taking vista of the Carmichael’s home. I love how Carolyn writes Regency and I’ve never been disappointed! This story, with amazing detail, delivers characters within their society, as well as the beautiful ambiance that I look for with any Regency novel.

If you are looking for an entertaining historical which allows you to emotionally invest in the character’s journey, this will be an excellent novel for you to peruse! I do so love a series that stays with many of the characters from the previous novel for I hate to leave a loved character behind! Don’t worry, I’m really not confusing my fictional favorites on the pages of a lovely novel with real life people—but still my curious imagination wants to know more of what has happened to those characters after I finished an excellent story.  
Thank you, Carolyn for MISS SERENA’S SECRET and the care you took to deliver a sensitive topic with class and encouragement! I highly recommend this second book in the A Promise of Hope series!

Questions for Carolyn:
Your main character, Serena, is shared so true to life and when did you begin to desire to write her journey?
I love Serena! I began writing her story as a NaNoWriMo project immediately after finishing her sister’s story in Winning Miss Winthrop, so I had the story world, characters and settings and themes pretty clear in my mind. This was actually the 4th historical I wrote, and I wrote it in 2015.

Have you been to the Carmichael’s home though maybe not called by that name? How did you keep track of writing the characters into the rooms and porches of this amazing home?
This home is an amalgamation of a few stately homes in England: Castle Howard (for the domed outward appearance - which I have not been to) and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire (which I have been to - simply glorious! - and Derbyshire is where this story is mostly set). The magnificent view is based on a grand hotel here in New South Wales, Australia, the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains, which perches on a cliff and overlooks a beautiful valley with vistas for miles.

Keeping track of where characters were and the various rooms did involve drawing some maps and house designs - which wasn’t a chore at all as I once wanted to be an architect!

Do you paint or did you have to interview an excellent artist so that you could write with authenticity?
I have done some painting, but the descriptions here are mostly based on research. The materials used 200 years ago vary to today’s paints and brushes, so I had some fun trying to find the exact hues and colours used to give a true sense of that era.

What message do you wish to give to those afraid of developing, using, and or sharing their God-given gifts?
Do it! It’s too easy to live afraid, and hide away and live less than the potential God has for us - and I think that leads to a shrivelling of our hearts and souls. Jesus talked about using the talents for the sake of God’s kingdom, and while talents in this gospel story might refer to money, I think we can apply the same principle to the gifts God gives us. Use the gifts and talents God has given you, be brave and have a go, because doing so is a way of honouring our Father who made us. And we never know what awaits us on the other side of our obedience.

I see that I need to go shopping, for you have written a couple of other novels that I don’t have.  By the way—I love your website! You have interesting pages on there for your readers! What do you want to tell us about connecting with you on social media?

Oh, I so appreciate you! Yes, I try to post lots of behind-the-scenes details on my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) with photos and information about my England travels and book details. I love to connect with readers, and I post regular updates about my writing news via my newsletters, which people can subscribe to at www.carolynmillerauthor.com and my Facebook page, so please come follow me there and say g’day!
facebook | pinterest | twitter | instagram
 
Thanks so much, Susan Marlene - so appreciate you!
Happy reading!
Carolyn xx

What a unique and fascinating time-travel story, and the first of this genre I’ve read. But I’ve watched several time-travel movies in which to compare this novel too. Randy delivers excellent character depth and plot twists that are sprinkled with science in layman terms so that anyone can follow and enjoy.

The main characters, Rivka Meyers and Ari Kazan, are buffeted with challenges and dangers because of Damien West’s choices. This story is set in contemporary Jerusalem until a wormhole lands these brave souls in the middle of Ancient Jerusalem.

It was interesting to see Apostle Paul’s Jerusalem though Rivka and Ari’s eyes. Their struggles with belief, keeping history intact, as well as personal overcoming, make this a favorite read for me. I’d ordered this novel on my Kindle and once it was finished—I had to go and purchase the entire paperback set. LaDeda Books & Beans owner commented on the fine quality of these books!

By the way, Transgression sounds great on Kindle!

I was thoroughly entertained by Transgression this first of the City of God series and equally challenged to think about what could have been, as compared to contemporary life.

I’ve sat under Randy’s teachings and had a couple of conversations with him at writer’s conferences a few years ago, and found this man to be intelligent, yet down to earth. He is generous with information and shares his wonderful imagination between the pages of story. When you wrap those qualities up with his education, life experience, and faith, you come away with a memorable tale that stirs curiosity and hope and courage to move forward into the unknown!     

This is a novel that I would expect from a multi-award-winning author with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics and an amazingly active imagination! Well done, Randy Ingermanson! I highly recommend Transgression, Book 1 of the City of God series, which was the 2001 Christy award winner.

Questions for Randy:
I’ve enjoyed reading about your archaeology dig site experience. Was this series birthed out of your first-hand knowledge?
It came out of my first-hand knowledge of the world of physics and the way physicists think. And I certainly read a lot about archaeology and the first-century world of Jerusalem before I wrote the books. But I only had a chance to actually work on an archaeological dig after I wrote the series.

I have now spent a number of weeks working and living exactly where my characters did in the first-century. Based on that experience, I would change very little in the books. There are a couple of minor tweaks I would make, but nothing major.

I must ask this obvious question—how long have you been interested in time-travel?
Since the early 1990s, when I read Diana Gabaldon’s classic Outlander series.

Do you have a favorite time-travel author or movie that you can recommend?
Outlander and its sequels, by Diana Gabaldon. This is a romance series, which is somewhat out of my wheelhouse—I normally read suspense—but these are great novels that I really enjoyed.

Struggling over belief in God and Jesus—well, we all have been there or have someone or many we know with that important decision. Was this struggle modeled after someone you know or just a general observation?
You can safely assume that I’ve wrestled a lot with questions of faith, science, the meaning of life, and lots of other things. My characters aren’t necessarily clones of me, but they get some of their DNA from me.

I have and used your “how to write” books: "Writing Fiction for Dummies" & "How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method," which were excellent. Do you have any more how to write fiction books in the making?
The next book on my list of how-to-write-fiction books has the working title How to Write Dynamite Action and Dialogue. Of course, that title might change, but it’s what I have planned.
And I should mention that my latest book, How to Write Dynamite Scenes Using the Snowflake Method, actually has the best reader ratings of any of my how-to books.

Do you have any new series planned that you would like to reveal to your readers and potential readers?
I’ve been working now for more than five years on a series of novels about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. This will be a four-book series, titled Crown of Thorns, and Book 1 is due to come out as soon as my cover designer finishes the cover.

Why have I spent five years on this project? Because I’ve been taking annual research trips to work on archaeological digs in Israel, and I’ve also been reading a lot. And thinking a lot. Book 2 is nearly complete in first draft form, and Books 3 and 4 are pretty clear in my mind.

So it won’t take another five years for each of the other books. I expect they’ll each take about a year. Mainly, it took a lot of work to develop the storyworld and figure out the cast of characters. That work is now done, and I have a clear vision of what the series will be like.
 
I’m glad that I signed up for your newsletter. How do you wish for your readers to contact you? 
For fans of my fiction (anyone who wants to go on an adventure to first-century Jerusalem), visit my personal website at www.Ingermanson.com.
For those who want to learn how to write fiction, check out my business website at www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com.
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The sweeping countryside of Arizona Territory in 1871 marvelously sets the stage for this first novel from Regina Scott’s “American Wonders Collection.” From beginning to end, I was delighted. This is another wonder-filled adventure by this author, but that is no surprise to me. I appreciate and esteem Regina’s storytelling ability quite highly. She works hard to entertain and encourage all-the-while she makes the story flow with believability and tension that turns pages. Her characters have depth and are likable, engaging, and perfect for the challenges they meet.

I certainly would like to see more of Meg Pero and Captain Ben Coleridge as well as Dot and Hank Newcomb. Regina’s vivid descriptions are necessary to the story thread and quite enjoyable. I found myself smiling a lot as I read this novel. Becoming acquainted with her characters who were dealing with immense difficulties and trials that would test any man or woman’s fortitude—kept me engaged in the adventure.  

I’m grateful that this is the first of the American Wonders Collection, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series. Especially since there is a sneak peek first chapter for her second novel. I wonder when that is coming out! Revell provided a lovely cover which matches the quality of this story, a novel I’m proud to promote. Thank you, Regina for the free book and I am offering my honest opinion and impressions of this wonderful novel.
 
QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

Your adventures are so unique and positively interesting! What or who inspired this series?
I started out to write a story about a lady photographer in the Old West, and I wanted her to shoot something grand, amazing. What more amazing than the Grand Canyon? My publisher suggested that I use the story to start a series of books set in the history of our national parks. A Distance Too Grand is the first. Nothing Short of Wondrous, out next October, will be the second. It is set in Yellowstone National Park. And the third book (as yet untitled) will be set on Mt. Rainier.

Your descriptions were so fresh and realistic, did you hike or camp out close to this location?
I visited the Grand Canyon a couple years ago with my family, but I didn’t get to do much more than walk the rim and marvel. But there are dozens and dozens of pictures online plus first-hand accounts from the time period. But that all together, and it seems I came close to describing the amazing vistas!

If you did visit, camp, or hike in the “Arizona Territory” did you take photos? If so, will you share one with us?
Delighted! Though I am not nearly as good a photographer as Meg.

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What a WONDERFUL photo, Regina!  Thank you for sharing!  :) Beautiful!  

Do you have a fun or interesting fact about this location and time that you didn’t get to include in A DISTANCE TOO GRAND?
I briefly mentioned it in the book, but the landscape cameras of the time were massive, like two feet square! The bigger the picture, the bigger the camera you needed.

Did you find those cooking tips that Dot used, or were some handed down? You have my curiosity awakened!
My oldest son is a Sous Chef in Seattle. I took the information I found about Army supplies plus what I’d learned would have been in season naturally at that time and asked him what Dot could have cooked. He helped me come up with a repertoire for the survey.

Is there anything you would like to share with your readers concerning your theme or your experience while writing this book? (Or an experience that led to your writing this book.)
It’s the 100 anniversary this year of the founding of Grand Canyon National Park. If you have a chance to visit, I highly recommend it! And if not, I hope you get a chance to go out near you and enjoy the changing of the Seasons. Nothing draws me closer to our Creator than being out in His creation.

On your website, I enjoyed the historical elements that you posted on your blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/
Thank you! I have more information about the stereographs that Meg specializes in. Go to http://www.reginascott.com/adistancetoogrand.html and scroll down to the bottom, then click on the link.

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

Simply another wonderful review with you, Regina! Thank you for your time and whimsical answers! You always make it fun!

 
1871

This exquisite, richly woven tale shares Raina’s journey cloaked with unfathomable discoveries. Raina is given an invitation that if accepted will change her life forever—as well as those whom she comes to know. Victor Eugene Prenderast, Sully—who stole Raina’s heart long before The Maiden Faire’s terrible shipwreck drowned her hopes, and the elusive Countess of Enderly, all make a profound impact upon the choices and decisions Raina will make.

The author, Joanna, skillfully unwraps the hearts of her characters and places them within the boundaries of this hauntingly beautiful and dangerous story. The stakes are high and the mysteries and intriguing characters add depth which latched onto my curiosity and wouldn’t allow me to break free. (I’m ever so glad to listen to Kindle while attending to the mundane.) This is a tale where influential people, beauty, fear and identity merge and flow with passion and grace that beckoned this reader to write this review and share the good news about another pleasing and worthy tale to read or listen too. I will gladly sequester time for other novels that Joanna Davidson Politano will write!
I highly recommend this story because this author also unwrapped my heart to want to find out more about Raina and cheer her on! Let me take a moment to politely beg for more of the same type of story from this writer. There it is, all said. Joanna’s stories are welcome here!
 
Questions for Joanna:
​
Was Rothburne Abbey a real place in England?
It was based on real abbeys in England, mostly Forde Abbey. I took bits and pieces from various places and put them together to make an abbey that truly charmed me.

What a unique and fascinating plot—how did you come up with the idea for this tale?
Thank you! The idea has been percolating since I was a young kid and my mom and I were watching the news. Princess Di had just passed away and I was heartbroken. My mom said she wondered if she'd actually escaped the media and gone to live on a deserted island for the rest of her life, and I wondered--would she still be Princess Di? Would she be royalty? Would she have the ability to be as kind? It all spiraled from there!

Have you visited 1800s abbeys before?
I visited all sorts of places when I visited the UK a few years ago--most are now ruins, but the cool thing about them is that you can still see the layout of every room. It's all there on the ground like a live blueprint. I got a sense for how things were set up, and how they lived. Fascinating trip!

When did you get the writhing bug?
My first book was written at age 5 and was called, Moving Day. You can guess what was going on in my life. Honestly, I think I caught the novel-writing bug when I found myself in a caretaking situation, mostly homebound every day. My grandma had been slowly unraveling for me the story of her parents, how they came to America as children, and the surprising family secrets they found when they arrived. That book just poured out of me, then I was addicted to storytelling.

What is your favorite snack to enjoy when writing or plotting?
Cereal! I know it's crazy, but I love to munch on handfuls of cereal while I write. It's my favorite "sweet."

Did Widow McCall remind you of anyone as you wrote her?
Mostly she came from a woman who rented my family some cabins when I was a young kid. That delightful little cackle and clipped voice always stayed with me--as well as her quirky advice. It's those really unique characters who take up residence in your mind and percolate into something fictional that you can drop into a story.

Do you have another novel adventure in the works?
Always! I just turned a book into my editor that features a lost love letter, and the spinster who finds it and decides to return it--if she can figure out who wrote it. After that comes a book set in the Victorian ballet.

Where do you want your readers to connect with you?  
I have a prayer spot on my webpage, jdpstories.com, as well as a newsletter signup. I also love to see readers on my facebook author page, https://www.facebook.com/joannadavidsonpolitano/.

 
 

Thank you, Joanna! I loved the answers that you gave for this interview! I look forward to reading your next book. I have two other books that you have written and I can't wait to dig into those also!

​Blessings always! Sue