Getting to know Lady Margaret from The English Proposal, The French Encounter and The American Conquest by Jenna Brandt

WTTHS coversWhat do you want? I want to find peace and live a happy life.

Okay, but what do you really want? *Lady Margaret lets out a heavy sigh* It’s been hard; I’ve faced difficulties in my life that have changed what I’ve wanted in life. Safety is what I desire most. I want to keep my family safe and not be afraid anymore.

But what do you REALLY want? *Narrows her eyes into a glare, then blurts out* I want to stop making impulsive decisions that ruin my life.

What does the Viscount Rolantry offer you? Friendship. We grew up together. I care deeply for him.

What about the Vidame of Demoulin? Protection. Though he wishes for more, I cannot give it to him.

And what about Cort Westcott? A future. He rescued me in more ways than I can ever express.

And what about the Duke of Witherton? *She stands up and places her hands on her hips* He is a vile, awful man whom I refuse to talk about. If you bring him up again, I will leave and answer no more questions.

I’m sorry. I knew you had a troubled past with the duke, but I didn’t know to what extent. Let’s talk about something else. What things do you not like to do? *Reluctantly, she sits back down* I don’t like sitting still. Why is that? When I do, I have to think about the choices I have made and what happened because of them. I would rather stay busy than take stock of my life.

Tell us about a time when things didn’t go the way you wanted. I mentioned I lost people. The list is so long, I had no idea one person could survive such tremendous loss. The list started with my mother though, who passed away in childbirth. Delivering twins and surviving was not in the cards for her. What did you learn from growing up without a mother? What a deeply personal, and rather rude, question. *Lady Margaret pauses several seconds before answering* I learned that the love of a father could be enough. The Earl was a wonderful parent to me, especially after the loss of my twin brother, Randall, when we were children.

Thank you for your time, Lady Margaret. It’s been a pleasure. 

The Window to the Heart Saga Trilogy: a recountal of the trials, adventures and relationships of the family and friends of Lady Margaret. The first three books detail her journey with compelling themes of love, faith and hope with each book having a happy ending. Purchase it now on Amazon or read it for free in KU. 

Jenna headshotJenna Brandt is an avid reader and loves to read as well as write. She enjoys sharing the stories that she comes up with in her head. She has a BA in English from Bethany College, volunteers at her church on First Impressions as well as the creative writing team. She is a mother of three daughters and one little boy and a wife to a retired police officer.

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Please Welcome Christian Hundley, Lord Easton from Miss Devon’s Choice by Sally Britton

Miss Devon FRONT COVERTell me about your parents. Deceased. My mother was an Italian merchant’s daughter, my father an English lord.

Where have you lived? Italy, England

What is your Job? Viscount, Heir to the Earl of Ivyford

Is marriage in the cards for you? Arranged marriage to Miss Rebecca Devon

Tell me about you friends. At present, though it is difficult to admit, my only companion is my Vizsla, Ajax.

Overall outlook on life. Duty to the family name comes before all else, and sentiment of any sort is dangerous to one’s well-being.

Do you like yourself? At times. As I keep my own company, I find I like myself better than I like most other people.

What, if anything, would you like to change about your life? If I could have prevented smallpox from infecting myself, and my mother, I would. Then she would be alive, my father likely would too, and I might’ve stayed in Italy with them both.

How are you viewed by others? As a scarred, withdrawn, half-breed Italian. They underestimate me. One day, they will all see what I am capable of.

What do you think of your physical appearance? I tower over most Englishmen, which doesn’t help when I desire to go unnoticed in crowds. I have my mother’s dark coloring, and the scars from the disease which claimed her life. High cheekbones, brown eyes. Nothing extraordinary, in my opinion. But a certain young lady has claimed she finds me handsome.

What do people think of your voice? Deep. Bass. Is this even a question? What does it matter?

What are your Strongest and weakest character traits? I am a man of honor, a man of my word. I keep myself closed to others. Exposing my weaknesses in the past resulted in physical and emotional pain. People do not tend to enjoy being around those who are different.

How much self-control do you have? Rather a great deal. Except, it seems, when Miss Devon stubbornly engages me in conversation about our future. She somehow brings out aspects of my personality I’ve tried to keep buried. How does she manage to do that?

What is your biggest fear? Losing someone I love. I’ve been through that too many times already. It’s easier to put away the ridiculous emotion than risk that kind of pain again.

Do you have any talents? I am a talented musician, though it’s something my grandfather wouldn’t have me advertise. A violin tucked beneath my chin puts me at ease. I also enjoy rowing. At university, it was a sport I competed in. I find it relaxes me to row until my arms ache.

What do people like best about you? I haven’t the faintest idea. As I haven’t a high opinion of many people, I imagine very few even bother to consider my character. But then, I suppose my betrothed has said – and who knows what inspired the idea – that I make her feel safe. Strange.

What interests you? My music keeps me interested, but I am finding an increased desire to become involved in politics. As I will one day sit in the House of Lords, I often study current events, the MPs, and I have been following the reports on the war carefully.

What books do you enjoy? Reading is one of my favorite entertainments. I’ve enjoyed Sir Walter Scott’s adventure novels, but I’ve taken to reading a novel Miss Devon enjoys, Mansfield Park. I admit, the author’s writing shows some talent, but I much prefer something less domestic.

What would a great gift for you be? Peace and quiet. Please.

When are you happy? When I’m playing my music, or out with Ajax. I’m not sure happy would be the correct word. I am content.

What makes you angry? Arrogant Englishmen behaving as if they are the only creatures on earth with half a brain. Imbeciles.

What makes you sad? Nothing. I have long since abandoned such a useless emotion.

What makes you laugh? An insipid question. I cannot think when—oh. I suppose Miss Devon made me laugh just the other day. I cannot think when, before…. She has an infectious laugh.

What are your hopes and dreams? To return to Italy one day, see my family there. I miss them. And to perhaps create an amiable match with my betrothed.

What has been the biggest trauma in your life? I was only a child when my mother died, following my illness. All I can remember from those last days with her was pain, the fevers, nightmares. The only thing that helped, that soothed me, was the sound of her voice singing Italian lullabies. And then she grew too ill. And she was gone.

What do you care about most in the world? Upholding the family honor. What else is there?

Do you have a secret? Having a secret would imply I care what people think of me. Although. Miss Devon has been something of a surprise. I’ve written my grandfather about the suitability of the match. I’m not certain this is going to work between us.

What do you like best about the other main characters in your book? That would be Miss Devon, I suppose. She’s an intelligent young woman. I suppose some would say attractive. She laughs and is one of the most cheerful people I’ve ever met. I find it hard to imagine her happy living in my grandfather’s house. She’s kind to everyone around her. She is unfailingly honest. I admire that. So many women of the tonare secretive, or say one thing and mean another. I suppose Miss Devon has many fine qualities. Hm.

Get Miss Devon’s Choice on Amazon Now

Miss Devon’s Choice: Rebecca Devon lives under the severe eye of her aunt and the iron will of her father. Though she wears what she is told and befriends the people they choose for her, she spends every moment longing to do as she wishes. Knowing freedom will only come through marriage, her hopes for a happy union are stolen away when her father arranges her marriage to a complete stranger.

Christian Hundley, Lord Easton, has learned the hard way that English society won’t accept a person who looks or behaves differently than their ideal. He has hidden himself away from scornful eyes for years, until his aging grandfather takes matters in hand and finds Christian a bride. Knowing he must agree to the marriage, Christian shields his heart. If the whole of society cannot accept him, why should his bride?

Rebecca knows she must have love in her life, but Christian is convinced there is nothing so fraught with danger and pain as entrusting one’s heart to another. Rebecca does everything she can to change his mind, but Christian is determined to remain aloof. Can an arranged marriage ever be anything other than a business partnership?

Purchase Miss Devon’s Choice on Amazon

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Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English from Brigham Young University, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Arizona with her husband, four children, and their dog. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

 

 

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Introducing Abigail Larsen and Levi Emerson from Lawfully Wanted by Jenna Brandt

Lawfully-Wanted-GenericIf you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Levi: I would want to spend it with Abigail. I don’t care what we do as long as we are together.

Abigail: You’re sweet, Levi. (She says turning to him). I would want to spend the day with you too. Maybe, go on a picnic.

What impression do you make on people when they first meet you?

Abigail: More open now. The old me before I went away to school didn’t stand up for myself, but the new me shares my thoughts more openly.

Levi: Probably stand-offish, but it’s mostly because of the job. I have to keep myself closed-off as a bounty hunter and always on alert.

What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Abigail: I never really wanted to get married–I don’t want a man to tell me what to do, but a good marriage for me would mean my spouse treats me as his equal.

Levi: What she said (He says with a crooked grin)

What are you most proud of about your life?

Abigail: I try to be a compassionate person and help others.

Levi: I’m loyal.

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done?

Abigail: I would love to start my own local chapter for the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Levi: I’m pretty happy with my new life in Rockwood Springs. I can’t think of anything.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life? What did you learn from it?

Abigail: When my mother died, my father sent me away. I needed to be close to family, but instead ended up alone. It did make me stronger though.

Levi: Feeling I had to lie to Abigail. I didn’t realize the consequences it would have.

What are you most afraid of?

Abigail: Disappointing my father

Levi: Losing Abigail

What would you like it to say on your tombstone?

Abigail: She cared about others deeply and fought for what she believed in.

Levi: He was a good man who served God and those he loved.

If you would like to get this book for $2.99 or any of Jenna Brandt’s other books, you can visit Jenna Brandt on Amazon

13177985_10206441133811000_1529186980204341074_nAuthor Bio: Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling author who writes Christian historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western to WWI eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. Her debut series, the Window to the Heart Saga, as well as her multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Match Made in Heaven Series, have garnered praise and love from readers.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She is a contributor and curator for the website, Novel PASTimes, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Writing is her passion, but she also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, engaging in social media and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team, in the crisis care ministry as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

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Meet Mary Coffin Starbuck from Suzanne Woods Fisher’s The Light Before Day

Name: Mary Coffin Starbuck

Parents: Tristram and Dionis Coffin 

Siblings: Too many to keep track of!  

Places lived: Moved to Nantucket Island in 1660

Jobs: Wife, mother, ran a trading store for most of my life

Friends: Everyone I met 

Enemies: None that I know of, or care to know of

Dating, marriage: Married Nathaniel Starbuck when I was 17 years old; he is the love of my life 

Children: Ten children, eight of whom lived to adulthood

What person do you most admire? Peter Foulger—a true Renaissance man

Overall outlook on life: Optimistic and realistic, both

Do you like yourself? I am both content and grateful

What, if anything, would you like to change about your life? Other than losing two children to an early grave, there is nothing I lack 

How are you viewed by others? A curious question! John Richardson, an early Quaker preacher said of me, “The Islanders established her a Judge among them, for a little of moment was done without her advice.” 

Physical appearance: Small but mighty

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Once brunette, now salt and pepper

Voice: Gentle in tone, forceful in content

How would you describe yourself? As a woman who has been fortunate to find an important role to play in a man’s world  

Characteristics: Intelligent, logical; some say blessed with wisdom 

Strongest/weakest character traits: It is both—my ability to see what needs to change, and my tolerance in allowing time for change to occur

How much self-control do you have? More with every passing year

Fears: Standing at the grave of one I dearly love and facing life without them

Collections, talents: I have a quick mind for details and accounting

What people like best about you: Friends kindly refer to me as the Deborah of Nantucket

Food, drink: Mullein tea on a cold foggy Nantucket day

Books: The Bible, of course; books are scarce on an island 

Best way to spend a weekend: The same way as every other day

What would a great gift for you be? To have all my children together, under one roof…and all their children, too

When are you happy? Every single day brings a moment of joy

What makes you angry? Mistreatment of those who are less fortunate

What makes you sad? Same as what makes me angry

What makes you laugh? Little children, baby animals…oh, and my husband Nathaniel makes me laugh

Hopes and dreams:For our island to have unity, without oppression (remember, we came from the mainland, where the Puritans fined us for every little infraction)

What’s the worst thing you have ever done to someone and why? While still on the mainland, I stood by and watched friends and neighbors hurl rocks and stones at a Quaker woman 

Greatest success: When Quaker missionary John Richardson came to Nantucket in 1701 and I had a spiritual awakening

Biggest trauma: Burying two of my dear children

What do you care about most in the world?My family, my island, my faith

Do you have a secret? Oh my! There are no secrets on an island

What do you like best about the other main characters in your book?Well, they’re all my great great granddaughters!

What do you like least about the other main characters in your book? Absolutely nothing

If you could do one thing and succeed at it, what would it be:To end my life well

Most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you: Here is an example, taken straight from my journal: 

Stephen Hussey came into the store this afternoon. He settled into Father’s rocking chair by the fire and drank gallons of my mullein tea, talking to every person who came in. He carried his ear trumpet with him, which struck me as ironic for, despite being a Quaker, he is not fond of listening, only of talking. Stephen Hussey never had a thought that he couldn’t turn into a sermon. 

            Today, though, he remained quiet until the store was brimming over with customers. He rose to his feet and announced in his loud shrill voice, “I have a riddle for thee, Mary!”

The store grew quiet, all eyes turned to Stephen, as everyone enjoyed a good riddle, and he enjoyed a good audience.

“What’s gray and old and likes to be everywhere at once?”

“Nantucket fog,” I said, hoping he would now go home. 

“Nay. The answer is…Mary Coffin Starbuck!” He laughed and laughed, thoroughly amused with himself, until tears ran down his cheeks.That man! He sorely tries my patience.

Thanks for allowing this peek into your story, Mary!


Suzanne Woods Fisher
is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe’s LightMinding the Light, the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peaceand The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook at SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

Introducing Louisa from Jessica Fellowes’s Bright Young Dead

Thank you for doing this. You appear very loyal, willing to threaten your job as a nanny to defend your friend who is accused of murder. You live in an exciting time because society is changing and it appears your hopes are changing as well. 

Elise Cooper: Why did you decide to become a nanny of sorts?

Louisa Cannon:I needed to get away from London and my friend Jennie was with Miss Nancy when I bumped into her just before Christmas 1919. Miss Nancy mentioned that the nursery maid had left and they were in need of another, what with Lady Redesdale expecting another baby at the time. I thought it couldn’t be too hard to pick up what to do, and I’m good enough at sewing too, because of helping my mother with laundry and mending the linens for the big houses. 

EC: Now that many of the girls are older you have morphed into a chaperone-what is that like?

LC: Nanny Blor looks after the littlest ones, and I think because Miss Nancy and Miss Pamela and I are not too far apart in age, it was more natural for it to be me going with them to London. Although I know London, I don’t know it the way they know it. I’d never have seen the insides of some of the houses they go to, let alone the parties and the nightclubs. Sitting with Miss Nancy or Miss Pamela I hear all kinds of conversations that the likes of me would never be party to usually. 

EC: You have become an amateur sleuth-why?

LC:I didn’t mean to! But Mr. Sullivan became a friend of mine, when he was working for the railway police – he’s a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police now – got me interested. Nanny Blor’s sister knew the nurse who was murdered on the train, and that got everyone involved somehow. I didn’t really want to get caught up in it all but somehow it happened, and knowing Miss Nancy and hearing what the police were investigating. it meant I was the one who could put the pieces together I think. 

EC: Alice Diamond is a larger than life criminal-are you afraid of her?

LC:Yes, but not because I thought she would be violent. It was more that she was the most powerful woman I’d ever seen. I didn’t know a woman could command attention in a room like she could. And she does whatever she wants. I’m not saying those are necessarily good things and she’s a thief – that’s bad, of course. But there’s something amazing about seeing a woman know what she wants and go after it, with no man stopping her.

EC: Do you ever wish that you can trade places with the “Bright Young Things,” those you work for, and become part of the rich and famous?

LC:I don’t think that I want be rich and famous, I want to be myself. But I don’t see why I shouldn’t be myself and have a little of what they have sometimes. I do like those beautiful dresses. It’s all just pretend in a way, like putting wallpaper up. What you look like on the outside – does that mean that’s what you are on the inside? I don’t know. I feel sometimes like what I wear betrays me and that if someone could really see me, they’d see me in something different. But I am who I am, I can’t change that and I don’t know that I really want to. 

EC: How would you describe your relationship with Guy?

LC:Oh. That’s hard to do. I like Guy, I like him a lot. We’ve been friends for some years now and I know he has been sweet on me in the past. It’s just complicated because I want to work, and if I marry, I have to quit my job. But for Guy, life could go on just the same as before, only he’d have a wife instead of his mother doing his washing and cooking his meals. It’s an exciting time for women right now – 1925! We can go out to work and earn our own money, and not have a father or husband telling us what to do. I want some of that. 

EC: Since this is 1925 are you a supporter of women’s suffrage?

LC:Yes, of course. We’ve got the vote now – well, sort of, if you’re over 30 years old and a house owner. But it’s better than the nothing we had before. I believe in women’s rights. There aren’t enough men around since the war and women have to be able to go out to work to support themselves. 

EC: Do you think he is unusual in that he treats women as equals-considering his police partner is a woman?

LC:Yes, I think Guy is unusual, which is why I like him and why it gets complicated between us. He does show real respect for women, and he listens. Not many men do that. Though I don’t know that he’s very interested in trying to change the world, he’s quite happy to keep the status quo, I think. So he’ll be good to women but I don’t think he wants them in charge or anything like that. What man does? 

EC: Is it more fun to be around Nancy or Pamela?

LC:They’re both very different. Miss Nancy is quite sharp, you have to be careful not to be on the wrong end of her. But she can also be very funny, and a lot of fun. She’s the most daring, the most willing to try something new. If it wasn’t for Miss Nancy I wouldn’t have had the courage to go to the 43 nightclub, and I’m grateful to her for that. Miss Pamela is quieter but she’s steady and kind. The others rely on her to be their rock. If you were in trouble, Miss Pamela’s the one you’d want on your side. 

EC: What do you like doing for fun?

LC:I don’t get much time for fun but I like reading – Lady Redesdale tells me books to read for history and she is kind enough to let me borrow from their library. Otherwise, I go for long walks with the littlest girls – Debo and Decca – and I love learning more about the flowers that grow in the country. I grew up in London and didn’t see much more than the odd patch of grass and oak trees. Out here in the country you can see for miles and miles, nothing but fields and hedgerows and birds soaring in the skies. It makes me feel free. 

EC: What are your hopes and dreams?

LC:I don’t know that I dare think beyond next week. But I suppose it would be nice to think that I might be a woman of some significance somehow, one day. That seems a bit silly, I know. I had to leave school at fourteen and I don’t know any science. I’m not sure what work I might be able to do but I’m always looking about, you read about things in the newspapers that would have seemed impossible only a few years ago. 

THANK YOU!!

JESSICA FELLOWES is an author, journalist, and public speaker, best known for her five official New York Times bestselling companion books to the Downton Abbey TV series. Former deputy director of Country Life, and columnist for the Mail on Sunday, she has written for the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian, She has knowledge of the 1920s era and has now ventured into writing  a series of historical crime fiction with returning characters Louis Cannon and Guy Sullivan.