What 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 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.

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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Tell 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

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.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SallysSweetRomanceFans/

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Webpage: http://www.authorsallybritton.com

If 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

Author 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

Her reader’s club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

The Lawkeepers’ reader’s group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

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Novel PASTimes: Can you tell me about your parents?

Abby: Dead

Novel PASTimes: Do you have siblings?

Abby: Dead, as far as I know, or worse

Novel PASTimes: How would you describe yourself?

Abby: I’m nobody special. I’m too pale, almost sickly looking, compared to that young nanny the Babbitts hired. I’m someone who’s been knocked about by life, but I’m still standing, crooked though I might be.

Novel PASTimes: What are your fears?

Abby: Children are a blessing from God, but after being with child six times in nine years, I’m plumb worn out. My body can’t handle another one.

Novel PASTimes: What do people like best about you?

Abby: I’m a good cook, nothing fancy, just plain, hearty food.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your favorite food and drink?

Abby: Well, who doesn’t love fried chicken, dumplings, dressing, and butterbeans, with biscuits fresh from the oven? Biscuits are probably my favorite, cooked in an iron skillet. Take a hot one off the plate, slather it with freshly churned butter, and add a little apple jelly, and there ain’t nothing better.

Fried apple tarts are a close second. Why, they’re just biscuit dough filled with apples and fried up — almost like that biscuit with jelly.

For drink, I reckon a fresh glass of buttermilk.

Novel PASTimes: Do you read books?

Abby: I never had much time for reading, not with all the work I’ve had to do — cleaning house, doing laundry, taking care of babies. Being pregnant six times in nine years took a toll on me. With young’ns around all the time, pulling on my apron strings, I never found much time to read.

Novel PASTimes: What would a great gift for you be?

Abby: Well, Joshua gave me the perfect gift. After my husband ran off, and the doc wanted me off my feet for the last month of my confinement, I figured I could at least do a little sewing. Joshua bought me a sewing basket. Not only the basket but all colors of thread and lots of needles and thimbles — he overdid it, but it about made my heart burst wide open.

Novel PASTimes: When are you happy?

Abby: I’ve had a rough life but there’s been some happy moments. My husband didn’t like crying children, and I often walked down to the pasture where the horses are kept. Funny thing, those horses quieted down my children, and somehow, quieted my spirit, too.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing you have ever done to someone and why?

Abby: I swung a frying pan upside a fella’s head. He deserved it, but I didn’t kill him.

Novel PASTimes: Do you have a secret?

Abby: Yes, no one knows what happened to me ’cause I ain’t ready to talk about it yet.

Novel PASTimes: Most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.

Abby: My husband ran off with the Babbitts housekeeper. You know how folks are. I heard their whispers, blaming me for not keep my husband happy at home, all except for Joshua and his family. They’ve been dear friends to me.

You can purchase Abby and Joshua on Amazon.

Excerpt from Abby and Joshua

Mrs. Franklin entered her room with a young lady. “I’d brought Miss Williams by to meet you.”

Abby’s heart sank. Miss Williams couldn’t have been more than twenty and had a vibrant beauty. Her aqua-colored eyes contrasted with her dark, glossy hair, mostly pulled sedately back in a bun. Sprigs of curly hair framed her perfect face. Rosy cheeks and naturally pink lips made her a picture of health and vitality. Abby touched her own lips, remembering how pale they’d appeared only a minute before when she’d seen herself in the mirror.

She became aware the two ladies awaited her response. “How do you do, Miss Williams? Please let me know if my children do not attend properly to their lessons.”

“Oh, I’ve met your children! They’ll do fine, I’m sure. And such beautiful children! Your daughter looks so much like you.”

“Thank you,” she said automatically. She wasn’t sure Miss Williams spoke the truth. Susie looked a lot like George as did Tait. Wade favored her the most.

“I’m so sorry you’re confined to bed. I’ll come back to visit when I can,” Miss Williams said.

Abby smiled and nodded. “Your company would be a pleasure.”

“I must hurry back to the children now. We begin our first lesson today. It was so nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrington.” Miss Williams gave a smile, revealing straight white teeth and hurried away.

Mrs. Franklin fetched the breakfast tray and set it across Abby’s knees. “Now, what would you like to talk about?”

“Are you from around here?” Abby asked.

“About ten miles south, as the crow flies. My husband and I had a small place, big enough for the two of us. God never blessed us with children. My husband passed last year, and I moved into town. When I saw this place needed a cook, I knew the Lord truly answers prayer. So, here I am!” She beamed at Abby and without prompting continued. “When I heard children lived here and a baby, with another on the way, my joy could not be contained. I love the wee ones so!”

A nod and smile was all that was needed for Mrs. Franklin to prattle on. Abby ate her breakfast, one of the best meals she’d ever tasted, and thought of Joshua. Miss Williams would be perfect for him. She was beautiful and young, and most importantly, not encumbered with a bushel of children. Why would Abby even think for a moment he’d be interested in her?

Any attention he’d shown was simple pity. Her husband had run off with the housekeeper, and gossip was rampant on the ranch. He’d merely felt sorry for her and tried to be kind. Obviously, he was a God-fearing man.

Anyway, if she did like him, as she admitted she did, she’d only want his happiness at heart. Miss Williams would make him far happier than she ever could. And once he got a look at her, he’d never give Abby a second glance.

About the Author: At the age of ten, Sheila Hollinghead discovered a treasure trove of books hiding in the furnace room of her family’s house. These books, westerns, mysteries, fantasy, and the classics, opened her mind to the power of story.

Being the daughter of a soldier, she lived many places, none home until she returned to south Alabama. She lives with her husband, three dogs, and two cats near the farms where her ancestors lived and loved.

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