Novel PASTimes: If you were sent to a deserted island what three things would you take?

Adam: My Bible, a pocket knife, and a letter from Karen.

Novel PASTimes: Do you have a hidden talent?

Adam: I’m great at blending in and getting people to trust me. I guess it comes with the territory, being a former spy.

Novel PASTimes: Do you have a habit you wish you could break?

Adam: Not trusting people. Because of my training, I tend to always suspect people have hidden motives for their actions.

Novel PASTimes: What features do you like the most about yourself?

Adam: I’m loyal and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people I love.

Novel PASTimes: What feature do you dislike the most about yourself?

Adam: *averts his eyes* I wish I could change my choices when I was young. I let people manipulate me into doing their bidding even though I should have objected to what they wanted me to do.

Novel PASTimes: Do you have a hobby?

Adam: I like to work with my hands. I built an entire farmhouse for Karen and I to live in once we were married.

Novel PASTimes: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Adam: I hate when people get involved in a situation which is none of their business.

Novel PASTimes: What is your favorite food?

Adam: I’m partial to anything Karen cooks or bakes. *a giant grin forms on his mouth* I especially love her “Apple Brown Betty.”

Novel PASTimes: Tell me something no one else knows about you?

Adam: I was a spy and was trained to infiltrate and deceive. I hurt a lot of people in the line of duty and I wish I could take it back. I try to make up for what I did every day by being a good person and helping others in Rockwood Springs.

Novel PASTimes: If I asked you to write an entry in your journal what would it be about?

Adam: I’ve been trained not to write anything down. I keep everything up here. *taps the side of head* 

Novel PASTimes: What is your idea of a perfect day?

Adam: I love picnicking with the Webber Family in the surrounding meadows in Rockwood Springs.

Get Promised by a Soldier on Amazon: Before America entered the Great War, Clara and Adam were set to be married but everything was put on hold when Adam was conscripted to join the military. Clara, along with her family, wait in Rockwood Springs, Texas, for the safe return of the soldier they all love. After being forced to return to a life Adam tried to leave behind, he is taken prisoner. What keeps him alive is the thought of returning to his true love, Clara. Though miraculously rescued, Adam must come to terms with what happened to him while captive. After his return, the couple must face new obstacles to find their happily-ever-after

Get Courted by a Soldier on Amazon: Elizabeth Reed is best friends with Clara Webber and has grown up around her brother Garrett. Recently, an attraction has surfaced between the friends, but as the new relationship starts to form, problems caused by the Great War and its aftermath, have reached a boiling point for the Reed family, leaving little room for Elizabeth to focus on love. Garrett wants to be a soldier and fight in the Great War, but his family is against him joining the military. The only thing he wants more that serving with honor is to marry Elizabeth Reed, but their relationship can’t progress with her father refusing to let them be together. Frustrated, Garrett makes a hasty decision that will change all their lives forever. Will the Great War destroy the future the couple hopes to plan together?

Jenna Brandt’s website: www.jennabrandt.com

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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Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

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Jenna Brandt is a Christian historical fiction author and her books span from the Victorian to Western to WWI eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith. Her debut book, The English Proposal, released in May 2017 and it is the first book in her series, The Window to the Heart Saga. Book 2, The French Encounter released in June 2017, the third in the series, The American Conquest, released in July 2017, the fourth book, The Oregon Pursuit, released in October 2017 and her novella, The Christmas Bride, from the same series, is set to release in the Christmas anthology, Under the Mistletoe.

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. She’s an on-going contributor for The Mighty Website and her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

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 as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

We’re so happy to have Duncan McKnapp take a break from his travels of wild Florida to visit with Novel PASTimes.

Novel PASTimes: Duncan, welcome to Novel PASTimes! Can you tell me where you come from and where you live now?

 Duncan: Thank you for letting me be part of Novel PASTimes! I never thought anyone would be interested in anything I have to say. My brothers always thought I was beyond help. Ha! Well … where did I come from? I was born in the rolling mountains above Dahlonega, Georgia. The place is called, Beckler’s Cove. It sure is beautiful there. I miss it. Right now, I call central Florida my home. Kinda wish I didn’t claim this swamp as a home. Seems like I’m either sweating, swatting bugs, tripping over alligators, or tramping through snake-filled, warm water.

 Novel PASTimes: I don’t think that sounds like much fun!

I heard you father passed away. I’m so sorry for your loss. How are you coping with your grief right now?

 Duncan: Yeah, he passed on to his reward. He was a good man. How am I coping with his death? Not very good for a tough woodsman. Staying in the swamps or hiding in the woods, refraining from contact with other humans is how I can heal. When he died, I barely made it home in time to be at his mountain funeral. There was so much I should have said to him, while I had the chance—in earlier years. I guess I was always at odds with my father. But I loved him. Loved and respected him. Know what I mean?

 Novel PASTimes: Which of your Dahlonega, Georgia brothers is your favorite and why?

Duncan: Ahh, I don’t have a favorite! That wouldn’t be nice! Jim always kept me “in line”. He could be tough. Samuel had a gentle spirit about him. Phillip was too young for me to connect with. I guess Jim would be my favorite, that’s because we were closest in age, and he sure could make me feel remorse for my sins. I miss Jim. I can’t sit and talk with him, no more. But I feel his presence with me in the woods, and I hear his chiding when I do stupid things.

 Novel PASTimes: I hear you are friends with Ella Dessa. Are you sweet on her? Or are you interested in another girl?

Duncan:  When I was too young to be smart, I was in love with a girl named Fern—like the feathery, green plant you’d find in the mountains. I wanted to be with her all the time. I hurt her. Messed it up. I didn’t open my mouth and say the words, “I love you!” Ella Dessa is a sweetheart. I don’t think any man alive wouldn’t fall in love with her. She makes a man long to have a wife just like her. She has a soul of gold. But I always knew she wasn’t for me, but I once tried to catch her attention.

Novel PASTimes: What made you decide to leave the farm?

Duncan: Ahh, I hated farm work. Who wants to milk cows all their life? I like being a free man. I like beautiful women and exploring new land. Florida has always pulled at my heartstrings … if there’s such a thing in me. I’m amazed at the white beaches and rolling waves on the shores. I like the natives. I like warm weather, and I don’t mind huge alligators. They make a man watch where he steps or wades, but keeps a man on his toes. You see, I tend to go barefooted a lot. And by living in Florida, not many people are goin’ to go searching for me. It’s too wet, too hot, too muggy, too wild, and too dangerous. I can let my wooly, red hair grow long, and no woman demands I cut it off.

 Novel PASTimes: You sound very independent, but despite that, do you still miss your family? Why or why not?

 Duncan: Let’s keep this question to ourselves. Yes, I miss them more than ever, as the years roll on. Miss my mother the most. She held our family together. I miss my father, because he taught us boys how to be a good man—even though I didn’t follow his teachings all that well. I miss my brothers and my sisters, because I counted on them to keep me straight. They were the homemade glue that cemented me to my past and who I was supposed to become. But a man makes his own way in life. Sometimes he lets go of the things most important … like family.

 Novel PASTimes: What would you like to do for the rest of your life? Do you have any goals?

 Duncan: Goals … hmm. Most people who know me would say, “He ain’t got no goals. Duncan has left the good life behind. He’s left the mountains, left his home, and chased away the love of his life.” But they don’t know the future. There’s one young woman I’m going to track down. I need to ask her forgiveness for something in the past. And … I’ll let you know one thing. This thing I tell you is between you and me … not for the world to know. I think I know where that one young woman ran off to. In the future, I may see if I can find her. I need to see how her life has turned out. And if there are second chances in this world, I just might change my ways, in order to let her know how much I’ve always loved her.

Karen Campbell Prough’s love of the 1900’s fuels her stories of a bygone era. She is the author of short stories as well as a series of three books,
which include: The Girl Called Ella Dessa, Within the Candle’s Glow, and With This Peace. She and her husband live in Florida, near the beautiful Peace River–
the setting for With This Peace.

Novel PASTimes: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Debbey: I would love to go horseback riding. I’m quite good at it, growing up in the American frontier.

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

Debbey: Oh, my, I suppose they think I’m bubbly and nice. Or at least when I was at home in West Linn. Probably now that I am in England, I feel out of place so I’m quiet.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Debbey: Two people who love each other and love God.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most proud of about your life?

Debbey: I’m proud of my relationship with God and how I treat others.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most ashamed of in your life?

Debbey: That I didn’t trust Lucy when I first met her. I judged her and didn’t think she was good enough for my brother.

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

Debbey: Have children.

Novel PASTimes: Tell me about your best friend.

Debbey: My best friend is Amelie Leclaire back in West Linn, Oregon. I had to leave her behind when my husband’s father and brother got sick and we had to travel to England to help with the family affairs. I miss her dearly.

Novel PASTimes: What would you like it to say on your tombstone?

Debbey: She was a good and kind wife, mother, and friend.

Novel PASTimes: Describe your ideal mate.

Debbey: Have you met Lord William Almonbury, the new Viscount Braybridge? *She giggles* I’m still not use to calling my husband that. He’s tall, blond hair, blue-eyed, funny and a strong Christian. I adore him.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most afraid of?

Debbey: William thinking I can’t fit into his world.

Jenna Brandt is a Christian historical fiction author and her books span from theVictorian to Western to WWI eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith. Her debut book, The English Proposal, released in May 2017 and it is the first book in her series, The Window to the Heart Saga. She has 6 other books in the series, the newest book in the series, The Viscount’s Wife, is releasing on January 29th, 2018. She also has a WWI trilogy in the FSC kindle world.

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. She’s an on-going contributor for The Mighty Website and her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

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 as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

She is offering the first two chapters of each of her books along with the short story, The White Wedding, for free on Wattpad.

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 street team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/273698996371454/

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

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Novel PASTimes: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Kate: I would read the day away, preferably with my best friend Addie to discuss what we learned. We love having philosophical talks about the meaning of things.

Now that I’ve spent time on Domingo’s idyllic family homestead, if I couldn’t have Addie for company, I’d enjoy being with the sheep out in the pasture, and with le Chien, the dog.

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

Kate: Hmm…they probably think I’m flighty. But they have no idea how thoroughly I think things through—then when it comes time to act, I’m pretty decisive.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Kate: Being friends before you become romantically involved, so you really know each other well from the outset. To be honest, Alexandre and I never really spent much time together, even after we were married. Our love stayed strong when he deployed with the RAF, but we had not lived together even a year. I think our marriage would have lasted, but sometimes think we might have had a stronger foundation.

Traipsing all over the mountains together, sweating together, and experiencing the same very real dangers created a bond between Domingo and me. He’d seen me in rag-tag clothes and unkempt hair, exhausted and fearful. I knew what he was like—really like—when he feared for his mother and brother’s life.

So I’d say being REAL together is vital, and going through some rough times before you say “I do.”

Novel PASTimes: What are you most proud of about your life?

Kate: I gleaned from others, like my Aunt Alvina and Mrs. Tenney and Domingo’s mother, what it meant to have a home. But it’s another thing to make a home for your own family.

Since I grew up as an only child with just my Aunt, I wanted to become the best wife and mother possible, but lacked role models. Still, the way things have turned out, I think I did fairly well with out three children.

Novel PASTimes: What do you believe about God?

Kate: I could go on and on. Through thick and then, I’ve experienced God watching over me. I’ve done some stupid things in my time, and still enjoyed safety and protection. Then when the war took me to Southern France, my trust grew through facing a whole lot more danger from the Gestapo, and from random people who might be connected with them.

It was hard to know whom to trust, and I felt very alone at times. But I can’t believe meeting Domingo was a coincidence, nor was spending so much time with his parish priest. Even though I experienced betrayal, the kindness of many strangers nurtured me through my clandestine work—I see this all as the hand of God upon my life.

I made some deep friendships during the war—and even discovered someone I wanted to marry. For some time after Alexandre’s death, I thought I’d never want that again, but getting to know Domingo changed my perspective. For this, I’ll always give credit to our Creator.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life?

Kate: That would be becoming an orphan when I was very young. This circumstance left me with never-ending questions about my moorings. Often I feel adrift and restless, and wonder what it would be like to have a real home, with a nuclear family you’d always interacted with, parents there every time you needed them.

Novel PASTimes: Tell me about your best friend.

Kate: Addie is the purest soul I’ve ever known. She’s true to her word, loyal to a fault, and humble—sometimes too humble. By that I mean she puts others before herself, even when she ends up getting hurt. I’ve always encouraged her to stand up for herself and believe she deserves the best treatment.
In this final book of the series, readers discover a brighter phase of Addie’s life, after all she went through with her husband Harold. I was so glad to hear about her relationship with Charles when I returned to London—nothing makes me happier than to know she was enjoying life.
Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone? Why?

Kate: Oh, this is easy. When I was young and in love with Alexandre, an exciting Canadian who came to Iowa to visit us, I eventually eloped with him. At the time, it seemed so right, of course! We really were in love, and both knew the war would tear us apart soon enough.

But I have yet to forgive myself for how much that action must have hurt my dear aunt Alvina, who had provided a wonderful home for me after my parents were killed. She’d put up with a lot from my independent nature, already.

But to make matters worse, I also skipped out on my high school graduation. I can’t imagine how disappointed she must’ve been when she realized I had left town. She’d have worried, and then, when she found my note, I picture her dropping on my bed and wiping away tears. Why, when she’d offered to send me to college, would I do such an impetuous thing?

Novel PASTimes: What would you like it to say on your tombstone?

Kate: During World War II, we talked about “doing our bit” for the war effort. She Did Her Bit would work just fine. But in a broader sense I might rather have my tombstone say, “Forgiven.” What a powerful word! My treks through the wild back country of

Southern France taught me a lot about what it means to be forgiven—and to forgive.

When Eugene, the radio operator of the first circuit I worked with, betrayed us all to the Gestapo, I don’t think forgiveness came to anybody’s mind. Who knows how many suffered—even died—because of his treachery? You can imagine that as the years have passed, I’ve never forgotten him, and often wondered if he understood the amount of pain he caused.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most afraid of?

Kate: I’m afraid of disappointing people. When I say I’ll do something, I want to keep my word to the last letter. I don’t want to have it said that my link in the chain is the weakest one.

When Gail Kittleson’s not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in an edit, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. She also facilitates writing and creativity workshops, both in Iowa and Arizona, where she and her husband spend part of the winter in the amazing Ponderosa pine forest under the Mogollon Rim. Favorites: walking, reading, meeting new people, hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.

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Novel PASTimes: Ness, tell us about your people, the Catuvellauni. I’ve never heard of them!

Ness: The Catuvellauni are a Celtic tribe in Britannia. The Romans conquered us decades ago. We are farmers not warriors now. For the most part, we live at peace with the Romans, but Britannia’s new legate, Vocula, is an overweening tyrant. He raised taxes again. My village is suffering.

 Novel PASTimes: How did you meet the Tribune Aquilus?

Ness: I didn’t really. He was just there. It all happened so quickly. Must we speak about this? I used up every last ligula of patience I have with him months ago. Ecce the man could make Zeno, father of stoicism, lose all stoic calm. Also, if I ever meet Zeno, I’d like to ring the man’s neck.

Oh, you’ve never heard about stoicism. Let me explain the Stoic philosophy. Let’s say you’re in a difficult situation, perhaps your horse fell in a ditch, or you left your wife for months on end without so much as writing a letter, or you made a life-altering decision about your son without even asking your wife’s opinion. Stoicism prompts a person to think, what would a normal, empathetic human being do in this situation? Very well, let’s make sure we never do that. Can I just paint on some wode and scream like a berserker right now? If you haven’t guessed, Aquilus is a stoic.

Novel PASTimes: What made you decide to marry him?

Ness: Not my finest moment. How about we talk about my horse, such a beautiful creature, or the sheep farm I’m planning, or really anything in the empire besides why I married that man. Have I no wits?

 Novel PASTimes: Can you tell us about where you and Aquilus live?

Ness: People mill everywhere, bumping against each other, sending up a stench, helping the Italian sun overheat the capital of the known world, Rome. The people here are spiteful. The women hate me. They pass judgment on me because I’m a Celt and label me as a savage barbarian. I miss Britannia. I miss my sister and my best friend.

 Novel PASTimes: How is marriage to a man from a different people, with different values going for you?

Ness: I’m getting a divorce. Does that answer your questioon? 

Novel PASTimes: So, ah, not going so well. Do you love Aquilus? What do you think your marriage holds in store? Is there any hope?

Ness: I thought I did, I mean . . . I’m starting to cry now. I never do this. I don’t cry. It’s like he doesn’t even care I exist. Why doesn’t he care? I had so many dreams for him and me. It was all supposed to be, well, different. Does that make sense?

I mean, who on their wedding day plans for divorce? I tried very hard to make things work. He hates me. In truth, he does. Nothing I ever do pleases him and he’s obsessed with the glory of Rome.

If he does hate me though, then why doesn’t the stulte man just sign the divorce papers I’ve been thrusting at him? He refuses to. In Rome with confereatio usus marriage, the husband has to give the wife permission to divorce him. That’s the most woman-hating law I know. Celts do things much differently, I’ll have you know. Anyway, Aquilus refuses to sign the divorce papers and I cannot comprehend why.

Why won’t he? Could he still love me?

I’m done contorting my wits over this. Self-reflection is not my strong point. I don’t know why you’d want to read my story really. It’s a catastrophe, maybe I’m a catastrophe too. Personally, though I think it’s probably Aquilus who is the most a catastrophe. Or, I don’t know, just read my story if you care to. Romance novels always have a happy ending, they say, but I don’t see how that could possibly work out in my story. Maybe if I marry Cedric.

Novel PASTimes: Hmm . . . I guess we’ll leave it there, Ness. Thanks for taking the time for the interview with us.

Novel PASTimes: What is your favorite thing to do?

Tilly: I am the personal maid to Mrs. Martha Baxter. When I came to the Baxter Homestead, I didn’t have much thought of what they would do. I just knew they had taken me in when I had nowhere left to go. They gave me the job, and I really like it! I love working hard for a good woman, and I especially love the nights when Mrs. Baxter and I sit out on the porch and watch the ranch hands doing their last-minute chores, listening to cattle low in the distance and just talking about life.

Novel PASTimes: What impression do you make on others when they first meet you?

Tilly: You know, I never thought about that! I guess I really don’t know. I hope they think I’m a good person, and one who speaks my mind. I spent so much time being silent and afraid, I just want people to know I’m not afraid anymore. I’m not silent.

Novel PASTimes: What is the most important thing you look for in a man?

Tilly: My goodness, you do ask a lot of questions about things I barely think of! I suppose that my idea of a man would be. . . strong, but kind. I love to watch. . . well, there’s this one ranch hand named Paul, and he can pick up more in his one hand than most men can pick up with both arms. So he’s strong as a bull, but when he smiles, you just know he’s thinking the best about you. . . and the best for you, which is even better.

Novel PASTimes: What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

Tilly: I ran away from Poppa.

Novel PASTimes: What is your greatest shame?

Tilly: That it took so long for me to run away.

Novel PASTimes: Do you believe in God?

Tilly: Absolutely! I must admit that in my darkest days there were times when I felt He maybe wasn’t paying too much attention to me. But I do believe in Him, and that he answers prayers. . . just not always in the way we want him to. Which is fine, because when that happens the answer is always better than the one we hoped for!

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing that ever happened to you?

Tilly: Living with Poppa. It wasn’t just that he beat me and basically made me a slave, it’s that he kept me hidden away from everyone. Well, hidden isn’t the right word. He pretended I was there, pretended we were just normal, friendly folk. But every time someone came to make friends with me, or to ask me if I’d like to go with them to a church social, Poppa would scare them away right quick. It was terrible, to be so alone.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most afraid of?

Tilly: That Poppa will find me again.

Novel PASTimes: What do you like best about living on the Baxter Homestead?

Tilly: Well, it’s the first place I’ve ever been free! And there’s Mrs. Baxter, and. . . well. . . and Paul.

More about Found in Flight: Book 2 in The Baxter Romances

Only a woman with a broken heart can show a broken man how to live. Tilly Carver is a woman on the run. After a lifetime under the control of her cruel father, she has finally fled. But running does not mean you leave all your problems behind. After being saved from a gruesome death while on the run, she accompanies the young Clayton Baxter to his family’s home: the Baxter Homestead. But Tilly’s troubles are far from over. As Clayton begins to show his true colors as a cowardly, conniving villain, Tilly finds herself thrust deeper and deeper into intrigue and even danger.

Luckily, though, there are people looking out for her. Mrs. Baxter – Clayton’s mother and a tornado of a woman – has adopted her as one of the family. Clayton’s brother, Adam, loves her like a sister. And then there is Paul. A man of mystery, who showed up at the homestead not long after Tilly, he is always there. . . watching her, protecting her, perhaps even. . . loving her? She does not know. No one knows who Paul really is, or where he came from. She only knows that he is the strongest man she has ever known, and the only man with whom she has ever felt safe. She only knows that Paul understands her, because he also is on the run from a past he only wants to forget.

But the past is never really gone. And as Tilly’s and Paul’s past lives reach out to threaten them once more, they both realize that they can only find safety with each other. They can only find happiness in the arms of someone who understands what they have gone through, and what they have done. They can only find love if they stop running, and face what is coming. . . together.

You can contact Angelica Hart on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, or Amazon pages. She would also love for you to join Angie’s Friends (mailing list): Text “hartauthor” to 444999.