by Roseanna White | Jun 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today we have the pleasure of meeting another heroine, this one Ada Wentworth from Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love!
Dorothy is also offering a giveaway, so to be entered, just leave a comment below with an email address. If you’re having the problem where it keeps redirecting you to a sign in page, try logging in to your account first, then coming here to comment. (This is a Google issue, so there’s unfortunately nothing I can do.) If that also fails, just shoot me an email with your comment to roseanna [at] roseannawhite [dot] com.
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About Beyond All Measure
Ada has loved deeply and lost dearly. But protecting her heart could mean missing the love of a lifetime.
Having lost her family, her fiancé, and her fortune, Ada journeys from Boston to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee to take a position as a lady’s companion. Though initially charmed by the pretty little Southern town tucked into the foothills of the great Smokies, Ads plans to stay only until she can earn enough to establish a millinery shop.
Her employer, Wyatt Caldwell, the local lumber mill owner is easily the kindest, most attractive man Ada has met in Hickory Ridge. He believes Providence has brought her to town and into his life. But how, after so many betrayals, can she ever trust again? Besides, Wyatt has a dream of his own. A dream that will one day take him far from Hickory Ridge.
As the South struggles to heal in the aftermath of the Civil War, one woman must let go of her painful past in order to embrace God’s plan for her. Can she trust Him, and Wyatt with her future and her heart?
(I so love that cover!) And now, without further ado . . .
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Hello, Ada Wentworth and thank you so much for talking with me today! To begin, could you just tell us a little bit about yourself?
It’s my pleasure, Roseanna. I was born in Boston, but spent a lot of time with my mother’s family in New Orleans when I was growing up. After my father died, I came to Hickory Ridge for a position as a lady’s companion and let’s just say, the southern Appalachians are nothing at all like Boston. It has its own charms though.
It does, at that. I’m an Appalachian girl myself, though my home’s nearer to Cumberland, Maryland. So tell me–what’s one of your most interesting traits?
My mother taught me the art of hat making. I adore hats! I love wearing them and making them for others. I’ve made quite a few for the ladies of Hickory Ridge and they turned out very well if I do say so myself.
Oh, what fun! I’m a hat lover myself. What’s your favorite indulgence?
Last year before I arrived in Hickory Ridge, I would have said going to the Boston Library or going skating with my friends, but since coming here to Hickory Ridge I can’t think of anything I love more than a quiet walk in Miss Lillian’s garden with Wyatt Caldwell, or chatting with my friends in the quilting circle, or teaching my young friend Sophie to make hats. The quietest pursuits often bring the greatest rewards.
How very true. Now . . . what do you fear more than anything else?
Oh my. Not to be rude, my dear, but that’s a bit personal on such short acquaintance, don’t you think?
Begging your pardon, Miss Wentworth–I suppose it is. Forgive me, and allow me to redirect my question. May I ask who your favorite person is in the world (whether they’re still with you or not), and why?
I adored my mother and I miss her still. She was everything I hope to be—beautiful, kind, and smart as a whip. Mother was also the one of the most wise and spiritual women I know. She certainly left me some big shoes to fill. Since her passing, and my move to Hickory Ridge, I’d have to say Wyatt Caldwell has become one of my favorite persons, too. For the same reasons—his kindness, his intelligence, and just between us girls, he has the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen. And the way he calls me darlin’ makes me….dare I say it? Weak in the knees.
Oh my, I can’t blame you. There’s nothing like a fine set of eyes! Now, pardon me if this delves into the too-personal again, but I always ask this of my interviewees. If you could change one part of your past, undo one decision, what would it be?
I never would agree to marry Edward. Falling in love with him was the biggest mistake of my life.
I appreciate you sharing. Now allow me to ask a more lighthearted question. If you could travel anywhere, to any time, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to my childhood in New Orleans, to those warm spring evenings with my cousins and my aunts, sipping lemonade in the cool shade of the magnolia trees and watching the moonlight playing on the river.
That sounds positively delightful! What’s the most surprising thing someone has ever said about you?
Miss Lillian, who was none too happy about my coming here to care for her, told me she thought I’d make a Southern girl after all. We had our differences, especially at first, but we became friends despite the difference in our ages. She’s another one I miss. I imagine her and my mother in Heaven, watching over me. It brings me comfort to think of it.
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Thanks so much for chatting with us, Ada and Dorothy! I love getting to know the characters like this. =) Now here’s a bit about Ada’s creator.
About Dorothy
Dorothy Love is the author of the Hickory Ridge series, historical novels set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains region of her native Tennessee. Her well-researched, heartwarming stories of small town Southern life, faith, friends, and family reflect the emotions, concerns, and values of women everywhere.
When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Doro loves hiking and hanging out with her husband Ron and their two golden retrievers, Major and Jake. Lifelong avid travelers, the Loves have explored the cities and the back country of New Zealand, photographed the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands, traversed the Panama Canal, explored Bermuda on motor scooters, and combed the best beaches in Hawaii and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
For more than twenty years they have collected antique maps depicting their many ports of call, chiefly those maps by 19th century mapmaker and engraver John Rapkin. Published by John Tallis of London, Rapkin’s maps in the 1851 edition of Tallis’ Illustrated Atlas are among the most visually appealing of the Victorian age. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.
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Check out Dorothy’s website at http://dorothylovebooks.com!
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 6/28/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Jun 20, 2011 | Word of the Week
There are times when I use a word, when I remember distinctly seeing it in older books, but when it isn’t until I look up its etymology that I remember the subtle differences that have evolved in said word over time.
Ecstatic is one of those.
I remember learning this word back in the day and just loving it because it perfectly captured that excitement of good things. No one bothered telling me that it wasn’t always that way.
Ecstatic has been around since the 1590s, but at that point in time it meant “mystically absorbed, stupefied.” So one was ecstatic in relation to things beyond one’s ken. Over the next 70 years it became “characterized by deep emotion.” This is certainly closer to what we know, but there was at that point no connotation of the pleasant.
This is how I’ve seen it used in older works of literature. And isn’t it funny how realizing that difference can change your understanding of something? If we read an old book, and a distressed character is described as “ecstatic” in her upset, we might be a little confused. And think, “Waaaaiiiiiiiit a minute. If she’s upset, how is she ecstatic?”
Well, now we know. She’s just deeply upset, very emotional.
Personally, I’d rather be the modern kind, LOL. And on a personal note, I just spend an amazing weekend in Niagara Falls celebrating my 10th anniversary with my hubby. I’ll probably share some of our fun experiences on Thursday, along with some pictures. And on Wednesday I’ll likely be sharing the arrival of a very fun item that was waiting for me in the mail when we got home. =)
Have a great week everybody! And if you’re inclined, say a prayer for me today. I have some major changes on the horizon of my writing career and need the Lord’s guidance before any decisions are made.
by Roseanna White | Jun 17, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today, on my 10th anniversary no less (grins), I’m welcoming K. Dawn Byrd to my blog to talk about her latest novel, a young adult e-book called Mistaken Identity.
The author has graciously offered a gift card for a free download of this novel, so to be entered to win, just leave a comment below with your email address! (If you have problems getting the comment to take, email it to me at roseanna [at] roseannawhite [dot] com.)
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About Mistaken Identity
Eden Morgan longs for a boyfriend of her own, an impossible goal when her best friend, Lexi Branson, gets all the attention and all the guys. When they fall in love with the same guy, Eden believes she doesn’t have a chance. She can only hope that sometimes the good girl gets the guy.
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About K. Dawn
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Mistaken Identity, her first young adult romance released on June 15 from Desert Breeze Publishing. Queen of Hearts, a WWII romantic suspense released in April 2010 and was the bestselling book for her publisher during its debut month. Killing Time, a contemporary romantic suspense, released August 1, also with Desert Breeze Publishing.
K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which are signed by the authors. She’s also the moderator of the popular facebook Christian Fiction Gathering group.
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What’s your latest book?
Mistaken Identity just released from Desert Breeze Publishing on June 15, 2011. Here’s a bit more about it:
Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn’t have a chance.
Channing Johnson is everything Eden’s ever dreamed of and she can’t believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she’s overjoyed…until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they’re in love.
Eden doesn’t know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.
Boy, that takes me back! LOL. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
My favorite genre to read is romantic suspense. My favorite genre to write is whatever I’m the mood to write when I set down at the keyboard.
What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
Someone once told me that my voice was very therapeutic and soothing.
I should have asked for a recording of something so we could hear for ourselves. 😉 What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
I actually spent time in my dream office last week. It’s the balcony of a hotel overlooking the ocean. I wrote every day as the tide rolled in.
Oo, that sounds perfect. I’ll be on the balcony next door, of course . . . . Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?
It’s not really a reference, but it is a “thing.” I can not write without my netbook.
Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
My husband is a great help to me. We walk our dogs every night and we plot what I’m going to write next. He’s not a writer, but he enjoys brainstorming with me.
Definitely invaluable–mine does the same.
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Thanks so much for visiting! Readers, I’ve heard only great things about K. Dawn’s books, so definitely check her out, and all her fabulous giveaways!
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 6/24/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Jun 16, 2011 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Yesterday started like any other. Namely, with the kids calling, “Mommy! Mooooommmmmyyyyyy! I ready to get uuuuuupppppp!” Followed by getting them each what felt like 10 breakfasts, blogging, torturing myself with exercise . . . you know, the norm.
When I finally got down to writing business, it was to an email from a friend of mine with some awesome news of a contract. (Can’t tell you who because it’s still on the down-low.) She was one of the loudest squealers when I announced my deal with Summerside for Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, so I naturally squealed pretty loudly for her, too. In the course of our frantic back-and-forth emails, she asked me how some of my other proposals were faring.
Which, naturally, reminded me of one I hadn’t sent out that I really felt I should before the weekend. So, while chewing on what needed to change in a scene of Annapolis, I went into this other proposal and made a few changes. Debated a few recommended changes that I just couldn’t come up with a good way to include, and finally tossed my hands in the air and said, “Phooey! I’m sending it.”
And I did. Thinking something along the lines of, “I’ll work more on it later before sending it elsewhere. This editor probably won’t have time to read it for a while anyway, I know she’s busy . . .”
Meanwhile (amid getting the kids 10 lunches each–I swear that’s how it feels sometimes, LOL) I worked on my edits. Made some decent progress, and I feel good about where I am on those right now. So when, an hour later, I got an email asking me to call this editor, I was a little surprised. Okay, a lot surprised. And when I was on the phone with her and heard how much she loved this proposal I’d just sent, I was more than surprised. I was floored. Delighted. Thrilled. Ecstatic.
Now, this isn’t a contract or anything, but it was an amazing way to get my energy up, lemme just tell you! What writer doesn’t like to hear that someone loves her work? And if that someone’s an editor . . .?? Well. Yeah. Awesome.
More craziness ensued that I won’t get into here and now, but let’s just say that by the end of the day, I looked back and thought, “Wow, really? Can’t say as I expected all that when I woke up this morning!” It was a day of encouragement and promise. A day of Joy and a bittersweet ending/new beginning (the other craziness). A day that really showed me that I’m doing what I need to be doing, and that the Lord is ever guiding me exactly where I need to go.
I’m so overwhelmed by all He’s given me. And so I give it back to Him, and pray He use it for His will, above all.
Hope everyone’s having a great week!
by Roseanna White | Jun 15, 2011 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
I’m such a geek. Yes, I admit it. I’m not just the type that will look up random histories of things as I go throughout my day (I mean, surely I’m not the only one who wants to know who in the world developed cotton candy, right? A dentist, by the way–figure that one out, LOL). I’m the type who looks forward to looking up history when I’m visiting a new place.
Examples? Sure, why not. We’ll start with a familiar place, like the Outer Banks of NC. I love those beaches. I’ve gone every year since I was about 12, so it feels like a second home to our families. Naturally, I’ve picked up a bit of the island’s history along the way. But lately I’ve been craving more. Imagining what awesome books about the Outer Banks of the past might be on a rental house’s coffee table this year. Knowing I could a few internet searches and answer some of my questions, but wanting rather to get the history while there. To feel it, see it, breathe it.
Example the second: hubby and I are planning a trip to Niagara Falls. I’ve never been, know very little about them. But I’m plotting how our romantic anniversary trip could be stretched to include a little history-taking. I mean, surely there’s a story to be told set there! And surely it’ll hit me while I’m there, absorbing the place and its past. Right? I mean, did you know that the caves behind the falls were built into them in the late 1800s? I’d assumed they were natural and man just added the convenience, but nope. Totally made for tourists. Fun, huh?
So yeah. There you have it. I may just have to join a History Lovers Anonymous. I can only imagine how fun those meetings might be! 😉
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.