Shannon here: Carole Brown shares insight into her characters’ romance from her Romantic Mystery, Knight in Shining Apron. Comment or answer the question at the end of the post to enter the drawing for reader’s choice – kindle or print for U.S. only. International – digital only. Deadline: June 4th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carole:
Romance Interview with Characters from Knight in Shining Apron, Book 2 of the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mystery series:
- Do your hero and heroine have as favorite romantic restaurant?
Do they! When Starli Cameron’s first husband died in an accident, she inherited the insurance money and promptly opened the classiest restaurant in West Virginia: Apple Blossoms–even though she can’t cook. With live music, only the best chef and food, it’s the most popular eating establishment around. How could Starli and the new British chef–Sir Joel Peterman-Blair not consider it their favorite?
- How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
From the first, umm, rather tense meeting, Joel realized he’d met the woman of his dreams, the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. He had a long hill to climb to win her over with all the problems she’d faced in her past, but Joel was nothing if not confident he and God would be able to accomplish that.
- How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one?
Starli’s another matter. To many people, Starli comes across as a confident, accomplished, rather cold woman. Due to her unpleasant marriage with her now deceased husband, she hides behind that mask, but inside, and to her closest friends and those who are on the benefiting end of her generosity, she’s warm-hearted, kind and generous.
So, although Joel was appealing to the eye and to her emotions, she was hesitant and reluctant to even consider him as a potential possibility. Learning to trust a man, faith that God could restore her joy, and trusting are big issues for her. But slowly, and then with one final incident, Starli accepts what God–and Joel–is offering. No reservations!
- If your hero and heroine end up married, where will they go on their honeymoon?
Most definitely Italy, France and back to England to tour Joel’s homeland. Joel has the money, and he decidedly plans to spoil Starli!
- Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?
Most will say Joel because his personality is open, friendly, and a little flirtatious and fun. He’s emotionally happy and at peace with God which, of course, makes him the idea romantic.
Starli, on the other hand, grew up in a privileged home by caring, although busy, parents, but when she made the mistake of marrying her first husband, he successfully robbed her of any spontaneous joy she had. Through their married lives, he turned her into a woman who grew to fear men and who thought they couldn’t be trusted. Deep inside her is a longing to find a love such as her friend Toni DeLuca-Perrin has, but she has no faith it will happen. Joel is an attraction, but is he as good as he seems?
Only Joel’s gentleness and strength of character can win her over–if he doesn’t allow his friendliness to, uh, other females cause a rift between them that can’t be corrected.
- What’s the most romantic present your hero ever bought your heroine?
Joel might think the balloon ride they take–and it was fun–and different.
Starli on the other hand treasures the tiny ice-skating crystal charm that Joel not only gave her one time, but replaced when the first one was–never mind. If you want to know what happens to it, you’ll have to read the book. But rest assured, that present is cherished by Starli as one of her most highly treasured gifts.
About Carole: Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
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About the Book – Knight in Shining Apron:
Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.
Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?
And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?
Question for Readers: Are you the class clown type or more reserved? Introvert or Extrovert?
Thanks, Shannon, for allowing me to visit! It’s always a pleasure.
More reserved and laid back type
It’s always nice to have you, Carole 🙂
Sheila, that’s how I feel inside, but (sigh), being in ministry w/hubby, I’ve had to become more forward. Thanks so much for responding!
Definitely an introvert! Thanks for the fun interview and giveaway, Carole and Shannon!
You’re very welcome, Jerusha!
Introvert. If I’m out of my element, don’t know anyone, I stand in the corner and try to hide. If I know you, I’ll talk your ear off. If I’m in my element and know some people, I can push through, be talkative, friendly, and even do the public speaking thing. But after those days when I have to push through, I’m exhausted – even though I enjoyed myself. After a writers conference, I’m toast. On Monday – since I’m the preacher’s wife – I’m toast.
Shannon and Carole, thank you for the lively and interesting interview. I’ve read two of Carole’s previous books, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman and Sabotaged Christmas. I enjoyed both of them, though they are completely different. This one sounds like another good one. I never was the class clown type, but I’m not an introvert, either. I guess I am more in-between–whatever the occasion calls for. I am often content to sit and observe, but I can also be very out-going.
Lol, Shannon, I know the feeling. Actually, by Sunday evening, I feel lightheaded almost, relief that the day is over. That’s awful! Because I do enjoy church. 🙂
KayM, thanks for sharing your enjoyment of two of my books! I do hope you’ll enjoy this one too! Appreciate you commenting.
I think I am kinda between being an introvert or an extrovert. It depends on the situation. I enjoyed reading Carole’s post. I love her books and can hardly wait to read this one.
Thank you, dear Ann!
I have a winner! Ann Ellison won the drawing. I appreciate Carole for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by 🙂