Shannon here: Historical romance author, Catherine Richmond shares her interview with her fictional character Susannah from her latest release, Spring for Susannah. Two giveaways this week, Ronie Kendig’s Firethorn (military suspense) and Audrey Hebbert’s Green Light Red Light (Young Adult). Every time you comment on this post, your name goes in both drawings. Deadline: March 3, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Catherine:
- What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?
He gave me time. You see, I’m a mail-order bride. Jesse and I had only exchanged a few letters before I had to come out to Dakota Territory and marry him. His offer to court me was a gift I didn’t expect or deserve, but it’s made the best marriage!
- Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
I’d have to say our homestead. It’s where we’re growing our family and our farm… and our love.
- Do you and your spouse have a favorite romantic restaurant?
The nearest restaurant is sixty miles away – a day’s journey by wagon and train. Our favorite place to eat is the ridge west of our home. At night, we can see the Milky Way. In August, we watch the Perseids meteor shower. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. With views like that, all food tastes good.
- Do you and your spouse have a favorite song?
Anything he sings! Jesse has a beautiful, deep voice and he plays the guitar, too. We sing a lot of Wesley hymns, but we enjoy popular songs, too, like “Little Old Sod Shanty” and “Buffalo Gals.”
- What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you?
When it comes to money, no one’s more careful than Jesse. He counts every penny. So I was so surprised, our first Christmas together, when he gave me a wedding ring.
- How soon after meeting your spouse did you know he was the one?
He had to be the one – I arrived in Dakota Territory with a proxy marriage certificate and $3.72. I’m so glad he turned out to be “exceeding abundantly more” than I could ask or think.
- How soon after meeting you did your spouse know you were the one?
Oh, you’ll laugh – when I used the veterinary skills my father had taught me to get twins out of his cow. I’d never been anyone answer to prayer before – it’s a wonderful feeling!
- Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?
Jesse is much more romantic. We’re both practical, but he always looks for ways to show his love.
- What is the most caring thing your spouse has ever done for you?
He showed me, through reading the Song of Solomon, that marriage is more than duty, more than the “shoulds.”
- 10. Who said, “I love you” first, you or your spouse?
Jesse said it first. I’d just lost–no, he doesn’t like me taking the blame. My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. I felt terrible – in every way possible. I apologized and thanked him for taking care of me. Instead of saying “you’re welcome”, he said “I love you.”
Excerpt from Spring for Susannah:
“No, this is great. We’re married, all legal and official, and didn’t have to spend a dime. No preacher’s fee, no extra train fare for me to ride to Fargo.” Jesse folded the certificate into his pocket. “Well, much as I respect my brother, I’d just as soon have God hear it straight from me.”
He dropped the reins. The ox slowed to a stop. Now what? He stood, pulled her up, and lifted his face to the clear sky. “Dear Lord, I come before you today to marry this woman.” He smiled down at her. “I, Jesse, take you, Susannah, to be my wife, to love, honor, and cherish, as long as I live.”
A long minute passed. His thumbs pressed her palms. She whispered, “I, Susannah, take you. . .Jesse, to love, honor, and obey, as long as I live.”
“What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” He grinned . “Now we’ll put it in writing.” They sat. From under the bench, Jesse brought out a worn Bible, a metal ink bottle, and a pen. He opened the book to the first blank page. “Let’s see: United in Holy Matrimony, August 26, 1873, Dakota Territory. Now sign your name and I’ll add mine.”
Her hand shook so hard, her signature was unreadable. His marched across the page, past the allotted line. Duty complete, he replaced the book and snapped the reins.
“Did you consider going into ministry, too?”
“Susannah, we can’t talk about that in the middle of our wedding. I still have to kiss the bride!”
She clutched the seat. As a girl, she’d dreamed of a first kiss, the dream fading through years without suitors. Now, here it was, a first kiss on her wedding day, no less.
About Catherine: Catherine Richmond has been cuddling with her husband over thirty years. They have two grown children and live in Nebraska on the Richmond Rabbit Ranch. When she’s not writing, Catherine works as an occupational therapist.
About the book: When Susannah goes to Dakota Territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.
Come back Feb 27th for Zeke Lam.
Leave a Reply