Connie Stevens – The Story Behind the Story – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Historical romance author, Connie Stevens shares her inspiration for her latest novella, The Most Eligible Bachelor in Town. Comment or answer the question at the end of this post to enter the drawing for the Most Elibigible Bachelor romance collection – a collection of nine novellas – including Connie’s. Deadline: May 9th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Connie:

When we think about meeting that special person God would have for our forever mate, we generally have (or had) certain character traits in mind: a man who loves the Lord, is gentle and kind, strong convictions, has a sense of humor, a good work ethic, and a man who will be my knight in shining armor. We don’t always get the knight, but being sensitive to God’s leading when choosing a mate always results in that made-in-heaven match.

I am tickled to announce the release of The Most Eligible Bachelor romance collection from Barbour Publishing. I am blessed to join eight other wonderful authors—Erica Vetch, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Amanda Barratt, Cynthia Hickey, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, and Gina Wellborn—in this collection of historical novellas that celebrate marrying for all the right reasons.
My story, THE MOST INELIGIBLE BACHELOR IN TOWN, puts a different twist on how one might think of a potential suitor checking all the boxes. Because my hero, Micah North, and heroine, Gabrielle Lockridge, have known each other since the fourth grade, there wasn’t one of those “oh wow!” moments when they first met. Micah has always been the shy one—tongue-tied around girls, and especially around Gabrielle. He adores her sweet nature, thinks she is the prettiest thing he’s ever laid eyes on, but can’t manage more than a few mumbled words in her presence. Here are the pictures I used for inspiration for Micah and Gabrielle.

Some women do indeed have a mental list of priorities they look for in a man. Certainly there are those who look for wealth, success, or prestige. Others are swept off their feet and robbed of their good sense by a handsome face, irresistible charm, or a devastating smile, and some lean toward a fascinating man, full of intrigue or adventure. Micah is none of those things. He doesn’t epitomize the image conjured up by the term “most eligible bachelor.” In fact, most of the girls in town wouldn’t even classify him as worthy of their notice, and a few of them can’t even remember his name. Micah seems doomed to bachelorhood, especially after his good-looking and charismatic cousin, Rod, comes for a visit. From the moment Rod steps off the stage, all the single young ladies in town begin staring and tittering, while Micah is pushed even further into the shadows.
Even Micah’s occupation—he runs the post office, telegraph, and stage depot—pales in comparison to his cousin’s exciting career. Rod captivates the attention of not only the young ladies, but most other folks in town as well, with stories of his exploits as a Pinkerton Detective.
Gabrielle has been burned once by a former suitor, so she is cautious. She knows what she wants in a man, and it isn’t flamboyance or egotism. While she finds Rod’s dramatic accounts entertaining, she’s not sure what to think of his assertiveness. The two cousins couldn’t be more different. Rod may tell interesting stories, but to Gabrielle, Micah is anything but dull. The fact is she has secretly liked Micah since they were youngsters. Unlike his cousin, however, Micah is withdrawn and seemingly unwilling to engage in conversation.
Gabrielle can’t deny her feelings. Besides those attributes that drew her to Micah in the first place, he demonstrates compassion in quiet and inconspicuous ways that nobody notices. Of course, Gabrielle notices. But strangely enough, Micah’s acts of kindness are performed in secret—as if he doesn’t want people to know what he’s doing. His desire to avoid praise only endears him to Gabrielle even more. But how can she let him know how she feels if he won’t talk to her?
About Connie: Connie Stevens lives with her husband of forty-plus years in north Georgia , within sight of her beloved mountains. She and her husband are both active in a variety of ministries at their church. A lifelong reader, Connie began creating stories by the time she was ten. Her office manager and writing muse is a cat, but she’s never more than a phone call or email away from her critique partners.
She enjoys gardening and quilting, but one of her favorite pastimes is browsing antique shops where story ideas often take root in her imagination. Connie has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers since 2000. Drop by Connie’s website at www.conniestevenswrites.com. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieStevensAuthor. Connect with her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorConnie.
About the collection – The Most Eligible Bachelor:
Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose?
The Most Eligible Bachelor romance collection: http://www.amazon.com/Most-Eligible-Bachelor-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B00WAULBEW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429534377&sr=1-1&keywords=most+eligible+bachelor
Question: Did you (or do you) have a “list” of attributes a potential sweetheart must meet? What character traits first attracted you to your spouse? Or, if you are single, which character traits top your priority list in a romantic interest?

Come back May 4th for Karla Akins!