Shannon here: Elaine Marie Cooper shares insight into her characters from her latest Historical Romance, Love’s Kindling. Heads up, this is one of my book editing babies! Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy. US residents only. Deadline: May 1st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Elaine:
Love’s Kindling follows the saga of a man and woman who are in love, yet their relationship faces many obstacles, not the least of which is the young man has gone blind. It might be only temporary but it could be permanent. The young woman, Aurinda, wants his eyes to heal yet she fears he will be appalled by her appearance. After 16 years of being told by her father how uncomely she is, her bad image of herself is embedded in her mind.
All of this personal struggle takes place in the middle of the Revolutionary War, when attacks by the regular soldiers from England are attempting to destroy the CT towns along the Long Island Sound. So many conflicts seem to thwart the couple’s relationship. Yet the embers of love just need to be fed by the flames of understanding and forgiveness.
(Photo of blacksmith courtesy of https://mycolonialprofile.weebly.com/index.html)
About Elaine: Elaine Marie Cooper’s most recent novel, Scarred Vessels, is a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards Contest. Her novel, Love’s
Kindling was the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Awards. Like many of Cooper’s books, they focus on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive. Learn more & connect:
Elaine’s Facebook Elaine’s Website
About the book – Love’s Kindling:
During the American Revolution, Aurinda Whitney lives with her cold and calloused father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Aurinda’s life changed forever when her father returned for her after that war, taking her away from the only place she’d ever experienced affection. Since her father blamed Aurinda for the death of his wife in childbirth, Aurinda is convinced she is unworthy of love.
Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.
When the couple meet, they are both challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Unexpected secrets of their past emerge that can change their lives forever. But can they look past their present circumstances to heal—and find love?
Check it out: Love’s Kindling Book Trailer
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Get your copy now! Love’s Kindling – Amazon
Question for Readers: What would you do if you were in Aurinda’s shoes? Allow yourself to form a romantic attachment with Zadok, despite believing you were unattractive and horrible to look at? Or would you keep him at a distance so he could never see you, warts and all?
Come back April 27th for Candace West!
I am a big fan of the Beauty and the Beast story, so I love the premise that kindness and goodness outweigh outward appearances. I believe that I would take a chance. allow myself to love Zadok, and pray that my love and devotion would prove enough if he regained his sight. I find it sad, however, that Aurinda’s self-worth was so damaged by her father, and even sadder that this happens more often than we realize! This sounds like a great read!!
Connie, I agree: this unworthy self-image occurs far more often than people realize. This culture of perfection does not help. I also love Beauty and the Beast! Thanks so much for commenting!
I think I would follow my heart and hope for a happily ever after. This plot sounds so intriguing! I’m adding this to my TBR list. 🙂
What an interesting choice of names! Is there a story behind it?
I’m not sure what I would you do if I were in Aurinda’s shoes… I want to believe that I would have a romantic attachment with Zadok.
I find the plot of somewhat intriguing. Two people who think they’re unworthy find that they are. I’ve always been a Beauty and the Beast fan so, I don’t really mind this trope.
Oooooh, I did not know that Elanie Marie Cooper had two books out that I haven’t read yet! I’ve loved reading and rereading her Deer Run Saga books and am so happy to see she has more books I can read!
I would follow my heart and allow myself to form a romantic attachment with Zadok.
If I were Aurinda I would follow my heart and have a relationship with Zadok. Man looks at the outside but God looks at the heart. If they both saw the good in themselves and each other they might find a happily ever after.
I have a winner! Hannah B won the drawing. I appreciate Elaine for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.