Shannon here: Linda Wood Rondeau shares insight into her character’s romance from her latest Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Wolf Mountain Legacy, plus a chance to win an ebook of choice from Linda’s titles. Deadline: July 3rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Linda:
Interview with Blake & Marci from Wolf Mountain Legacy by Linda Wood Rondeau:
Questions for Blake Montgomery:
- Why did you visit Collins Bend when you could have spent your sabatical anywhere?
My official reason for coming to Collins Bend was to conduct research for my book on Adirondack Railroad Development. I agree, perhaps, there were more exotic places to conduct research. Perhaps I chose the Adirondack town because of the scenic beauty, the availability of abundant lakes for fishing or canoeing, and the beautiful golf courses. Indeed, the area is rich in history, especially the mystery surrounding the Wordsworth estate on the top of Wolf Mountain. The legend says the railroad tycoon’s beautiful young wife set fire to the mansion and ran off with her husband’s accountant. The why has never been answered. Truthfully, my summer sabbatical provided an opportunity to reconnect with the only woman I have ever loved.
- You were in love with Marci when she was your student at Briarcliffe. What happened to sever your relationship?
We secretly dated, taking romantic walks around Sorrel Pond. On one of those walks, Marci gave herself to me. I thought we’d always be together. But romantic relationships between students and faculty were strictly forbidden. That night the Dean called me. He had found out about Marci and threatened to fire me if I did not end the relationship. I didn’t know what to say to Marci, and blurted out, “I think we should see other people.” Before I could explain, she walked out of my classroom and my life. She began dating a music student and seemed happy. They married right after graduation.
- Why did you want to reconnect with her now?
From time to time, I called Marci’s sister to find out how she was doing. That’s how I discovered her husband had died and she’d suffered a nervous breakdown. A few years ago, I become a Christian through the mentorship of an older colleague. I felt the time had come for me to let Marci know how much I had changed and how very sorry I was I had hurt her. When she resisted my interest in her, I asked her to be my research assistant. Now, I’m not too sure. She seems very anxious and keeps saying she believes we are being followed. Maybe my coming to Collins Bend was not such a good idea.
Question for Mari Vincent Henderson:
- Why are you so intrigued by Wolf Mountain?
I refused to believe the charitable Felicity Wordsworth was capable of murder and adultery. I’ve learned from experience that not all unhappily married women are unfaithful. I would sit on the top of Wolf Mountain wishing I could prove her innocence and change Wolf Mountain’s Legacy.
- Why did you refuse to climb Wolf Mountain again?
I believed myself finally cured from my delusional breakdown following my husband’s death and looked forward to teaching again in the fall. To prove my sanity, that June I hiked Wolf Mountain on an impulse. As I sat on a bench at the apex, a young child approached me. He seemed familiar somehow. He left quickly. I wanted to be sure he was real but could not find him. Anxious, I slid down a sharp incline, nearly plunging into the crags below. As I struggled toward the top, I saw a pile of bones.
The child and the bones must have been hallucinations. Shaken and unsure of what I’d seen, I returned to my reclusiveness until my sister dragged me to an alumni banquet. I saw an odd man in a blue tuxedo. When I looked for him again, he seemed to have disappeared. Then Anna told me Blake Montgomery was the speaker. My nervousness was off the charts, especially when he invited me to sit at his table along with Professor Donahue and the Manning siblings, Bianca and Tad. Blake asked me to assist him in his research. I hesitated but agreed as I needed the money.
I began seeing Tad in strange places and he kept disappearing. I kept seeing a white Osprey everywhere I went and became convinced someone was following me. Other sightings no one else witnessed caused me to have panic attacks. Even Blake thought I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I decided to keep the incident on Wolf Mountain to myself, fearing I’d be hospitalized again.
- Is this why you struggled in helping Blake with his research?
Partly. I feared falling in love with him again. As we researched, however, details of the truth surrounding the Wolf Mountain mystery come to light. As did the truth regarding my husband’s infidelity. Faith began to take root.
About Linda: A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau is also a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is no stranger to the Adirondacks where this story is set, having lived in Northern New York for nearly thirty years. Known for her stories of encouragement and hope, she now resides in Hagerstown, Maryland with her husband of over forty-years.
When not writing, the author enjoys the occasional round of golf. She also enjoys theater and is actively involved with her local church. Find more encouraging words in her blog, Snark and Sensibility & sign up for her newsletter: Linda’s Website
Connect & learn more:
Linda’s Facebook Linda’s Instagram Linda’s Twitter
Linda’s Goodreads Linda’s Pinterest Linda’s Bookbub
About the book – Wolf Mountain Legacy:
The 150-year-old ruins atop Wolf Mountain keep drawing Marci Henderson. Village legend says the beautiful wife of an older railroad tycoon, after setting fire to their mansion, ran away with his accountant. Was there no way to prove Felicity’s innocence? First, Marci must prove she has the right to walk among the sane.
Dr. Blake Montgomery, a college professor, has come to Collins Bend to work on his book, Adirondack Railroad Development. To aid in his research, Blake hires Marci Henderson, his former student, one he never stopped loving, who is now a widow. When Marci is insistent people are following the two of them, Blake wonders if she is headed for another psychotic episode.
Old emotions surface as the two embark on a suspenseful journey leading them closer to solving the age-old mystery of Wolf Mountain, a journey fraught with suspicion and murder. Along the way, Blake’s faith is challenged, and Marci searches for spiritual truth about the God she had never known.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Get your copy now!
Question for Readers: What makes a romantic suspense novel interesting to you?
Come back June 25th for Leeann Betts!
the suspense to see if I can solve the mystery before they reveal who did it!
The twists and turns in the story 🙂
I love the twists and turns so you don’t know what the end is.
I have a winner! Natalya Lakhno won the drawing. I appreciate Linda for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.