Mary Ellis – Romantic Fictional Interview – Part 2 of 3

Shannon here: Amish fiction author, Mary Ellis shares insight into her fictional characters’ romance from her latest release, Abigail’s New Hope. Comment on any post dated March 28 – April 2 for a chance to win a copy. Deadline: midnight, central time – April 2. Here’s Mary:

     1.    What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?
My hero, who’d lived pretty much as a recluse, accompanied my heroine to a social event—one that he knew he would run into people from his past he would prefer never to see again.
     2.    What’s the most romantic thing your heroine ever did for your hero?
She fortified her courage and climbed up on a huge horse, something she’d never done before, so they could take a moonlit trail ride under the stars.
     3.    Where is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?
There’s a secret garden grotto, known only to deer, squirrels, and my hero, where he took her in the middle of the night.
     4.     Do your hero and heroine have as favorite romantic restaurant?
They don’t eat out much, but Catherine took Isaiah to one of the few restaurants in the closest town. Since they were on their first real date, of course, it was romantic!
     5.     Do your hero and heroine have a favorite song? 
My hero is deaf, so the only music he hears is in his heart.
     6.    What’s the most romantic present your hero ever bought your heroine?
Bought? Not bought, picked—an armload of wildflowers to leave secretly on her porch steps.
    7.     What’s the most romantic present your heroine ever bought your hero?
A trip to the vet for my hero’s beloved dog.
     8.     What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?
He is kind and patient with children, even though little patience had ever been shown him while he was growing up.
     9.     What simple gesture does your heroine do that melts your hero every time?
She refuses to give up trying to communicate with him, despite the difficulty.
   10.    How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
A few days, after she followed him home to spy on where he lived. When she saw his simple, gentle lifestyle, at peace among all God’s creatures, she knew he was the one.
    11.    How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one? I would have to say it only took Isaiah one, long look and he was hooked.
    12.    Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine? Oh, definitely, my hero! There’s something about a man who wishes to spend all his time with one woman, not wanting to share her.
    13.    What is the most caring thing your hero has ever done for your heroine?
He is willing to subject himself to pain and humiliation to learn to better communicate with her.
    14.    Who said, “I love you” first, your hero or your heroine? My heroine said it first, only because speech is difficult for my hero. However, he managed to get his message across that the feeling was mutual. 
About Mary: Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community of Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live within the largest population of Amish in the country–a four-county area in central Ohio. They love to take weekend getaways to purchase farm produce and other goodies, stay with Amish families in bed and breakfasts, attend country auctions and enjoy the simpler way of life. This is her first series of novels set in the Amish community. Learn more at: http://maryeellis.wordpress.com/
Come back March 1st for an excerpt from Abigail’s New Hope.