I’m thrilled today to welcome Melissa Jagears back to the blog! Our last interview discussed the launch of her Frontier Vows series, and today she’s returned to talk about the second book in the series, Pretending to Wed. Melissa tackles some tough topics in this one, with two beautifully flawed characters whose marriage of convenience story was beautiful to behold. Plus, one of you will win a copy of Pretending to Wed for your very own!! Here’s the blurb:
The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress.
Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow.
When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn’t as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren’t quite as compatible as they thought?
I’ve read this book, and you’re in for a real treat!! Giveaway details are at the end of this post.
Thanks for coming back, Melissa!
My pleasure!
What was your inspiration for Pretending to Wed?
It’s been so long ago since that original idea was added to my book idea folder, I’m not sure that I remember! I think it stemmed from a brainstorming session of storybook conflicts I tend to roll my eyes at and what I could do to write it so I wouldn’t roll my eyes! The other bit of inspiration came from reading a book for pleasure that had a heroine who did scientific illustrations. I was having trouble with my “boring” heroine, trying to figure out what to do with her when I read that book. When I stopped to wonder what my heroine would do with a scientific hobby, it was the jolt that awakened Frankenstein’s Monster. She came to life!
Which character in Pretending to Wed was the easiest for you to connect with, and why? Which one proved more difficult?
I tend to connect with my heroes more than my heroines, probably because I’m not a “typical” girl. Nolan’s “I can do it myself and don’t need help” attitude is something I understand well.
What did God teach you during the writing of Pretending to Wed? What do you hope readers take away from the book?
This book, along with some emails from my agent, really helped me see how expecting the worst in life when things are tough is not really beneficial. Pray for good, don’t pray for what you think you can realistically “get.” Hope for blessings! Ask for blessings! Focusing on the negative tends to lead into a downward spiral. The blessings you want may not come, but if you don’t pursue them, it’s even more unlikely they will. I’m still struggling with this lesson, but now that I’ve struggled with it through my characters, hopefully I can be more successful in applying it to my life.
What is one thing you’d go back and tell your Younger Writer Self?
Do you realize how time consuming a publication schedule is when you have kids? Are you certain you don’t want to just pile up the manuscripts and wait until the kids are older to pursue publishing? 🙂
What is a great book you’ve read lately? What did you love about it?
Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden. I liked that the heroine was different than most in that she had such a genuine hopeful disposition and wanted to instill it in others. And like I mentioned above, when you hope for a Happily Ever After, you’re more likely going to find it. And she got it, of course—it would be a terrible romance if she didn’t.
How can we pray for you?
My husband and I are trying to get things set up financially so that I might have more time to write books, which if things work out, maybe I can. More books for my readers. Not such a bad thing, right?
Definitely not a bad thing! We’ll be praying!
And now for that giveaway! Melissa is giving one copy, in either ebook or paperback format, to one lucky winner! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us what blessings you’re praying and hoping for! Giveaway closes at 11:59 PM on Monday, June 22, and I’ll notify the winner next Tuesday, the 23rd!
Meet Melissa:
Award winning author, Melissa Jagears, is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian Historical Romance into the wee hours of the night. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children. Her ebook novella, Love by the Letter, is her ACFW Carol Award winning novella and free to try. You can learn more about her, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com.
