This novel
combines both Contemporary, and 1856 Marietta, Ohio, character threads. This
story offers the best of both worlds while merging two time periods into one
sweet tale of courage and so much more.
Contemporary,
Marietta, Ohio
LuAnn,
Tess, and Janice spring onto the page with fresh enthusiasm that only those
newly retired and showing almost fearlessly pursuit of dreams can! What
a fun story of trust, challenge, and characters that must confront the local
mystery head-on, which just may include an interesting building linked with an
1826 Underground Railroad! Who will these three out-of-town ladies trust? Maybe
Mr. Grimes, or maybe not? Will they have
what it takes to follow through and reach their goal? These are unlikely women for
such a situation, but Becky Melby skillfully flips the impossible into quite
probable—causing this reader to think—sure these situations could happen! LuAnn
Sherrill, Tess Wallace, and Janice Eastman have the right background of loss
and experience that merge their trust to move past usual boundaries friends
share.
1856
Marietta, Ohio
Prudence
and Jason Willard have a story of their own, and Becky weaves the essence of
their courage and sacrifice with these modern-day ladies who hold a vision that
would complement the past if everything goes they hope. My one regret about
reading this story is my disappointment that LuAnn, Tess, Janice, and Prudence
can’t sit down and take tea with me at a local coffee shop. This story kept my
attention, offered surprise, and entertained me with these adorable characters!
I love the accents of the 1800s and will return to visit my new imaginary
friends from time to time. This is a story that I highly recommend!
QUESTIONS FOR
BECKY:
I love the write up that you did about the building featured in this story! The historical candy you sprinkle throughout fascinates me. But I must know is the Ohio Star quilt a real historical quilt?
Yes. The Ohio Star quilt is made of nine-patch blocks formed by quarter-square triangles around a central square. The pattern is believed to have been created in the early 1800's, but similar patterns were used by Martha Washington and Dolly Madison well before that time.
What was your favorite historical tidbit that you used in LuAnn, Tess, and Janice or Prudence’s story?
My husband and I took a research trip to Marietta. Visiting the Levee House, the inspiration for Wayfarers Inn, was the highlight of the trip. Over the years, the building served as a dry goods store, hotel, barbershop, tavern, brothel, and an automotive shop where Studebakers were assembled. Looking at the pressed tin ceiling and weathered brick made me feel like I was seeing it for the first time right along with LuAnn, Tess, and Janice. I could easily imagine Prudence sneaking in after dark with people she’d ferried across the Ohio River on their journeys to freedom in Canada.
Your characters are rich and feel as though they are real. How do you start choosing their personalities?
The Guidepost editors create the characters for their cozy mystery continuity series. Each author receives a description of their age, appearance, family and career situations, and a tiny bit about their personalities. I was honored to write the first book of the Wayfarers Inn series, so I got to flesh them out with likes, dislikes, quirks, and past experiences. Since I’m in the same age bracket as the Inn Crowd, it was easy to “steal” some hopes, dreams, worries, habits and traits from myself and my circle of friends. (Don’t tell them!)
Where is your favorite place to dream and plot stories?
I don’t actually have a special place. I carry plots and characters around in my brain and they are quite undisciplined—jabbering at me at all hours of the day and night. I have to make sure I have pen and paper or my phone notes app handy so I don’t lose anything they’re saying. My writing desk overlooks the old farmhouse across the street and acres of open fields with only one giant oak in the middle. Always inspiring.
Is there anything you would like to share with your readers about the emotional journey these contemporary women or sweet Prudence Willard shared on your pages?
Newly retired and all single, LuAnn, Tess, and Janice could have chosen a quiet life of rest and relaxation, but their college pact to “Never be boring or bored” and never to act their age, created a mindset that allowed them to be open to the seemingly crazy idea of buying an old, run-down building and turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. I hope their gutsy choices and perseverance in the face of obstacles inspires women of all ages to live full, vibrant lives.
Where do you want your readers to find you?
Please come and visit me at beckymelby.com, Becky Melby Author Page, or Fill My Cup, Lord, where I blog every Friday.
Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity to spend time with your readers. Happy reading, everyone!
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