Beautiful. That is my one-word description of this
third book of the AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION. I have so much to say about A
VIEW MOST GLORIOUS! The characters are fresh and stunning. They are vibrant and
well rounded and quite different from one another. They are challenged
emotionally, mentally, and physically by Mount Rainier and each other’s goals.
Honestly, the way that Regina described the ascent and decent on Mount Rainier
was so perfect—just as though she walked in Coraline Baxter’s boots.
The descriptions mesh wonderfully with the challenges
and emotional changes of the characters while moving the story along. This is a
page turner that you don’t want to miss. The experience of these written words has
my stamp of excellence on every level.
I’ve longed to read VIEW MOST GLORIOUS, the third book
of AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION from Revell. The covers are lovely and they are
a delightful way to see some of America’s fabulous park areas though the delightful
tales of characters that are relatable and inspiring.
VIEW MOST GLORIOUS is a satisfying and beautifully written and
insightful novel that I was sent a free copy of for an honest review. This is
my favorite series by Regina and that is saying a lot. This is a writer that I
respect, admire, and enjoy. I’m honored to share her new published novel and
this novel was an experience for me. I’m too cowardly to climb such a mountain,
but to experience this challenge through the eyes of Regina’s characters was
absolutely rewarding, refreshing, and satisfying! Hint, hint- this series or
this novel would make a wonderful Christmas, birthday, or just because gift to
those you love!
The stories in this AMERICAN WONDERS
COLLECTION are stand-alone novels as well as being part of a series. How did
you come up with the hero, Nathan Hardee’s background?
I knew who Coraline, my heroine, was—a strong
young lady who is determined to make her own way in the world. She was going to
need a guide to climb the mountain, so the hero had to be skilled in living in
the wilderness. But I also wanted someone who could appreciate the lifestyle
she lives. It’s easy to look at someone who is born into wealth and think they
have it made. Cora has always been at the mercy of others. He understands
that.
How did you come up with Coraline Baxter’s
Achilles heel, her mother?
Because Cora has chosen to walk a path few
ladies trod in those days (although there were some!), I wanted someone close
to her to be a contrast. Her mother is what many women aspired to be in the
late 1800s. She wields her power quietly, in Society and through her husband.
She’s buried two husbands before this one, so she knows how to keep that power
too. But it’s not the kind of power Cora wants.
Have you climbed Mount Rainier? Your
descriptions of the characters’ ascent and descent, their reactions and the
views were so specific. I loved this!
While I have hiked all over that mountain, I
have never reached the summit. I considered trying it in the leadup to the book’s
publication, but the amount of preparation would have been too much with family
and writing, especially with the coronavirus. I’m afraid I’m not in Cora’s
shape, LOL. However, there is a marvelous book by Aubrey Haines, a former park
ranger, called “Mountain Fever.” He has gathered first-hand accounts of those
who climbed Rainier in the early days. The details, combined with my own
experiences on the mountain, helped me imagine what it might have been like for
Cora.
Will you write any additional AMERICAN WONDERS
COLLECTION novels? If not, what is your next novel to be published?
At the moment, this book is the last one
planned in the American Wonders Collection. In January, I will be returning to
my beloved Regency period with the release of Never Pursue a Prince, a
follow-on to my bestselling Fortune’s Brides series. Can the daughter of a duke
give her heart to a prince in disguise when she and her sisters vow to
be wed by harvest time?
