Fresh Fiction Blog | Helen Lacey

One of the most rewarding things about being an author is getting feedback from readers saying how much they loved your book. I recently received a lovely email from a lady in Canada who had just read my January book HIS-AND-HERS FAMILY and wanted to let me know how much she enjoyed it, and how much she resonated with the heroine. She explained how her older sister had been through a similar personal test as the heroine in the book and she experienced a strong connection with the story. As an author, this is one of the most satisfying things to hear from a reader.

I recently started a new project and part of the process is working out what my characters have to overcome on their journey to their happy-ever-after. I like giving them what I consider ‘real life’ issues and problems so that they will feel authentic to my readers. In my latest release, Date With Destiny, my closed-off, workaholic heroine has to overcome some serious emotional issues after being involved in an accident that killed a colleague. It was a fascinating character journey and one I hope with resonate with readers.

I’ve always been fascinated why some characters stay with me years after I’ve read the books. Scarlett O’Hara, of course. And Anne Shirley. Even the creepy Hannibal Lector and the likeable Harry Potter, or the wicked Al King from Lovers & Gamblers to the haunting fragility of Jane Eyre. Even if I don’t remember the entire story, I remember these characters. Perhaps because they have a ‘realness’ that carries them beyond the plot and mechanics of the book.

Do you have a character/s you've read that has resonated or touched you in some way?

Leave a comment to go into the draw to win a copy of my August Harlequin Special Edition, DATE WITH DESTINY.

About Helen

Helen Lacey grew up reading Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables and Little House on The Prairie. These childhood classics inspired her to write her first book when she was seven years old, a story about a girl and her horse. Although, it wasn’t until the age of eleven when she read her first Mills & Boon, that she knew writing romances was what she wanted to do with her life. Her parents’ love of travel meant she saw much of the world in those early years and she feels fortunate to have had a diverse and interesting education over several continents.

She continued to write into her teens and twenties with the dream of one day being a published author. A few years and careers later, including motel operator, florist, strapper, dog washer, and retail manager, she got the call from Harlequin Special Edition. She loves writing about tortured heroes, both cowboys and CEO’s, and heroines who finally get the love of the man of their dreams. She now works part time in her sister’s bridal shop, where she gets to meet fascinating people, some of whom might one day end up being in one of her books.

From Welsh parents and a large family, she lives on the east coast of Australia in a small seaside town at the southern most point of The Great Barrier Reef, with her wonderfully supportive husband, many horses and three spoiled dogs.

Connect with Helen Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Date With Destiny

Financier Grace Preston did fourteen-hour days in New York City. She didn't do small towns in Australia. Not since she'd fled almost twenty years ago. But when a personal trauma sent her home-with a secret she couldn't reveal-the last person she needed was her first love.

Local cop Cameron Jakowski had loved Grace for most of his life. But he wanted marriage and family and she didn't. He was small town, while she was big city-and lived half a world away. But for now she was right here-a walking, talking temptation. One he managed to avoid...until he made one mistake. He kissed her. And reawakened the passion that could change their lives...forever.

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Comments

Yes, growing up on a farm in Kansas. My favorites were My
Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, Old Yeller, Little House on the
Prairie, Gunsmoke in Dodge City, KS, Wild Wild West, and
other great animal stories. Congrats on your new book: DATE
WITH DESTINY. I love your book cover too. Your book seems
like a great love story with Grace and Cameron and I would
love to win it and read it this summer too. Thank You very
much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 1:09pm August 4, 2013)

This book sounds great, can't wait to win it and read it.
(Jeri Dickinson 1:31pm August 4, 2013)

Through the years there have been characters that have made impressions on me... them and their stories stayed with me... I am a fan of books that involve my emotions...
(Colleen Conklin 1:46pm August 4, 2013)

Caddie Woodlawn, sort of a Wisconsin answer tot he "Little House" series. The kids in Susan L. Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series, especially Will Stanton (the main charactor int he second book).

Too many others to list here, especially since I will read and re-read series by favourite authors.

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 3:17pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Cecilia - thanks so much for stopping by. You and I read many of the same books :) I love anything horse themed and of course the Little House books. You're in the draw!
(Helen Lacey 4:57pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Colleen - I think that's what resonates the most when we read - if our emotions are tested, whether it's love, or fear or despair, then the book and characters tend to stay in our minds. Thanks for stopping today :)
(Helen Lacey 4:59pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Lynn - Some great examples there, thanks so much for stopping by :)
(Helen Lacey 5:00pm August 4, 2013)

Wow--that's a tough question! I would have to say that my favorite is Francie
Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn! :) Congratulations on everything, Helen!
(Jackie R 6:52pm August 4, 2013)

The character that first comes to mind is Pollyanna---looking for the good in everyone and helping others to do the same, which causes that person to find joy. The same goes for Anne Shirley. Your book Date With Destiny sounds like a wonderful, meaningful story I would just love to read. Thank you for this chance to win, hope I do.
(Esther Somorai 8:15pm August 4, 2013)

There are so many memorable characters for me, but I decided to name a
character that started my love of reading. As a child, I became immersed in
the Nancy Drew Mysteries. I would read stacks of these mysteries that
belonged to my sisters, and then I started a collection of my own. My
literary interests have changed and matured over the years, but Nancy
Drew was a catalyst. I find myself reading either a little or a lot each day.
Congratulations on the book and thanks for the giveaway!!!
(Linda Brennan 8:53pm August 4, 2013)

yes i do the book from kimberly truesdale the wrong woman i
cried more then i have evr cried reading a book and was
excited at the same time
(Denise Smith 9:21pm August 4, 2013)

I've always loved the protagonists of Dick Francis' books. They are always people living ordinary lives that stumble across something that doesn't add up and then become embroiled in threatening circumstances. They are incredibly brave against odds that are not in their favor and able to ultimately outwit his opponent. I can't help but wonder if I would be morally and physically strong enough and intelligent enough to conquer my fears to defeat the evil should I ever have the misfortune to be placed in one of those seemingly impossible situations.
(Karen Blossom 9:33pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Jackie R - I adore that book....I remember reading it when I was young. And such great characters. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
(Helen Lacey 9:42pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Esther - Oh, Anne Shirley! I adore her. Funny, I did a blog the other day talking about the hero of those books, Gilbert Blythe - he was my first 'book' crush :)Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the contest :)
(Helen Lacey 9:45pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Linda - I read quite a few Nancy Drew's as a teen....loved them. And reading every day sounds wonderful. Thank you for stopping by and commenting :)
(Helen Lacey 9:47pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Denise - it's amazing when a book makes you have such extreme emotions. I must go and check that one out...thanks for the tip! And thanks for commenting today :)
(Helen Lacey 9:48pm August 4, 2013)

Hi Karen - ah, Dick Francis...LOVE his books. They were like catnip to this horsey girl. Mystery and heroics and horses rolled into one...perfect. I think that's the beauty of novels...we can live through the character's eyes without actually having to go through the 'hard' things ourselves. Great comment and thanks for stopping by :)
(Helen Lacey 9:50pm August 4, 2013)

The first one that comes to mind is Lady Emily Marlowe from
Mary Balogh's Silent Melody. She is a deaf mute but doesn't
let that stop her from wanting a marriage to someone who
will love her for who she is and not treat her like a
possession. It's my favourite book to read when I need
something to cheer me up.
(Lisa White 10:53pm August 4, 2013)

I love the characters Matthew Clemont and Diana Bishop from A Discovery of Witches. Seeing triumph over so many challenges is inspiring.
(Amy Kincade 11:24pm August 4, 2013)

I'm an animal lover so I often remember the pets more than the people. I just loved Koko and Yum Yum in The Cat Who... series.
(Sue Farrell 11:48pm August 4, 2013)

hi Lisa - I've not read that book but it sounds wonderful. Thanks for the tip :) and thanks for stopping by today.
(Helen Lacey 12:28pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Amy - ah, yes, The discovery of Witches, awesome story. Great pick. Thanks for dropping by :)
(Helen Lacey 12:29pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Sue - I'm an animal lover too. Buck from Call of The Wild is my favourite (outside of Black Beauty). Must check out your cat's now....thanks for stopping by.
(Helen Lacey 12:33pm August 5, 2013)

Too many to try to narrow it down, just love good reads!
(Melanie Backus 12:35pm August 5, 2013)

It's the Knight in Shining Armor. The character Dougless resonates with me. I love how Douglass started with low self-esteemed before she was put in a position to help Nicholas Stafford. She started believing in herself. Nicholas saved her and then she saved him back.
(Kai Wong 12:45pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Melanie -yes, you're quite right....too many books on my TBR pile, but I look forward to getting to them all. Thanks for stoping by :)
(Helen Lacey 4:44am August 5, 2013)

Hi Kai - that book sounds wonderful. I must go and check it out. Thanks for the tip! :)
(Helen Lacey 4:45am August 5, 2013)

I think it's true that you sympathize more with characters that you feel a connection to. They don't necessarily have to be like me but maybe they have dealt with similar situations.
(Maureen Emmons 6:34am August 5, 2013)

Hi Maureen - that's a great point, well said. Thanks for stopping by :)
(Helen Lacey 7:03am August 5, 2013)

It is hard to pick just one character. Different times in my life different
characters resonate.
(Laura Gullickson 7:11am August 5, 2013)

I like to read books about people overcoming adversity to become better people. It's hard to pick one character because I read so much but Eve from J.D. Robb's In Death books fit the bill for me. Her terrifying childhood could have lead her down a different path but instead she became a cop ... to serve and protect.
(Annetta Sweetko 7:35am August 5, 2013)

I am an avid reader and find that there are so many different books by some amazingly talented writers that I want to read. I think we all have many things in common, and that is we all can look back into our lives and enjoy the memories, but learn from them to better prepare ourselves for on going challenges that life brings to us. Thank you for what appears to be a very interesting book.
(C Culp 7:56am August 5, 2013)

Hi Laura - that's a good point, I think a lot of readers feel that way about books. I remember when I was young I read an amazing book called When Marnie Was There and it had a profound effect on me as a child...it would be different reading it now of course. So, great comment, thanks :)
(Helen Lacey 7:57am August 5, 2013)

Hi Annetta - That's an interesting comment...I think as a reader when we see characters pushing through adversity it can give us hope and restores faith in people. Thanks for stopping by with such a great comment :)
(Helen Lacey 8:00am August 5, 2013)

Hi Carletta - thank you for your comment, you're spot on with what you've said. Learning as we live is so important. Thanks for stopping by.
(Helen Lacey 8:02am August 5, 2013)

Mistie Seaton in Fabulous, a girl/horse/ranch story, was a tremendous heroine and example. Most adventure stories of the time were written about boys, and girls had to stay at home and help in the house. So I liked a lot of male protagonists too, such as Paul Atreides in Dune.
(Clare O'Beara 9:52am August 5, 2013)

I love the characters in Julie Garwood Historical Romances. I keep reading a number o them over and over again.
(Carol Woodruff 10:22am August 5, 2013)

Thank you for your great post today. And I loved reading all the answers/comments you've received thus far. I have soooo many favorites - but my all time favorite is Anne Shirley from all the Anne books. And Gilbert was my first, crush, too. I always said I'd name my first son Gilbert - and everyone would roll their eyes. I thik you and I may be kindred spirits. Your book sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:32am August 5, 2013)

Enjoyed reading your blog. Can't think of any one character that has touch my life, just any that can give me a good cry, that why I enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks.
(Sheila True 1:09pm August 5, 2013)

There was a book that I read a couple of years ago named Roses by Leila Meacham. Although the book was over 600 pages, I couldn't put it down, and stayed up all night reading it!! The main character, Mary Toliver, touched me so deeply, as did the other characters in the book, and I can't stop thinking about it. She was a strong-willed woman, who had a tender side that she really didn't let show, because she had a cotton mill business to run. It's a bit hard to explain without giving the plot away, but the book is definately one to read. Ms. Meacham has another book out named Tumbleweeds that I've wanted to read, but haven't had the time as of late. I heard that one is supposed to be just as good. I would also love to read your book as well. It sounds like a book that would touch your heart strings, and I love books that do that!!
(Peggy Roberson 2:42pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Clare - Mistie Seaton sounds like a character I would LOVE. Thanks for the suggestions. And of course, Dune....awesome book. Thanks for commenting :)
(Helen Lacey 4:14pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Carol - I've read a couple of Julie Garwood books...must go and check them out again. Thanks for stopping by today :)
(Helen Lacey 4:15pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Nancy - thank you for dropping in today. And yes, Anne Shirley...she resonated so much to me as a child. She was kind and strong and just so much fun. So pleased to meet a kindred spirit! :)
(Helen Lacey 4:17pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Peggy - thank you for that great suggestion. I will be off to find that book asap. That's the thing with strong, driven characters...they make us want to cheer for them from the sidelines. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a great comment :)
(Helen Lacey 4:19pm August 5, 2013)

Wow! Reading through the posts, I was flooded with happy memories of books that I haven't read in many years. Too many favorite characters to list here, but I agree with your other posting readers: if the believability is there and the emotions or mind is engaged, it definitely makes for a memorable story. I'm currently reading through the Dreseden Files by Jim Butcher. I really like Harry. The situations he finds himself in are relatable even if the villains aren't. I'm looking forward to reading your new book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it. =)
(Lisa Root 5:06pm August 5, 2013)

I read a lot but I don't have a particular character that
stays with me. I do have favorite authors. Thanks.
(Dianne McVetty 5:08pm August 5, 2013)

I love to read. I really was touched by the character Vera Ray in the book, Blackberry Winter written by Sarah Jio. She was such a dedicated, loving mother throughout her hardships in the story. All Sarah Jio's books are fabulous and are well written, and very hard to put down. I've read every one she's written as they come out...Violets of March, The Bungalow (another beautiful, romantic story), Blackberry Winter, and The Last Camellia. She's my favorite author. I'm amazed at how she finds time to do all her writing with three very little boys at home, travel, work on her new house, etc. I love your romantic, beautiful cover for Date with Destiny.
(Linda Luinstra 5:43pm August 5, 2013)

I often feel connected to characters - first the Bobbsey
Twins, then Cherry Ames - Nurse (thougt I wanted to be a
nurse), then adventureous women that were archeologists etc.
(Diane Sallans 10:08pm August 5, 2013)

Jo from LITTLE WOMEN has always stayed with me.
(Mary Preston 10:24pm August 5, 2013)

I feel still feel connected to Laura from "little House On The Prairie" series. My second child is named Laura.
(Joanne Hicks 10:25pm August 5, 2013)

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD the whole book. :)
Susan Isaacs COMPROMISING POSITIONS had something that
resonated so closely to me at that time, it actually frightened me. I'd put it in
the drawer and try to read something else then pull it out again.
When I was a kid, it was Trixie Belden. I wanted so much to find a solve a
mystery the way she did. :)
There are lots more but ill quit now. :)
(Penny Mettert 11:22pm August 5, 2013)

Hi Lisa - it's great when people start giving suggestions for great book...love having new books to read and new characters to root for. The Dreseden Files sound fabulous, much go and check it out. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting today :)
(Helen Lacey 12:51pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Dianne - I think a lot of people feel that way about books - the whole story resonates and stays with them. Thank you for stopping by and commenting :)
(Helen Lacey 12:52pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Linda - I've not read Blackberry Winter, but am now off to fire up my Kindle. And thank you for your nice words about the cover... it really captured the essence of the story so I was very happy. Thanks for commenting :)
(Helen Lacey 12:56pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Diane - I love your suggestions. Thanks for dropping by and commenting :)
(Helen Lacey 12:56pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Mary - lovely to see you here. And yes, absolutely - Jo March is one of my all time favourite heroine's. Great pick. :)
(Helen Lacey 12:57pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Joanne - Laura Ingalls was such an important part of my young reading life. When she met Almonzo I think that was the first time I knew I loved romances. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)
(Helen Lacey 12:59pm August 6, 2013)

Hi Penny - YES, Atticus, one of the best character ever! Thanks for your suggestions - a great list. :)
(Helen Lacey 1:01am August 6, 2013)

love your books, cant wait to read. if you'll keep writing, we will keep reading. thanks
(Ouida Stokes 9:21am August 6, 2013)

Hi Ouida - thank you for you lovely words. I shall keep writing, that's a promise :)
(Helen Lacey 5:23pm August 6, 2013)

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