1--What is the title of your latest release?
A LADY TO TREASURE
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A sparkling Regency romance inspired by Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Gentleman Jack
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Since it’s a Regency romance, it could only be England! Although Louisa is American, so the book starts in New York. However, she’s soon sailing across the Atlantic, on the hunt for a rich husband. She has heard much regarding the eccentricities of the English aristocracy but has no clue what’s in store for her.
4--Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
I think Louisa and I would be firm friends. In today’s language, she’d be considered a bit of a nerd, which means she and I would have much in common (I’m a scientist by day). As for Sarah, I’d probably be too intimidated to approach her (she’s formidable and does not suffer fools). However, she would be the most loyal and generous friend in the world, if only you could get past her brusque self-reliance and stiff-upper lip.
5--What are three words that describe your hero?
The question doesn’t apply in my case, as my book has two heroines.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
An apple plays a small but pivotal role in the book. I originally chose the English cox, until I discovered it wasn’t cultivated until 1825. Since my book is set in 1812/13, I had to change the apple to a pippin, a much older variety. It sounds trivial, but I historical fiction is all about creating the illusion for the reader that they are inhabiting a specific time and place, and these little details are vital in achieving that.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I edit as I go along – I can’t leave an untidy sentence if I can see how to fix it. But I will go back and edit later as well. To be honest, I spend more time editing than drafting.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Chocolate hob-nobs. For non-UK readers, these are crumbly oaty biscuits covered in a layer of dark or milk chocolate. They’re so moreish, I can’t have them in the house!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I have a lovely garden office which I use in the summer, but because I have dogs that insist on being with me, I spend a lot of time on the sofa with my laptop, so my dogs can snuggle up.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Too many to list! Of modern authors, I love the writing of Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan and Laura Shepherd-Robinson. From the past, Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer are firm favourites.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
To Kill a Mockingbird was the first book to make me cry. The first book to make me understand empathy, which is vital if you are going to be a writer. It was also the first book that featured a boyish tomboy (very much like myself) as the heroine.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
I sent the book to my publishers in January of this year. They loved it so much that the sent me a contract just a few weeks later. We’d worked together the previous year on The Secret of Matterdale Hall, a Victorian gothic mystery, and I’m sure having established that relationship helped.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I’m a mood reader, so I have several genres I enjoy. Literary fiction, historical, lesbian romance, crime and fantasy would be my top five.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Difficult to pick one, but I was recently reminded of Dangerous Liaisons with John Malkovich and Glenn Close, which was my favorite film of the Eighties.
15--What is your favorite season?
Funnily enough, this is a topic that is touched on in A Lady to Treasure. I’m going to agree with Eleanor Lowther, Sarah’s oldest friend. She loves spring, when so much new life grows.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
At home with my wife, with a glass of wine and a good book.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Gentleman Jack, Sanditon, Bridgerton. (readers may spot a theme...). I also loved Succession and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which are both outstanding in terms of writing and acting.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I find it hard to pick just one, which is why I’d probably choose Tapas, because it’s the perfect excuse to try a bit of everything.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Aside from writing, I love to read or go on walks with our two dogs.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I’m working on a Western-inspired tale set in 1870s Kansas. Having done a fair bit of research already, I’m fascinated by how much was changing politically, racially and economically during this period. I find it amazing (and disappointing) that the Western genre is dominated by tales of gunfights between gangs of white men, when there are so many more interesting stories from that period in history.
They can save their families. But will it cost them their hearts?
Louisa Silverton is the daughter of a wealthy American businessman, brought up to believe a healthy profit is the only route to happiness. With the family company over-leveraged and in need of a capital injection, she travels to England to find a rich husband.
The Honourable Miss Sarah Davenport has no time for romance. The family estate of Kenilborough is mired in debt and only she can save it. Unconventional and outspoken, Sarah is dismayed that somebody as intelligent and attractive as Louisa is willing to sacrifice herself for financial gain.
As Louisa pursues her campaign, Sarah realises her objections to the project run deeper than mere principles. At the same time, Louisa finds herself captivated by Sarah's independent spirit. Yet to indulge their unexpected passion would surely mean the ruin of both their families. Bound by duty, will they ever be free to follow their hearts?
Romance Historical [Bellows Press, On Sale: October 15, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781739710163 / ]
Marianne Ratcliffe grew up in Lincolnshire. A biochemist by training, she has always found creating new worlds and interesting characters every bit as rewarding as discoveries at a laboratory bench. She had short stories published in literary magazines and was runner up in the Guildford Book Festival short story competition in 2010. In 2017, redundancy spurred her to focus on creative writing; the result being The Secret of Matterdale Hall, a sapphic romance/mystery set in the Victorian era. Look for it on bookshelves in November 2022.
Marianne lives in Cheshire with her wife and two dogs.
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