1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE BANISHED BRIDE
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
It’s the first book in my “Intrepid Heroines” series—and Aurora Sprague needs every bit of grit and determination she can muster! Forced to become a child bride to a complete stranger in order to pay off a gambling debt of her wastrel father, she is banished to a remote estate while her husband—who has also been forced into the marriage by his own father—rides off from the wedding to return to his military assignments abroad.
As the years pass—without a word from her legal husband—Aurora and her loyal former governess starts their own thriving business advising women on how to outwit the wiles of scheming men. When one of her clients is in danger of violence from a drunken spouse, Aurora insists on helping the woman escape to a relative in Scotland. But on the journey home, she finds a knife-wielding stranger in her carriage—and is quickly drawn into a cat-and-mouse intrigue involving the roguishly handsome British agent, who is chasing a French spy. It turns out they work well together trying to unravel lies and secrets . . . but little do they suspect the biggest secret of all . . .
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I fell in love with the Regency era after reading PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as an early teen. Austen created such a fascinating world, where her characters had to navigate an intricate web of rules and relationships as they looked to find their niche in life. But what really resonated with me was how her heroines were so quietly strong, yet fiercely independent-minded and determined to find happiness without giving up their principles. They serve as inspirations for my own characters.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Oh, definitely! We’re kindred spirits in that we don’t pay attention to any rules that try to tell us what women can and can’t do. Both of us believe it’s important to have dreams and aspirations—and then dig deep inside to find the courage and determination to pursue them.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Brave. Compassionate. Resilient. (And pretty kick-ass when she need to be!)
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
That when my heroine tells me to do something, I really need to listen to her! At times, she really drove me crazy, and we often butted heads (Hmm, maybe I should add “Stubborn” to the list of words that describe her!) However, I have to admit that she was always right!
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
The bad news is that I’m a very slow writer because I’m constantly fiddling with paragraphs to get the choice of words and the rhythm just right. (Don’t ask about my pitiful daily word count!) But the good news is I usually don’t have to do much editing once the manuscript is done.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I would answer “sinfully dark chocolate”—but we all know that’s a staple food, not an indulgence, right? So I’ll add that when the Muse is really cranky, I bribe her with chocolate chip blondies.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
It’s crammed with books and various quirky things I’ve collected over the years—vintage posters, childhood stuffed animals, rocks from the Acropolis, flea market inkwells and watch fobs, to name just a few of them. It gets a lot of sunlight and is quiet, which is important to me. I know there are authors who love the energy of writing in coffee shops, but I work best in the solitude of my own special spot, surrounded by my “stuff”.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Oh, that an impossible question! I’ve been an avid bookworm ever since I learned the alphabet, and love reading in a variety of genres, so I can’t begin to pick just one. That said, I love Mary Jo Putney’s Regency romances. Her characters are so richly complex, and her stories always have such a powerful emotional punch. She’s really the person who inspired me to try my hand at writing Regency romances.
11--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Another impossible question! I read lots of different genres, but if I had to highlight my favorites, they would be historical romance, historical mysteries, and non-fiction history, mostly on esoteric subjects like gunpowder or botanical poisons (heh-heh). I’m a history nerd and love finding arcane little details to weave into my plots.
12--What’s your favorite movie?
“Love Actually” is right up at the top of my list. It’s such a delightful mash-up, showing that love—and all the angst that goes along with being in love—comes in so many guises. There’s no “one size fits all,” which is such a perfect message. The movie always makes me think of a wonderful Winnie the Pooh cartoon where one of his friends asks,” “How do you spell Love?” To which Winnie answers. “You don’t spell it, you feel it.”
13--What is your favorite season?
Definitely autumn. It’s not too hot or cold, and as lifelong New Englander, I love the blaze of colors that highlight the elemental beauty of Nature.
14--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Cake! (but no candles.) Preceded by a quiet candlelight dinner and a nice bottle of wine.
15--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
It’s not recent, but on the recommendation of a friend, I just started watching Grantchester on PBS Masterpiece Theater. I love the English village/university town setting, but what really draws me to the show is the depth and complexity of the characters. I think the writers of the show do a great job of exploring so many elemental themes—friendship, loyalty, love, vulnerability. The people are very real, and all the more appealing as they struggle to overcome their doubts and fears.
16--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I have a real weakness for pasta and pizza!
17--What do you do when you have free time?
What’s that??
18--What can readers expect from you next?
Look for more unconventional women who challenge the conventions of their era (along with the heroes who can’t resist them!) in my Intrepid Heroines series. The next book is THE STORYBOOK HERO!
Intrepid Heroines
A drunken laugh, a roll of the dice...and Aurora Sprague finds herself a child bride, married in haste to a young man she's never met to settle her father's gaming debt. Moments after the ceremony, the new groom gallops off to the army and Aurora is banished to a remote estate, married in name only.
Years later, Alex Fenimore, now a top intelligence officer, is on a secret mission when a fiery young lady helps him escape an attack.
He has no idea of her real identity-or that the sparks of desire between them are about to ignite a dangerous passion...
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: January 7, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781648397776 / ]
Andrea Pickens is a graduate of Yale University, where she majored in art and intellectual history. She has a master's degree in graphic design from the Yale School of Art and Architecture, and is currently the creative director for two sporting magazines. A lifelong fan of Jane Austen, Ann Radcliffe, and the Brontes, she resides with her husband in Connecticut, where she's working on getting her golf handicap down to a respectable number.
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