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Samantha Grace | First Impressions
October 18, 2012
It's great to be back at Fresh Fiction talking about the third book in my Beau
Monde Bachelor series, MISS
LAVIGNE'S LITTLE WHITE LIE. Thank you for having me as a guest today. I
always look forward to chatting with Fresh Fiction readers. I used to put a lot of faith in first impressions. If I didn't like something or
someone right away, I figured I never would. Fortunately, I learned that a first
impression isn't always the best way to form an opinion. It's a good thing I
figured it out, too. Otherwise, I might not be married to my wonderful husband. I can't say my first impression of him was horrible. We met briefly at a
conference through work a year or two before our second encounter. When a
co-worker introduced us the first time, he was full of polite smiles. That
second time he was a real grouch. We were at an outdoor function. It was a
sweltering summer day, and I guess he had just woken up from a nap when I
approached. I was trying to be friendly, but he was having none of it. He glared
and responded in monosyllables that sounded more like grunts than the English
language, so I walked away thinking "good riddance". A month later we ended up going to dinner and a movie together with his brother
and his brother's girlfriend. It was not a date! That was a certainty, because I
didn't even like the guy. But his brother was my friend, so I agreed to show
them around a neighboring town since both of them were fairly new to the area.
The evening went okay. No sparks, but no clashes either. On the drive home, the backseat passengers fell asleep, leaving me to talk with
the grouch. Come to find out, he's a decent guy. He was working full time and
going to school for his doctorate, so he was under a lot of stress. (I also
found out much later that he's not at his best when her first wakes up, so I
just give him some space and he comes around.) By the end of the summer, he had
won me over completely and the rest is history. We've been married sixteen
years and counting. The start of our relationship reminds me some of how I felt about Captain Daniel
Hillary, the hero of my book MISS LAVIGNE'S LITTLE WHITE
LIE. When he first appeared in his brother's book, I didn't care for him. I
grew to tolerate him by the end of LADY AMELIA'S MESS AND A
HALF, but I didn't know if I'd ever be able to love him. How could I write a
romantic story when I didn't have warm feelings for the leading character? I was
worried. Well, I shouldn't have. Daniel Hillary is much more than he ever revealed in his
brother's story. He's a hero with a painful past, and once I knew about it, I
understood him and his tendency to keep others at arm's length. In the end, he
turned out to be a hidden gem and probably my favorite hero so far. Here's a short scene where the heroine, Lisette Lavigne, catches her first
glimpse of Daniel's true nature: Rafe wiggled on the chair between her and Serafine, having eaten the
only thing on his plate he liked, the bread. And then only the soft middle. His
boiled fish and summer squash remained untouched.
Lisette exchanged his crust for her untouched piece and worried her
bottom lip. Rafe was particular about what he ate. Unlike other children, he
wouldn't eat just anything handed to him if he became hungry enough. He limited
his consumption to four foods—bread, rice, milk, and sweets, particularly
rice pudding. Yet, the accidental inclusion of a plumped up raisin in his dish
could send him into hysterics. This would not be an easy journey for any of
them, she feared.
Lisette had taken rice and flour from the larder at Passebon House,
but there hadn't been much room in the sack, and it had grown heavy. She didn't
know how long the supplies would last. In fact, she had no idea how long the
voyage would take, much less how to determine if she carried enough staples.
Tomorrow she must find the galley and speak with the cook. Perhaps she could
bribe him to ration the foods Rafe required for survival.
She glanced up and discovered Captain Hillary studying her brother
digging his fingers into the bread. The captain frowned but held his tongue.
When her brother finished eating the middle from her bread, Captain Hillary
reached across the table to place his serving on Rafe's plate.
Rafe's head popped up, but he didn't look directly at anyone. "The
Cecily is an Indiaman, a three-masted ship carrying three square sails on
the fore and mainmasts. The mizzenmast has one square sail and a fore-and-aft
sail."
Captain Hillary's brows lifted. "Indeed. You're observant, Master
Rafe. I believe you could replace my first mate. Perhaps you can make his
acquaintance on the morrow and offer your assistance."
Rafe sat on his hands, rocking, his eyes trained to his plate again.
"A Baltimore Flyer is a schooner. She has a narrow hull and is faster. She could
overtake the Cecily."
Lisette and Serafine exchanged a startled look. Lisette's betrothed
owned a ship. Rafe had toured the vessel once when Reynaud was courting her. She
couldn't recall the ship's class, but Rafe wouldn't forget. Surely her brother
didn't fear Reynaud would pursue them, not for her meager dowry or Rafe's modest
inheritance. Such an undertaking would be insane.
Lisette patted her brother's knee as much to comfort herself as him.
"I'm certain Captain Hillary knows all about dealing with overzealous Baltimore
Fliers. You needn't trouble yourself."
Rafe looked to Captain Hillary as if seeking reassurance, his large
amber eyes so like their father's, minus their sire's spark of
life.
The captain glanced between Lisette and her brother, his thick brows
lowered. "As your sister says, Master Rafe, you needn't concern yourself.
Schooners know to use caution around an armed ship."
"Thirty-two guns," Rafe supplied with a wan smile. His response to
the captain was unprecedented.
"Perhaps you would accompany me on a tour of the ship on the morrow
to insure all is operating as it should."
Her brother tore off a piece of soft bread and didn't answer. His
connection to the man was severed so abruptly, Lisette wondered if her
imagination had fooled her.
Serafine squared her shoulders. "Rafe possesses much knowledge on
constellations as well as ships, Captain. Perhaps he will discuss his interest
with you." Her regal posture served as a testament to her pride. "He is a
brilliant young man."
"I can see he's unlike other boys his age."
Lisette and Serafine, who had been surrogate mothers to Rafe since
his birth, shot glares in the captain's direction, but he was looking at Rafe.
His expression softened.
"He's more intelligent than the average boy." Captain Hillary rested
his elbow on the seatback as he lounged on the unpadded chair. His relaxed
demeanor chased away Lisette's fears. Rafe's differences were evident to the
captain, but he wasn't passing judgment. I'd love to share a print copy of MISS LAVIGNE'S LITTLE WHITE
LIE with a Fresh Fiction reader. Just leave a comment or answer this
question: (US and Canada only) Do you trust first impressions, or are you the
type of person that gives people or things more than one chance? A SCOUNDREL DRIVES A HARD BARGAIN... Spirited and determined to protect her young brother at any cost, Lisette
Lavigne is desperate to flee New Orleans. There's only one ship sailing to
England, though, and the rakish Captain Daniel Hillary will only allow Lisette's
family aboard for a steep price... BUT A LADY ALWAYS GETS THE UPPER HAND... Daniel prides himself on running a tight ship, and he knows a lady will be
nothing but trouble on a long voyage. Yet he can't help but break his own
ironclad rules when Lisette persuades him that being gentlemanly just this once
is his wisest course of action... Samantha Grace made
her debut earlier this year with MISS HILLARY SCHOOLS A
SCOUNDREL. Her newest regency romance, MISS LAVIGNE'S LITTLE WHITE
LIE, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and she did a happy
dance in her kitchen. Samantha lives with her husband, their two tenacious kids,
and an endless parade of characters that inhabit her imagination. You can
connect with Samantha at: Facebook
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| Lady Scribes |
Website
Comments
54 comments posted.
Re: Samantha Grace | First Impressions
I tend to trust first impressions --- but my mind can be changed.
(Renee Grandinetti 12:24pm October 18, 2012)
First impressions are difficult as so many things can impact those impressions.....place, circumstances, occasion. I like to give people especially a second chance as many times other people have given me a second chance at a first impression.
(Beth Charette 6:30am October 18, 2012)
This looks like a very good book!!
(Margaret Yannucci 7:07am October 18, 2012)
I try to not rely too heavily on first impressions because it's impossible to really know someone that quickly. I give second chances, but in the end, first impressions are usually pretty accurate (unless there are extenuating circumstances).
(LaQuita Parks 7:54am October 18, 2012)
First impressions are just that...FIRST impressions. You will
never know everything there is to know about someone the first
time you meet them. Some people seem shy and quiet but then
turn out to be outrageously funny. Others seem rude and mean,
but are just afraid.
(Karin Anderson 7:55am October 18, 2012)
This sounds like a book I'd love to read!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:20am October 18, 2012)
First impressions can make the difference since in some situations you might never run into that person again. And if the impression is bad enough then you won't give them your number or a chance to get to meet you. But for friends of friends I tend to give more chances. After all, if my friends like them then there must be something about them that is good.
(Pam Howell 8:53am October 18, 2012)
Hi
A first impression is important however I can have my
opinion changed. I have been wrong about both - a bad first
impression and a good one - but then again I have been right
also :)
Thanks
(Pam Brewer 9:50am October 18, 2012)
I always "note to self" my first impressions - and then try to keep an open mind. But 9 times out of 10 ... those first impressions are almost always right. So I've learned to trust them BUT not rely only on them. Hope that makes sense. Your book sounds like a winner. Best of luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:29am October 18, 2012)
I tend to trust my instincts - they have never failed. A couple times I got a sick feeling in my stomach after meeting someone only to have another person tell me what they have done in their life letting me know the feeling was not unfounded. I think that giving someone the benefit of the doubt (meeting in sweltering heat next to a grill - well, let's face it, would you be your best?) is something you know to do. There will be personalities that you can see over a mile away and either they will draw you in or repulse you and that tends to happen almost immediately.
(Carla Carlson 11:04am October 18, 2012)
I like hystericals - er - historicals - PICK ME!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 12:37pm October 18, 2012)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF PEOPLE ARE I THINK TELLS YOU WHAT THEY ARE LIKE.
(Shelly Caggiano 12:57pm October 18, 2012)
First impressions are usually pretty dependable. Very seldon have additional meetings with a person changed my mind but it has happened. I give people a second chance as I hope they would when I am having a bad day.
(Kathleen Yohanna 1:05pm October 18, 2012)
I keep track of "feelings" I get when meeting someone... I will give them a second chance, but alot of time my initial feeling was true.
(Colleen Conklin 1:09pm October 18, 2012)
I think I tend to go by first impressions but I know that first impressions are not always right so I can change my mind about someone as I get to know them better.
(Chelsea Knestrick 2:14pm October 18, 2012)
I LIKE THE COVER! THANK YOU FOR THE GIVEAWAY! :D
(Kyla Whitley 3:36pm October 18, 2012)
Renee,
Thanks for stopping by today. I think being open to changing your opinion is
admirable. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:36pm October 18, 2012)
Hi, Beth.
I'm much more open to giving second chances now, and you make a great point
about having been given second chances, too. I know I'm not at my best all the
time, although I try to be courteous. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:40pm October 18, 2012)
La Quita,
The more I've thought about it, the more I would agree sometimes first
impressions are very accurate. There are some things that show a person's
character that I don't think could be chalked up to a bad day. If someone is
mean to a child or animal, for example, I would go with my instincts.
(Samantha Grace 3:43pm October 18, 2012)
Karin,
Good point about people often putting up defenses when we first meet
someone. Sometimes it pays to get to know the person better. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:45pm October 18, 2012)
Pam Howell,
That seems like a good guideline. If our friends like someone, he or she may be
worth a second chance. I like that. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:46pm October 18, 2012)
Pam Brewer,
I've certainly been wrong about both as well. And I've been right. It is interesting
to me though that some of the people I didn't care for at first have turned out to
be people I've become closest with over time. I wonder if that's because I have
to make more of an effort to get to know and understand them to like them.
(Samantha Grace 3:51pm October 18, 2012)
Nancy,
That makes perfect sense to me. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:52pm October 18, 2012)
Carla,
That's an excellent point about instincts. I've had things I've thought about
people and then things I've felt on a gut level. I think our gut reactions are there
to protect us, so I always listen to those. In those situations, I don't feel I owe
anyone anything. If I badly misjudge them, then so be it. I'd rather be wrong
and safe. :)
(Samantha Grace 3:55pm October 18, 2012)
Pamela,
You're hysterical. In a good and funny way. LOL :)
(Samantha Grace 3:57pm October 18, 2012)
Shelly,
Thanks for sharing your viewpoint. There is likely some truth to your statement
that first impressions are how people are. I think about meeting someone who
is under a lot of stress. That is how they are under stress. Or if they've just
received good news, we see how they are when happy. What complex creatures
we are. :)
(Samantha Grace 4:01pm October 18, 2012)
Hi, Kathleen.
Too bad we don't have buttons we can put on saying "Having a bad day. Please
don't hold it against me". :)
(Samantha Grace 4:03pm October 18, 2012)
Colleen,
That sounds like a reasonable way to approach meeting a new person. :)
(Samantha Grace 4:04pm October 18, 2012)
Chelsea,
I've found my opinion often changes, too, when I get to know the person. I think
at a minimum if I can understand a person, I'm more tolerant. :)
(Samantha Grace 4:06pm October 18, 2012)
Thank you, Margaret and Bonnie! I hope you enjoy the book if you get a chance
to read it. :)
(Samantha Grace 4:07pm October 18, 2012)
Thanks, Kyla! I do end up with some great covers, thanks to Sourcebooks. :)
(Samantha Grace 4:07pm October 18, 2012)
First impresions can sometimes be decieving. This book looks like a great read. Thanks for the contest.
(Laura Troxel 5:27pm October 18, 2012)
THANKS for the chance to read your book
(Debbi Shaw 7:34pm October 18, 2012)
I rely on first impressions as they're ususally accurate, but will give a person a chance to change my mind.
(Mary C 8:34pm October 18, 2012)
I usually rely on first impression. I do give some people the
chance to prove me wrong, but it usually doesn't end up
happening very often.
(Tina Rucci 8:55pm October 18, 2012)
I have a pretty good "gut" so if the gut feelings are negative, it seem to be for a reason. I do try to keep an open mind tho. Your books sounds like a good read. thanks for the draw.
(Barbara Studer 9:00pm October 18, 2012)
You always try to make a good first impression, might not get another chance to change someones mind about you.
(Sheila True 9:06pm October 18, 2012)
I rely on first impression but I'm also the kind that want to believe not all people are bad. I do admit that I am a glutton for punishment since the instinct about the person is always right.
(Kai Wong 9:13pm October 18, 2012)
Relying on first impressions leaves one open to trusting too
easily.
(Diana Corlett 9:18pm October 18, 2012)
I'm a first impression person all the way.
(Sue Farrell 9:39pm October 18, 2012)
I always try to keep an open mind.
(Janie McGaugh 9:43pm October 18, 2012)
Some people upon meeting me for the 1st time believe that I'm a very reserved person. Luckily, I've been given many second chances by others. Because I've been on the receiving end of 2nd chances, I highly endorse the principle of 2nd chances.
(Joanne Hicks 9:43pm October 18, 2012)
Seems like a Great contest.
(Kent Cook 9:51pm October 18, 2012)
As they say you only get one first impression, but I think your opinion can
change after spending time with someone. People may not show their true
self until they get to know you.
(Ann Sheiring 9:51pm October 18, 2012)
I do trust first impressions, because the first time I laid eyes on my Husband, I knew that someday we would be married. That day came to pass, even though I never said a word about it to him. I just let nature take its' course. As for second chances, I usually give a person a second chance. It really would depend on the circumstances. There have only been a couple of times that I couldn't give the person a second chance, because what they did was too serious and hurtful to me personally. I enjoyed the excerpt of your book, and would love to read it. I truly was sorry to see that it broke off where it did. It left me wanting more!! Congratulatons on your latest book. The story is wonderful!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:04pm October 18, 2012)
I'm a second, third and fourth chance kind of person. I normally give someone time when I meet them. We all have our good days and bad days and it takes awhile to truly see who people really are. Now if a person is rude, obnoxious, and down right nasty on the first meeting, there will be no more chances.
Thank you for the chance in the giveaway. :)
(Leah Weller 10:29pm October 18, 2012)
I always trust my first impression. It hasn't failed me so although I
probably do miss out, I go with my very large gut!!
(Vicki Hancock 11:18pm October 18, 2012)
I take note of my first impression and then see what happens
next.
(Diane Sallans 11:34pm October 18, 2012)
I'm the type to take it all in stride and blow it off if I wasn't that interested in someone the first time I meet them.
Thanks for the giveaway!
(Karen Prentice 11:42pm October 18, 2012)
I do take on board first impressions but only ignore someone in an extreme incident - I have to REALLY not like them!
Your books are great, I love them.
(Barbara Hanson 8:20am October 19, 2012)
First impressions don't always work, but they give you something to take away or build on. Once I told a person that I tolerated her and that sure didn't go over well.
(Alyson Widen 7:21pm October 19, 2012)
A first impression of someone as unpleasant or oily or rude - yes, I'll remember and trust that. A first impression of someone pleasant may be perfectly accurate or later I may have reason to revisit it, if something occurs.
(Clare O'Beara 8:58am October 20, 2012)
I trust first impressions. I trust my inner voice.
(Rita Wray 12:54pm October 20, 2012)
i trust first impressions
(Danielle McDonald 6:33pm October 20, 2012)
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