Lord of Her Heart by Sherrinda Ketchersid q&a

Hello, reader friends! Join me in welcoming author friend Sherrinda Ketchersid! She is visiting us today as part of a JustRead blog tour celebrating her debut historical novel, Lord of Her Heart! I love the book (more about that later, my review is below) and I’m delighted to have Sherrinda here answering a few quick questions and sharing a giveaway opportunity for y’all!

 

 

q&a

Name your five favorite television series.

S: It’s hard to narrow down my favorite series, but here are some that I have watched more than once.

Alias – I’ve watched this series three times. I love a strong female lead and Sydney Bristow is definitely that! I love the different disguises and characters she plays, and her improvisational skills when undercover. Of course, the love story throughout is great as well. The show got a bit bizarre toward the end, which is probably why it ended after five seasons, but I loved the main character so much, I was willing to suspend belief for her.

Veronica Mars – I am currently watching this series for the third time. This show is about a high school girl who helps her father in his Private Investigator business. She is brilliant at solving crimes and soon is helping her classmates solve their mysteries. It’s a bit edgy and far-fetched for the students in the show, but I like Veronica and her smart comebacks and sense of self-worth.

Friends – I watched this when it first came out, but when my kiddos were little, I had to quit since it wasn’t for little ears or eyes. So when it came out on Netflix, I dived in. I love the sense of community with these friends. Even though they squabble and get on each other’s nerves, they love each other and support each other through the long haul.

Downton Abbey – How can you not love this period piece with its grandeur and drama? And Maggie Smith as the Dowager? Be still my heart. She cracks me up.

When Calls The Heart – This is a Hallmark show set in the 1800’s. I love the scenery and the beautiful community in this small Canadian town. I’ve been watching it on Netflix and am behind a season, but I’m looking forward to more soon!

B: I’ve seen at least an episode or two of these! Personally, I much prefer reading the Canadian West series by Janette Oke which inspired the When Calls The Heart television series.

What is your favorite activity or hobby not related to books?

S: I love to paint and letter in my Bible. I wish I could remember where and when I first saw this done, but I what I do remember is the rush of excitement that came over me when I saw the beauty created in the written word of God. It has become such a sweet time of meditation and worship to journal what the Lord impressed on my heart during my scripture reading.

B: I can’t even make myself underline in my Bible… maybe someday!

Share some of your inspiration for Lord of Her Heart.

S: I love the medieval time period with its chivalry and strong knights. When I decided to write a novel, I began researching that time period, particularly about women in that era. I learned wealthy women were sent to convents for an education. They learned reading, writing, and things that would enable them to manage an estate/castle once they married.

Then I began to think what if? What if a woman was sent to a convent to learn, then her family decided to leave her there? What if the family ceased communication with her? What if the abbess forced the woman to take her vows to the church? What if she escaped and was rescued by a handsome knight? That’s when I had my idea for a story.

B: I love the medieval time period too! You rocked it!

What are some of the challenges you faced while writing Lord of Her Heart?

S: One of the challenges I faced was to use words that were true to the time period. For instance, you cannot say His interference derailed her plans. Derailed is a word used after the invention on the railroad. It was difficult to catch those things, but fortunately, I had a fantastic editor, Karin Beery, who shaped my story into something I’m proud of.

B: Nitpicking through words and phrases like that has to be tedious!

What book(s) are you reading right now?

S: I’m usually reading both fiction and non-fiction at the same time. I’m just starting Angie Dicken’s new book coming out, The Yellow Lantern. It’s a true crime story about body snatchers in the 1800’s. It’s so good. I’ve also started The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. Creative people struggle with fear, procrastination, etc, and this book attempts to help you overcome the resistance to creative living.

B: Angie’s book is on my tbr and maybe your nonfiction read needs to be too! I could use some help with my chronic swoof-block…

What is your reading style? 

S: It’s so easy to read on my Kindle Fire, but I love to hold a book in my hands. I usually have both going. I read at night in bed with my Kindle, but will read on the couch or comfy chair with a real book.

B: I’m with you, equal-opportunity reading all the way! Since I upgraded to the newest Kindle Paperwhite, I’m even brave enough to read in the tub!

What is your next release and/or what are you working on now?

S: Right now I am trying to rework my second book, with a tentative title, His to Keep. It takes Ian McGowan, the head guard in my first book, and gives him his own forever love. It is a story of overcoming past scars and find worth not in what you do, but who you are—in Christ. Throw in a forced marriage with a feisty heroine (think of the heroine in the Disney movie Brave) and you’ve got a fun story.

B: Eeeep! I can’t wait!!!

What’s your writing style?

S: I like to do a basic plot, leaving room for pantsing in between the major plot points. I need some structure to keep me on track, but it’s fun to let the story evolve naturally.

I used to write on the couch so my puppy could snuggle with me, but I just recovered a chaise lounge I purchased at a thrift store for $50 and now love to write in my library/art room, surrounded by lovely books and lots of color. The puppy will lay on a little dog bed beside me but sometimes crawls up with me on the chair.

B: So sweet! Izzy and I hang out on the couch but if I had a quiet room to retreat to, we’d be there!

Do you have any writing quirks? 

S: I’m not too quirky when it comes to writing. I love to light a candle and write in silence. Sometimes I’m in the mood for music, but it has to be instrumental. For my current story, I’ve got a Scottish playlist that I’ll listen too when I’m writing fight scenes.

B: I’m seriously chomping at the bit for book 2 here!

 

 

my thoughts

This sweetly steamy medieval romance absolutely made my day! From the opening scene, the setting leaps off the page and characters are endearing and relatable… except, of course, for the ones which aren’t… but conflict is an essential element of good storytelling so that’s actually another way the author completely nailed it! What a debut!!!

I adore the feisty heroine and her tall, dark, and chivalrous knight! Jocelyn is strong, intelligent, and compassionate. I felt intimately connected to her heart and turbulent emotions throughout the story. Meanwhile, Malcolm is a deliciously complex and indulgently masculine hero. If swooning over a fictional knight is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

Since my schedule is packed right now, I picked up this book planning to simply take a peek then save it for a rainy-day pleasure read. Ketchersid immediately drew me into the story and ruined my plans as I became completely lost in the book. Once I started reading, the story literally did not leave my hand until I devoured every last word and the fact that I have to wait for another installment slays me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

tour giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Lord of Her Heart, a 9 oz Cozy Day candle, and a personalized hand-lettered Moleskin journal!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 13, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 20, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

tour schedule

Say hi to Sherrinda in the comments and share your thoughts on our chat and her story, Lord of Her Heart!