The Watchmaker and the Widow–a Visit by Linnea Alexis
My friend and fellow Orange County RWA chaptermate, Linnea Alexis is here today to tell us a little about herself and to share her new release in the Montana Sky Kindle World, The Watchmaker and the Widow.
The Interview
• Where in the world do you live, and how does it compare to where you grew up?
Currently, I live in Southern California. Love the weather, but not the traffic or earthquakes. California is the opposite of the rural community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where I grew up.
My home town was so small, there were no street lights, just occasional stop signs. There were 23 in my graduating class, so everybody knew everybody. (Unlike California, where I don’t even know my neighbors’ names.)
One thing I notice when I visit my former home is the quiet. It’s quiet enough to hear the rustling of leaves. I miss that, as well as snow at Christmas.
• I sometimes miss the snow also, Linnea, but not driving in it! What was the first romance you ever read?
Up until the time I attended a romance panel by HelenKay Dimon and Tessa Dare, I didn’t read romances. I was intrigued. I bought their books and had them signed. Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy by HelenKay Dimon was the first romance I read. How could I not read a book with that title?
• OMG, yes! Great title. Next question: does your significant other read your books, and if so, how does that workout?
He’s not interested. He reads all the time, but only non-fiction. I do, however, seek his advice regarding history, the military, or grammar. He’s a real stickler for spelling and grammar and, in my opinion, would make an excellent line editor.
• What do you have in the works?
I’m working on a sequel to The Watchmaker and the Widow. The “watchmaker” hero, Deacon Fletcher, has an identical twin who is a suspected outlaw. He’s due for his own HEA. Also I’m committed to write stories for two box sets, and as Joyce Ward, I’m working on a Halloween anthology.
• You’re keeping busy! What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
You’ll never get published if you don’t submit. When that advice finally sunk in, I started submitting. Soon after, I was offered a contract.
• Do you have any favorite sayings, quotes, or words of wisdom to share?
The following two quotes hang above my computer screen:
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
–Robert Schuller
I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.
—Shannon Hale
I love both of them!
The Watchmaker and the Widow
Blurb
On his way to California, watchmaker Deacon Fletcher stops at his grandmother’s ranch in Montana. En route, his trip hits one snag after another, each threatening to derail his plan to begin a lucrative job in San Francisco. Further complicating matters is the pretty young widow who lives nearby.
After four years, Molly Goode still grieves the loss of her husband. Raising a young daughter, preparing and selling preserves, and helping her father, leave little time for courting, which suits her just fine—until a handsome watchmaker turns her head.
As Deacon spends time in Morgan’s Crossing, he becomes more involved in the ranch, along with Molly and her daughter. Soon his career goals are challenged and his character tested. As Molly warms toward him, can he convince her that Cupid’s arrow can strike more than once?
Excerpt
Molly watched with interest as Deacon headed in her direction. Covered in mud, his clothing clung to his muscular body.
He ran his long fingers through his matted hair. “My grandmother asked me to let you know that we’ll be resting here for a while.”
“Sounds good. You weren’t hurt when you fell, were you?” Molly asked.
“Just a light soreness is all.” He tugged at his clothes.
“Mud can be washed from your trousers and shirt.”
“But not my wool jacket…or the expensive pair of leather boots I bought especially for this trip.”
She bit back a grin. “You’ve had quite a trip so far, haven’t you?”
“Since my arrival yesterday morning, I’ve been interrogated by a sheriff, met a horse named Bull, survived a deluge, helped free a horse-drawn wagon out of a mud hole, ruined a brand-new pair of boots, and fell flat on my…” He glanced at Eva. “…behind…in a puddle.”
Molly smiled. “Welcome to Montana, Mr. Fletcher.”
Available from Amazon
About Linnea Alexis
Linnea Alexis stopped stirring up trouble in the corporate world a few years ago and now satisfies her appetite for adventure by writing about second chances. She writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Historical Romance where flawed heroes and heroines find their Happily Ever After.
Find her at:
Thank you for visiting today, Linnea!
All images courtesy of Linnea Alexis.