Love Finds You With a Spark of Independence

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland is lovely inside and out! The book explores the ramifications and meaning of independence, set not long after the American Revolution and U.S. independence from Britain. And, as part of the LFY series, you can bet on some sweet romance to go along with that spark of independence. ;) You can read my review of the book HERE.

Read on to learn more about the author and her book - followed by details on how you can get your hands on a copy!

Amber: What do you love most about writing for the “Love Finds You” series as compared to other books you’ve written?

Roseanna: While setting is always important to me, it takes on new importance in the LFY books. I’m a historical writer, so I have a lot of fun finding what sets a place apart, especially during the time period it’s most known for, and bringing that to life. And I love that within the confines of the Love Finds You vision we have a lot of freedom in determining how and why a story revolves around a place.

Amber: Have you visited the setting of your latest “Love Finds You” book? If so, what was your favorite part of the trip?

Roseanna: I actually went to college in Annapolis, at St. John’s College, which was only a year away from being commissioned at the point of my story and was at the time King William’s School, where my hero and heroine’s brother attended, and where the heroine’s host is a teacher. =)

But though I lived in Annapolis for nearly 6 years, I never played tourist—instead I growled at the tourists who did crazy things like stop without warning in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture. So naturally, when writing this book a friend and I had a blast playing tourist one Saturday and doing crazy things like stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures. =) It was so much fun to see the town we knew so well through new eyes. And the most fun of all was when we started at the State House and plotted then followed the path Lark (my heroine) would have taken when she’s running away from Emerson (hero) at one particularly exciting part of the story.

Amber: I love that part!! Sounds like you had a blast. =)

Have you learned anything about love and humility while working on your latest “Love Finds You” book that you could share with us?

Roseanna: Oh my, this entire book was a big lesson in the Lord’s love for me and my own need for humility. I wrote it in a rush, praying every single time I sat down at my laptop that the Lord would somehow deliver the words I needed. When I finished and sent it to my editor for consideration, I had no idea if it was good enough. I’m usually pretty confident about my work, but with Annapolis I felt completely at a loss. Would this be the book the Lord used to open a door to a big publisher (my two previous novels are small press), or would it be one He used to show me something completely different?

Even after I got The Call, I still looked at this book and said, “Really, Lord? Seriously?? It’s happening???” LOL Every step of this path with Summerside has been a blessing, one that has shown me in funny, amazing ways that the Lord had this in mind all along, all those years I sat hoping and praying over other manuscripts. Do I understand why now, why this book? No—but I trust that it’s all part of His purpose, and amazed at His love for me—and how this manifestation of it didn’t come until I surrendered every last dream and ambition to Him.

Amber: Your trust and humility are inspiring - I think especially to those of us who are still waiting on God's plan and timing regarding our writing. =)

What would a Christmas party in the town and era of your latest “Love Finds You” book look like? (Any details about food, decorations, traditions, etc., would be wonderful!)

Roseanna: Oh, this is an especially fun question because I actually have Christmas in the story! =) Though New England at the time had strict rules about not celebrating Christmas, my characters would have belonged to the Church of England and would have enjoyed traditional English celebrations, all with a New World flavor.

One tradition of the day that most of us have only passing knowledge of is wassailing. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the poor made up large batches of a milky drink called wassail (which isn’t known for being very tasty, LOL), which they would take around to the rich folk. The wealthy were pretty much obligated to buy this beverage, and did so with the idea that this was equivalent to alms without offending the pride of the less fortunate.

Also during this late Colonial/early Federal era, people often published in the newspaper when they were having parties, and total strangers would show up and expect a meal. Craziness! That came to an end right around the time of my story, LOL.

Decorations would consist of greenery and mistletoe, and the meals were a feast of local delicacies. In Annapolis, they would have enjoyed Maryland ham, a variety of seafood, treats that often featured sugar and fruit imported from the Caribbean . . .

Gifts would have been exchanged, and children especially would be unsurprised by what they received then. Toys, hair ribbons, books, new clothes . . . in Annapolis, my heroine Lark is away from home on Christmas and so very touched when a new friend gives her a leatherbound diary.

Amber: That was a great scene! Thank you for sharing all those tantalizing details, and thank you so much for being with us here today!

Giveaway!!!

Here are the rules for today's giveaway of a copy of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland! Please read carefully.

• Leave a comment for Roseanna along with your e-mail address.

• You must have a U.S. mailing address in order to be eligible for this drawing.

• All winners this week will be announced on Sunday, December 11, 2011.
  

But wait - there's more!

Anyone who leaves a comment will also be entered into the Great ANNAPOLIS Giveaway, as well! (Check out the link to see what the prize is - it's fabulous!!) So what are you waiting for? Join in the fun! =)

(St. John's College photo from the school's website. Learn more about Roseanna at her website!)