Welcome Beverly Wells and When the Loon Sings

Today First Timers Presents is thrilled to welcome Beverly Wells who brings Morgan Prescott from Only When the Loon Sings, a 01/27/2012 Historical Romance release from the Wild Rose Press.

Where are you from, Morgan? I was born and raised in New York City, right in the very heart of high society, wealth and all the falsehoods that went with it. Oh, do I sound bitter? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I’d just like to put that part of my life behind me.

What is Only When the Sings about? I answered an ad for mail order brides and traveled to Washington Territory hoping for a great adventure and to be accepted for the person I am. But I achieved so much more; I learned acceptance, forgiveness, and against all odds--love conquers all. I also gained a friend, more of a sister really, who suffered from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I grew up.

What did you think the first time you saw Luke Kincaid? Oh my! That he had the physique of Adonis and a face to go with it. But I was petrified that he’d send me packing since I wasn’t the tart he’d originally thought to pair up with.

What was your second thought? I thought he might be trying to kill me. He’d suggested I order water and whiskey versus the bitter beer at the saloon. I really expected my throat to totally burn to a crisp. And he laughed, damn him.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Oh no, far from it. It could have been on my part, but he wasn’t too happy to have the switch in brides.

What do you like most about him? That he values friends and honor so completely. There are a hundred other traits, too, but you asked for the most.

How would you describe him? Strong as an ox, but gentle. Easy going, yet determined.

How would he describe you? Oh that’s easy. He thinks I have a fetish for fire.

What made you choose to become a mail order bride? Again, I won’t expand the reasons as I don’t like to recall my past. But I had to escape my parents who valued prestige, money, and their so called high society friends above all else, yet knew nothing of true friendship, or love for that matter. My sister, the two-timing no-gooder, too.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll never find true friendship, happiness and love.

How do you relax? By sitting by the pond and watching the loons glide, hear their melodious calls. Yet, it also relaxes me to plant flowers and plants, just to feel God’s rich soil sift through my fingers, to await the coming blooms. Both are extremely calming and peaceful.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Golly, that’s hard to say because I love every book I can get my hands on and everyone I read about—I had to read when my parents didn’t know it. At least fiction, that is. So I’d have to say as far as books go, Jane Eyre, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Uncle Tom’s Cabin--oh the list goes on. But fictional characters have to have a spine, a purpose, and a deep down abiding goodness.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Kat’s turn to quiz Beverly:

What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Gosh, like Morgan, the movies or books that have made an impact on me and my writing are too numerous to mention. So, if I had to choose one, I’d have to say Cinderella. I loved it as a child, and I find myself still relishing that down-trodden person or situation and the happy ending. I read constantly whether it’s a romance (mainly is) or main stream and I think everyone of them—if it’s a good read—impacts my writing somehow. But I will say that I like a purpose to a book (or movie), something that can be learned or stirs deep emotions—-even if it’s just a snippet-- while enjoying a good read. And if there’s some humor, that’s a definite plus. I could go on with a hundred names of my favorite authors who have made me want to write as good as I can.

To learn more about Beverly Wells and the stories she creates go to: www.beverlywellsauthor.com

To purchase Only When the Loon Sings, go to: www.thewildrosepress.com

Kat: let’s read a blurb from Only When the Loon Sings

Searching for true happiness, as well as escape from a controlling family, Morgan Prescott answers a Brides Wanted ad and leaves New York City’s high society life for the wilds of Washington Territory. Her spirit and intelligence carries her through the shocks that await her--streets of ankle-deep mud, life in a one-room cabin, the hazards of cooking-—but they are no help when she loses her heart to the one man she can’t have. Private investigator Luke Kincaid, a major stockholder in the Union Pacific Railroad, goes undercover as a logging camp foreman to apprehend the railroad’s saboteurs. All he needs is a mock wife to strengthen his act, but once he agrees to Morgan filling the role, he finds himself longing for much more-—a love he’s forbidden to accept or give.

And now . . . an excerpt:

Damn. Trouble always erupted when women were around a camp.

It came to him in a flash. Missy remained. Yet that couldn’t be. She didn’t fit the description of the woman Hans had chosen on paper two months ago. Hell, he lacked too much sleep to play guessing games. “So spit it out. What happened?”

Luke watched Missy lean against the wagon. Lean? It looked as if she wanted to burrow into the wood.

Hans pulled his hands out of his pockets, gestured with them in front of him. “I chose my bride, and Albert claimed Lila.” Lila. Ah yes, Hans had raved about her. “Tom chose Sarah instead of Roberta, and Peter wanted Roberta.”

Was anything ever simple? After an exhausting day of catastrophes, and this hopscotch of brides, a headache threatened. “And now the last two don’t match, is that it?”

Hans studied his boots, drove his hands back into his pockets then glanced at Missy. “We don’t know if they’ll match. They’ve... just met.”

It took a split second for Hans’ words to register, to become crystal clear. No. Hans knew why Luke had picked Rosie. He wouldn’t intentionally turn the tables on him. But lust and love would, by damn. It made men commit worse crimes.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “You chose Rosie.” His words almost gagged him. He dreaded to hear Hans’ confirmation. Hans nodded.

Acid churned in his stomach, a sour taste spiraled up to his mouth. He’d purposely picked a voluptuous dance hall woman who’d have no problem finding another man after he’d finished here. One who most likely would go along with his scheme and the proposition he offered.

Jesus! He was in a world of shit.

Kat: Beverly, what a great ending hook! Thanks so much for spending time with us today. This looks like a great story. Good luck with sales.