Loretta Hill writes me a letter

I love Loretta’s letters. We’ve written a few times now. In fact, I sent her a letter to announce really exciting news a while back. (here’s the link)

Speaking of exciting… Here is the latest letter from Loretta, with news about her latest release – The Maxwell Sisters. You can WIN a copy of The Maxwell Sister’s by simply leaving a comment below.

 

I loved so many things about The Maxwell Sisters. Let’s face it… I love wine and the setting is a winery…with a restaurant!! Woot! I think I’ll crack a bottle of my favourite ‘House Wine’ to read Loretta’s latest letter.

Join me…

 

Hi Jenn J,

How are you? It’s been a long time since we met briefly at the RWA conference in Sydney. Hope your writing is thriving. Your first two books were wonderful.

So glad you enjoyed my latest novel as much as I have enjoyed your stories.

With this one, I’m actually exploring a similar theme to your first book “House for all Seasons.” – reuniting women with completely different personalities and weaving their lives back together.

My book is called, “The Maxwell Sisters” and as you’ve probably guessed, the three women in the story, Phoebe, Natasha and Eve, are not friends but sisters. They have been living in different Australian cities, estranged from each other due to a fight that occurred in their past.

 

Now Phoebe Maxwell, the youngest sister has decided to get married at their childhood home in the Margaret River Wine Region – Tawny Brooks Estate. They must put their differences aside and return home to help out with the preparations for the big day.

 

Firstly, I loved setting this book in this region. My in-laws live in this area and I tend to go on family holidays there myself at least three times a year. Next to writing, food and wine is definitely my second passion. Love it, love it, love it. So to combine all three was such a joy.

 

I also have three sisters. So I know all about that sibling rivalry dynamic. That, “I love you but I hate you,” kind of relationship that you develop as kids and never quite lose. This book in away is about growing up, not just from child to adult but looking at the way the milestones in your life shape you into the person that you are and how family plays a big role in that.

 

When Phoebe, Natasha and Eve are drawn back into a small community, into their old roles, to face their family obligations, they are forced to face old demons and also confront new ones. The three sisters are all at different stages in their life. Natasha is about to go through a divorce, Eve is single with a freshly broken heart and Phoebe is about to get married. They all share secrets and wisdom for each other. If only they would communicate. J

 

I had a lot of fun with these girls, particularly because weddings are such highly charged events and provide lots of opportunity for drama, misunderstandings and mayhem. I’ve actually been on a bit of blog tour this past month sharing insights into my characters with some of my favourite authors. Last week, I spoke about Phoebe with Fiona Palmer  and so today I wanted to talk to you about Spider, her fiance. He’s one of the heroes in this novel. (There are three, one for each sister, of course!) Spider was an interesting character to write because he’s not your typical romance hero. At first glance, he seems rather weak. Phoebe definitely seems to wear the pants in the relationship. He’s a “yes” man, who just wants to be liked by her family. His personality is pleasant, easy going, likeable enough but maybe too quiet…even possibly a little shady… John Maxwell, Phoebe’s father, definitely doesn’t like him.

 

As a writer, I love creating characters that are real, who have flaws and doubts and secrets of their own. I like an opportunity to show real growth and to help these characters really prove themselves to the readers. Spider is one of these characters. He’s got a lot to deal with when he agrees to have his wedding at his bride’s family home. In fact, he has no idea what he’s walking into but he’s willing to make a go of it for Phoebe’s sake. Things start to go pear shaped when he finds out his fiance is keeping a terrible secret from him. Spider really has to step up and show strength of character that Phoebe has never seen before.

 

What I had the most fun with though was Spider’s relationship with Phoebe’s dad. John Maxwell is the kind of father-in-law that has to be every groom’s worst night mare. He’s over protective of his daughter, impossible to please and eccentric to a fault. He enjoys making fun of people and speaking in riddles that don’t make sense. And yet, Spider is desperate to win his approval. I found a lot of comedy in their interactions and I hope some of my readers will be able to relate to Spider’s attempts at bonding with his father-in-law – much of which back fired.

 

Of all the romance threads in this novel, the relationship between Spider and Phoebe, is certainly the most real. I hope readers enjoy it, particularly for this aspect.

 

Well, next week I’m heading back home to WA, making a stop off at Rachael John’s place to talk about my last character and hero, Heath Roberts, Natasha’s estranged but determined husband.

 

Thanks again for allowing me to stop by. Looking forward to your next book… Season of Shadow and Light.

 

Best wishes,

 

Loretta Hill

Folks, I highly recommend The Maxwell Sisters. You can check out the buying links here. Don;t forget to leave a comment. Winner will be announced on Loretta’s blog on 23rd Feb.

Oh, and check out my previous guest post – Maggie Joel, who is also giving a book away.

You can never have too many books!

Jenn.