BooksChatter: ℚ Her One True Love: Victorian Romances [4]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with returning author Rachel Brimble to talk about Her One True Love (15 March 2016, Lyrical Press, 234 pages), a Victorian Romance, book four of the Victorian Romances series.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Trailer | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

Hello Rachel! Happy Release Day and welcome back to BooksChatter!

What compelled you to write this particular story?

"The heroine, Jane, appeared as a secondary character in my last Victorian romance, What A Woman Desires. The more I wrote her, the more story she had to tell so knew I had to give her the floor! It was soon very clear she had a history with the village’s squire so I delved deeper until everything came spilling out. Her One True Love is the result!"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"There’s not much of me consciously reflected in the book, but unconsciously I imagine different parts of me are in every character. Male, female, young or old. I think it’s very difficult for any author not to speak to the world through their characters – that’s what the arts are all about. Communication."

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book, Her One True Love?

"That all books have their difficulties, lol! Her One True Love is my sixteenth novel and with every book, without fail, I hit the 40,000 word mark and feel as though everything I’ve written thus far is no good. It’s an internal battle that I have every time and found the only way through it is to keep writing."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Her One True Love - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Unfortunately, I have no idea who the artist is but I’d love to thank her or him. I am thrilled with all my Victorian covers and love that they have the theme of the heroine with her face partially hidden and wearing the most beautiful dresses."

I love those dresses and corsets!

Why should we read Her One True Love and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"All my books are set in and around Bath, England which is just a short thirty minute drive from where I live. The proximity to the setting means I can translate it thoroughly and realistically onto the page. Readers tell me my descriptions of settings and troubles of the less wealthy Victorians is why they return to my books. This make me incredibly happy!"

Who would you recommend Her One True Love to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves the Victorian era or British period dramas. I am obsessed with the past and hope my books reflect my passion.

There are a few steamy love scenes so maybe more suitable to over 16s, but definitely nothing too hot or offensive. I love to write passionate love stories across the classes because everyone deserves a happy ever after."

If you could / wished to turn Her One True Love into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I would love to have the movie set in Bath, with Julian Fellowes as producer, lol!

The actors would have to be the two actors who were my muse while I was writing the book – Jane (heroine) would be played by Poppy Drayton and Matthew (hero) would be played by Richard Armitage."

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

"Self-belief – I think most authors struggle with ongoing self-belief in our work and ourselves. The trouble with me is I keep moving the goal posts. As soon as I achieve one ambition, there’s something else I’m aiming for. To be a household name and earn enough money that my husband could give up work is the ultimate dream!"

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

"Toughest criticism is any 1 star reviews with only nasty, sometimes personal, feedback. If I don’t enjoy a book, I never feel the need to leave a review so I find readers that do confusing.

Best compliment is any reader who automatically buys anything I write and the reviewers who say they couldn’t put the book down or can’t wait for my next release."

What is in store next?

"As well as Victorian romance, I also write contemporary romance and romantic suspense for Harlequin Superromance. The latest manuscript (book 6 in my Templeton Cove Stories) is sitting on my editor’s desk as we speak so hopefully she likes it. All these stories can be read stand-alone.

I am writing a new Edwardian romance right now that has just been picked up my UK agent so watch this space!"

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"My new constant companion is Tyler, my 18-month-old chocolate lab – I lost my beloved black lab, Max, in February 2015 and was absolutely devastated. In order to get myself through the pain I volunteered to foster Tyler for his poorly owner. Just a month ago, the owner asked me if I’d adopt him and I was thrilled. Tyler immediately settled as part of the Brimble clan!"

We remember them both very well and we are glad to hear that Tyler is now a permanent family member - he is so gorgeous :-)

Hello Tyler! Lots of head scratches and face rubs to you, beautiful boy :-D

It was a pleasure talking to you again, Rachel, and we hope you are having a great tour!