Taken follows a widow from the twenty-first century who is transported back in time to 1756 and held hostage while falling in love with a British soldier. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for my story began well over two decades ago when my sister and I had newly graduated from college. She and I had always had a strong affinity for history. While she loved British history, I loved American history, and we both fantasized about being time travelers to experience those histories because we loved learning about all that had taken place within those particular eras.

As children, our parents loved traveling with us throughout the country visiting historic locations, which inspired our imaginations growing up. And, while growing up loving period dramas depicted on TV and in movies, we read many classics written by authors from the American Transcendental Period and British Romantic Period. During the same time, she and I were also introduced to historical romance novels as teenagers, which I loved and devoured.

Being fond of the romance genre, it wasn’t until a few years later after college when I became inspired to write about a young widow who was transformed from her sorrowful experience after traveling through time, where she discovers a new life and embarks on a journey of new found love. I also chose New England as the setting for my story, because I’m familiar with the area and have a deep affection for it after having gone to school in western Massachusetts.

Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?

Although I outlined my story, my story also began developing organically as I was writing the character and scenes. As a result, the character’s backstory emerged like many other scenes in the story which took on a life of their own.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

One theme that I felt was important to explore was the idea of overcoming loss in life and discovering new hope in choosing to experience what life has to offer after all. Another theme that I felt equally important to explore was that love heals and when it’s mutually found and accepted, love cannot be broken and transcends all that was ever known as it brings forth the true sense of happiness.

Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?

This is a fun question! And, while I hope not to spoil what comes next after book one, I will start by saying that book one establishes the foundation of the characters’ relationship as they encounter each other under trying circumstances. After book one, the characters continue to grow as they learn more deeply about each other. They continue to experience trying circumstances which will threaten their security and the love that they share for each other as the French and Indian War progresses within their midst. Their new trials will determine the strength of their bond to each other as they also confront their differences as it relates to their unique life experiences. As it is a romance, despite their tribulations, the love they share for each other triumphs against all odds as the saga continues.

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