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Belief in Inherent Goodness
In The Taste of Light, a woman finds herself helping to uncover a conspiracy against the owner of a neighboring vineyard. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Taste of Light germinated from Pedro Daun’s character arc, the antagonist in The True Purpose of Vines. Pedro’s journey from Portugal’s pinnacle of power to a fugitive status was crucial for his redemption. This drastic shift in his life, viewed through Anne’s unwavering belief in inherent goodness, facilitated his path to self-forgiveness and transformation.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Crafting Pedro Daun involved balancing his moral ambiguity with a deep-seated personal code and unwavering loyalty. My focus was on delicately revealing his dual nature, ensuring that his humanity resonated with readers.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My foray into writing was sparked by an enchanting journey through Portugal. The nation’s cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes captivated me, igniting a perpetual love affair with writing.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 3 of the Winemakers series?
In The Truth About Myths, Princess Isabel de Orleans embarks on a perilous mission to Spain, compelled by duty to her brother, the king. Her unlikely guardian, Henrique, Viscount Penafiel, a dashing rake, finds his loyalty torn between wanderlust and the task at hand. Their journey intertwines with Alfonso, a Bourbon with designs on Isabel and Portugal’s freedom. This tale, set against the 19th-century monarchy’s grandeur, is a dance of passion, patriotism, and the unforeseen. A must-read for those enthralled by an era of elegance and intrigue.
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After losing his bride to a hated Englishman, Pedro Daun shuts himself in his winemaking property. Drowning in port, he hopes to find oblivion from his military past.
A girl with dawn in her eyes…
Kind and whimsical, Anne Maxwell moves to Portugal to help her new sister-in-law. She dreams of finding the perfect suitor to give her the unconditional love she never had.
Shadows can taste light…
A twist of fate brings them together. Anne glimpses in Pedro’s eyes a yearning for love that rivals her own, but the cynical Count isn’t the perfect prince of her dreams. Pedro craves Anne’s touch more than the air he breathes, but he is unwilling to taint his angel with the sins from his past.
A conspiracy is revealed…
A false accusation turns them into fugitives. Running from a treacherous enemy, they plunge into an ocean of intrigue. As their passion grows, Anne discovers that love isn’t the perfect matter of fairy tales. But can Pedro forgive himself for his past and allow Anne into his heart?
If you love antiheroes in desperate need of redemption, this historical romance will conquer your heart. The Taste of Light received the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence by The Historical Fiction Company and is a Booklife’s Editor’s Pick.
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation, is a slow-burn, historical romance, written by author Alice McVeigh. She takes us on a journey with two radically different women, Harriet Smith, and Jane Fairfax. Unaware of her parentage, shrewd and determined Harriet befriends Emma with a motive to establish herself in society. Will she forsake friendship and love for what she believes will bring her happiness? Meanwhile, reserved and musical, Jane enraptures everyone she encounters, even receiving unsolicited attention. But, when she gets secretly engaged to the man she loves, she is burdened with more than her health can handle. Harriet plays the game to her advantage, while Jane feels helpless with troubles she can’t share even with her loved ones.
Following the points of view of two characters, Alice McVeigh marvelously explores the patriarchal Regency Era. Harriet believes she can make something of her life solely based on whom she gets married to, and Jane believes, irrespective of the circumstances, no one will listen to a woman’s voice over a man’s. The author manages to exquisitely capture their distinct voices in her writing and through their interactions in this entertaining novel. We receive witty insights from Harriet’s chapters and innocently confusing feelings from Jane’s. Harriet is a wholesome, light-hearted romance. I, however, felt that there was one part of the storyline that was left unresolved, leaving me wanting something more. This was somewhat surprising because a crucial part of the story is unaddressed, and what about justice?
Alice McVeigh does not include elaborate character descriptions or partake in world-building; you get acquainted with Harriet and Jane as well as their worlds through their interactions, experiences, and thoughts. This, to me, was an interesting writing style.
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation is an enjoyable romantic page-turner novel that will delight readers who enjoy Regency period pieces. This satirical spin on a classic piece of British literature will entertain readers who can appreciate the author’s humor.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B09R4XMRX6
LITERARY TITAN 